Pool decks are typically stamped concrete, aggregate or paver based substrates that greatly benefit from a wet look decorative sealer. Wet look sealers are typically solvent based acrylics that will immediately bring to life the appearance of a pool deck. The only negative to wet look sealers is that they are often reapplied on a yearly or biannual basis. When shopping for a wet look sealer for a pool deck look for one that is a non yellowing, pure acrylic sealer.
Most Popular Wet Look Pool Deck Sealers:
Ghostshield 5505: This product is a non yellowing, high gloss, wet look pure acrylic decorative sealer that will enhance, brighten and bring to life the colors and textures of any stamped concrete pool deck surface. Readily available at The Home Depot.
Eagle Seal Gloss Coat : This product is a high gloss, durable acrylic film. It can be used on all types of decorative concrete and will never yellow. Readily available at The Home Depot.
Wet look sealers are usually solvent based acrylics that leave the surface with a high gloss, decorative finish. A lot of times they can also be used as a cure and seal or as a stand alone decorative product. It is important the sealer will not yellow and is still breathable to prevent moisture and delamination.
Most Important Features When Purchasing a Wet Look Sealer:
- Breathable formula that is non-yellowing and UV stable, VOC friendly in most states
- Protection from rain, sun, salt while adding a wet look and enhancing the look of colored concrete
- Non-scratch, non-scuff, long lasting with no risk of delamination
Most Popular Wet Look Sealer Brand Reviews:
Eagle Gloss Coat: Even though it is solvent based it provided a nice wet look finish to decorative concrete and pavers. We like that it can also be used on new concrete instead of waiting the usual 28 days for concrete to cure. Unfortunately 1 gallon only covers 100 square feet so multiple gallons are necessary to seal any substantial substrate.
Cryli-Tek 5505: We like that this sealer is solvent based and industrial grade holding up to weathering and beading water. Lasted longer than every other acrylic we tested on this list and provided a beautiful wet look enhancing decorative concrete. Did not delaminate or yellow and our concrete looked nice.
Decra-Seal: Fast drying with a high gloss finish but again extremely high VOC limit of almost 700 g/L!
Quikrete Acrylic: Can be used as a cure and seal to help retain water and leaves a finish that is not excessively glossy. Meets ASTM C 309 and covers about 200 sq. ft. per gallon.