The Eco Advance Concrete/Masonry Siloxane Odorless Spray-On Application Waterproofer Concentrate is a game-changer in the realm of surface protection. Here’s a comprehensive review of this innovative product:
Features:
- Advanced Siloxane Formula: This waterproofer concentrate features an advanced siloxane formula that penetrates deep into concrete and masonry surfaces, forming a protective barrier against water intrusion. It effectively repels water, preventing damage caused by moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and other environmental factors.
- Odorless Spray-On Application: Unlike traditional water sealers that emit strong odors during application, Eco Advance offers an odorless spray-on solution. This makes it ideal for indoor and outdoor use, providing hassle-free application without any unpleasant smells.
- Safe for Use Around Plants, Pets, and People: One of the standout features of this product is its safety profile. Eco Advance is formulated to be safe for use around plants, pets, and people, making it suitable for residential and commercial applications where environmental and health concerns are paramount.
- Versatile Application: Whether you’re sealing concrete driveways, sidewalks, patios, or masonry walls, Eco Advance offers versatile application options. Its spray-on design allows for easy and efficient coverage, ensuring thorough protection of treated surfaces.
- Long-Lasting Protection: With its durable formula, Eco Advance provides long-lasting protection against water damage, efflorescence, mold, mildew, and staining. It helps extend the lifespan of concrete and masonry surfaces, reducing the need for costly repairs and maintenance.
Benefits:
- Enhanced Durability: By creating a protective barrier against water intrusion, Eco Advance extends the lifespan of concrete and masonry surfaces, preserving their structural integrity and appearance.
- Easy Application: The spray-on application of this waterproofer concentrate simplifies the sealing process, allowing for quick and efficient coverage of large surface areas. It can be applied using a pump sprayer, ensuring even distribution and optimal results.
- Environmentally Friendly: Eco Advance is formulated with environmentally friendly ingredients, making it safe for use in residential, commercial, and eco-conscious applications. Its low-VOC formula minimizes environmental impact while providing effective protection.
Overall Impression:
In conclusion, Eco Advance Concrete/Masonry Siloxane Odorless Spray-On Application Waterproofer Concentrate is a standout product in the realm of surface protection. Its advanced formula, odorless application, and safety profile make it a top choice for homeowners, contractors, and environmentally conscious consumers alike. Whether you’re sealing a driveway, patio, or masonry wall, Eco Advance delivers long-lasting protection and peace of mind, ensuring that your surfaces remain pristine for years to come.
Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold Quart is a premium-grade sealer renowned for its exceptional performance and protection against stains for a variety of surfaces. This review delves into its features, benefits, and overall effectiveness.
Features:
- Professional-Grade Protection: Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold Quart is formulated to provide professional-grade protection against stains, oil, water, and other contaminants. Its advanced formula penetrates deep into porous surfaces, creating a protective barrier that helps maintain the integrity and appearance of the treated areas.
- Natural Look Finish: One of the standout features of this sealer is its ability to enhance the natural beauty of surfaces without altering their appearance. It leaves behind a natural look finish, preserving the original color and texture of the material while providing enhanced protection.
- Versatile Application: This sealer is suitable for a wide range of surfaces, including natural stone, tile, grout, concrete, and masonry. Whether you’re sealing a kitchen backsplash, bathroom floor, or outdoor patio, Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold Quart offers versatile application options.
- Water-Based Formula: The water-based formula of this sealer makes it easy to apply and clean up, while also minimizing the emission of harmful fumes. It is safe for indoor use and environmentally friendly, making it an ideal choice for households with children and pets.
- Long-Lasting Performance: With its durable formula, Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold Quart provides long-lasting protection against stains and spills. It helps extend the lifespan of surfaces, reducing the need for frequent resealing and maintenance.
Benefits:
- Enhanced Durability: The protective barrier created by this sealer enhances the durability of surfaces, making them more resistant to wear and tear.
- Easy Application: Thanks to its user-friendly formula, applying Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold Quart is a straightforward process. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, you can achieve professional-quality results with ease.
- Stain Resistance: By repelling stains and spills, this sealer helps keep surfaces looking clean and pristine for longer periods, reducing the time and effort required for cleaning and maintenance.
Overall Impression:
In summary, Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold Quart is a top-tier sealer that delivers on its promises of professional-grade protection and long-lasting performance. Its versatile application, natural look finish, and ease of use make it a standout choice for homeowners and contractors alike. Whether you’re sealing a small kitchen countertop or a large outdoor patio, this sealer provides the durability and protection needed to keep surfaces looking their best for years to come.
The Wet Look Natural Stone Sealer by Black Diamond Stoneworks is a durable and long-lasting solution designed to provide gloss protection for a variety of interior and exterior surfaces. Whether you’re dealing with pavers, slate, sandstone, travertine, flagstone, driveways, or garage floors, this sealer promises to enhance and protect your surfaces effectively.
Features:
- Enhanced Appearance: This sealer is formulated to provide a wet look finish, enhancing the natural beauty of your stone surfaces. It adds depth and richness to the colors, giving them a vibrant and fresh appearance.
- Durable Protection: With its advanced formula, the Black Diamond Stoneworks sealer offers long-lasting protection against various elements such as water, UV rays, oil, and other common stains. This helps in maintaining the integrity of your surfaces, ensuring they remain pristine for an extended period.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for both interior and exterior use, this sealer is compatible with a wide range of surfaces, including but not limited to pavers, slate, sandstone, travertine, flagstone, driveways, and garage floors. Its versatility makes it a convenient choice for various projects around the home or commercial properties.
- Easy Application: The application process is designed to be user-friendly, allowing for hassle-free use by homeowners and professionals alike. Whether you’re applying it with a brush, roller, or sprayer, the sealer goes on smoothly, ensuring even coverage and optimal results.
- Environmentally Friendly: Black Diamond Stoneworks takes environmental concerns seriously, and this sealer reflects that commitment. It is formulated with eco-friendly ingredients, making it safe for use around pets, plants, and people, while also minimizing its impact on the environment.
Overall Impressions:
The Wet Look Natural Stone Sealer by Black Diamond Stoneworks is a reliable choice for those seeking to protect and enhance their stone surfaces. Its durable formula, coupled with its ability to provide a long-lasting gloss finish, makes it a valuable addition to any home maintenance arsenal. Whether you’re sprucing up your patio, driveway, or indoor floors, this sealer delivers on its promises, leaving your surfaces looking refreshed and well-protected.
For those in search of a versatile, easy-to-use, and environmentally friendly stone sealer, Black Diamond Stoneworks offers a solution that meets and exceeds expectations. With its proven track record of quality and performance, this sealer is sure to satisfy the needs of discerning homeowners and professionals alike.
What is an epoxy floor?
An epoxy floor is a type of flooring system that is created by applying multiple layers of epoxy resin onto a prepared surface, such as a concrete floor. The epoxy resin is a two-part material that is mixed together and then applied in liquid form, allowing it to flow and self-level. Once applied, the epoxy cures and hardens into a durable, seamless, and high-gloss surface that is resistant to chemicals, abrasion, and moisture.
Epoxy floors are commonly used in commercial and industrial settings, but are also becoming increasingly popular in residential applications due to their durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. Epoxy floors can be customized with a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, and can even be used to create 3D designs and logos.
The best epoxy floor coating will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and the requirements of your project. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an epoxy floor coating:
- Type of epoxy: Epoxy coatings come in two-part systems, which consist of a resin and a hardener. There are several types of epoxy resins, including solvent-based, water-based, and 100% solid epoxy. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the type that is best suited for your project.
- Thickness and durability: Epoxy coatings can range in thickness from a few mils to over 30 mils. Thicker coatings will typically be more durable and long-lasting, but they may also be more expensive. Consider the traffic, wear and tear, and exposure to chemicals or other elements that your floor will experience when selecting a thickness.
- Appearance: Epoxy coatings come in a variety of colors and finishes, including gloss, satin, and matte. Some coatings also include decorative flakes or metallic pigments for a more unique look.
- Chemical resistance: If your floor will be exposed to chemicals or other harsh substances, it’s important to choose an epoxy coating that is resistant to those substances.
- Installation: Some epoxy coatings may require specialized equipment or professional installation, while others may be suitable for DIY projects.
- Cost: Epoxy floor coatings vary in price depending on the type, thickness, and quality. It’s important to balance cost with the other factors when choosing an epoxy coating.
Best 100% Solids epoxy floor coating
A 100% solids epoxy floor coating is a type of epoxy coating that has no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is considered to be one of the most durable and long-lasting types of epoxy coatings. Here are some of the best 100% solids epoxy floor coatings available on the market:
- Epoxy Max 100: This is a 100% solids epoxy coating that is suitable for both residential and commercial use. Easy to apply and provides a durable, high-gloss finish. It is self-leveling and has a high resistance to impact, chemicals, and abrasion.
- MPC-100: A two component 100% solids, self-leveling and high build epoxy floor system.
- Simiron 1100SL: A 100% solids, two-component, high-build epoxy floor coating that’s designed for applications where heavy-duty protection is required.
- PurEpoxy PE-100: PE-100 is a solvent-less, two component epoxy coating system. It exhibits very good appearance and chemical and physical properties.
Why should you epoxy a floor
- Durability: Epoxy flooring is highly durable and can withstand heavy traffic, impact from dropped tools or equipment, and other wear and tear. It forms a tough, resilient surface that helps protect your garage floor from damage.
- Chemical Resistance: Garage floors are often exposed to various chemicals, such as automotive fluids and oil spills. Epoxy is highly resistant to these substances, making it easier to clean and preventing damage to the underlying concrete.
- Easy Maintenance: Epoxy floors are easy to clean and maintain. The smooth, non-porous surface resists stains, and regular cleaning typically involves sweeping and mopping. This is especially beneficial in a garage environment where dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate.
- Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Epoxy coatings come in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing you to customize the appearance of your garage floor. You can choose a solid color, add decorative flakes, or even create a metallic or glossy finish, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your garage.
- Light Reflectivity: Epoxy floors have a high-gloss finish that reflects light, improving visibility in your garage. This can be particularly beneficial if you use your garage as a workshop or if you want a well-lit space.
- Moisture Resistance: Epoxy is resistant to moisture, preventing water from seeping into the concrete and causing damage. This is important in a garage where exposure to moisture, such as from wet vehicles or melting snow, is common.
- Protection Against Cracks: Epoxy coatings can help seal small cracks and imperfections in the concrete, providing an added layer of protection against further damage. This can be beneficial in preventing the spread of cracks and preserving the structural integrity of the garage floor.
- Increased Property Value: A well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing garage can contribute to the overall value of your property. Epoxy flooring is considered an upgrade that can attract potential buyers if you ever decide to sell your home.
- Quick Installation: While proper surface preparation is essential, the actual application of epoxy coatings is relatively quick compared to some other flooring options. This means minimal disruption to your daily activities.
How much does it cost to install an epoxy floor?
The cost of installing an epoxy floor can vary depending on several factors such as the size of the area to be covered, the condition of the existing floor, the type of epoxy used, and the complexity of the installation process.
On average, the cost can range from $3 to $12 per square foot. For example, a 500 square foot garage could cost between $1,500 to $6,000.
Keep in mind that the cost can also increase if any repairs or preparation work needs to be done on the existing floor before installation. Additionally, if you want any custom designs or additional coatings, that may also increase the cost.
What tools do you need to apply an epoxy floor?
Here are some of the common tools and materials that are typically needed for applying an epoxy floor:
- Safety equipment: This includes gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator mask to protect against fumes and chemicals.
- Surface preparation tools: Depending on the condition of the existing floor, tools such as a concrete grinder, shot blaster, or floor scraper may be needed to prepare the surface for the epoxy.
- Cleaning supplies: The floor will need to be thoroughly cleaned and degreased before applying the epoxy. This may involve using a heavy-duty cleaner, a power washer, or a degreaser.
- Mixing tools: A power drill with a mixing paddle or a mixing bucket may be needed to mix the epoxy components.
- Application tools: A squeegee, roller, or trowel may be used to apply the mixed epoxy to the floor.
- Spike shoes: These special shoes with small spikes on the soles are worn to prevent footprints on the freshly applied epoxy.
- Topcoat: A topcoat material such as a urethane or polyaspartic coating may be needed for added durability and protection.
How to prepare a floor for an epoxy floor coating
Preparing a floor for an epoxy coating is a crucial step in ensuring a successful and long-lasting installation. Here are the general steps for preparing a floor for an epoxy coating:
- Clean the floor: The floor must be completely clean and free of debris, dirt, and dust. Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor, and then wash it with a degreaser or a solution of water and ammonia. Rinse the floor with clean water and allow it to dry completely.
- Repair any damage: Inspect the floor for cracks, holes, or other damage that needs to be repaired. Fill any cracks or holes with a concrete patching compound and smooth it out with a trowel. Allow the patching compound to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
- Profile the surface: The surface of the floor needs to be roughed up or profiled to ensure proper adhesion of the epoxy. This can be done using a diamond grinder or shot blaster. The degree of surface roughness or profile required will depend on the specific epoxy being used, so it’s important to consult with the manufacturer or a professional flooring contractor.
- Remove any remaining dust or debris: After profiling the surface, it’s important to remove any remaining dust or debris using a vacuum or broom.
- Apply a primer: A primer should be applied to the prepared surface to enhance adhesion and prevent air bubbles from forming. The primer should be allowed to dry completely before applying the epoxy.
How to apply an epoxy floor:
Applying an epoxy floor requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Here are the general steps involved in applying an epoxy floor:
- Prepare the surface: The surface to be coated must be thoroughly cleaned and prepped. This involves removing any existing coatings, dirt, grease, and other contaminants using a combination of grinding, shot blasting, or acid etching.
- Repair cracks and imperfections: Any cracks or imperfections in the surface should be repaired using a suitable filler, and the surface should be sanded or ground smooth.
- Apply primer: A primer is applied to the prepared surface to ensure good adhesion of the epoxy. The primer is allowed to dry completely before proceeding.
- Mix the epoxy: The two components of the epoxy are mixed together according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Apply the epoxy: The mixed epoxy is poured onto the surface and spread evenly using a notched squeegee or roller. A second coat may be applied after the first coat has dried, typically within 24 hours.
- Allow to cure: The epoxy must be allowed to cure for the recommended time, usually between 24 and 72 hours, before the surface can be used.
How do you maintain an epoxy floor?
Maintaining an epoxy floor is relatively easy and requires minimal effort. Here are some tips for maintaining an epoxy floor:
- Sweep and mop regularly: Sweep the floor regularly to remove loose dirt and debris. Mop the floor with a mild detergent and warm water to remove any stains or spills. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the epoxy coating.
- Use a soft-bristled brush: Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the floor gently and remove any stubborn stains or dirt. Avoid using steel wool or other abrasive materials that can scratch the epoxy coating.
- Clean up spills immediately: Clean up any spills immediately to prevent staining or discoloration of the epoxy coating. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to blot up the spill, then clean the area with warm water and a mild detergent.
- Avoid heavy furniture or equipment: Avoid dragging heavy furniture or equipment across the floor, as this can scratch or damage the epoxy coating.
- Reapply the topcoat: Over time, the topcoat of the epoxy floor may wear down or become dull. Reapply the topcoat every few years to restore the shine and protect the epoxy coating.
How Long do Epoxy Floors Last?
Epoxy floors can last a long time if they are installed and maintained properly. The lifespan of an epoxy floor will depend on several factors, including the quality of the materials used, the level of traffic on the floor, and the level of care and maintenance it receives.
With proper installation and maintenance, a high-quality epoxy floor can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years or more. However, in some cases, the lifespan of an epoxy floor can be shorter if it is exposed to heavy wear and tear or if it is not maintained properly.
To extend the lifespan of an epoxy floor, it is important to follow proper maintenance procedures, including regular cleaning, avoiding harsh chemicals, and repairing any cracks or chips in the surface as soon as possible. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the type of flooring and the level of traffic the floor will receive.
The number one arch enemy of concrete is water. Not only can water create harmful health risks with the growth of mold and mildew and create numerous problems for homeowner’s foundations but it can also be a carrier for salts and chlorides that can damage reinforcing steel in concrete leading to spalling and cracking. In order to prevent water from damaging concrete basements, driveways and other surfaces a waterproofing concrete sealer should be used. A lot of sealers on the market are elastomeric, latex based or acrylic based and while they can temporarily help to reduce water is only a matter of time before they delaminate. Since they are unable to penetrate but instead coat the surface it is more like putting a bandaid on the problem instead of sealing from within.
By using a penetrating, impregnating sealer that densifies and hardens concrete and also provides a hydrophobic surface barrier you can ensure a fully waterproofed substrate. One of our favorite concrete waterproofers is Lithi-Tek 9500 concrete sealer. This sealer is an invisible, penetrating concrete sealer that will not only densify concrete, but it will waterproof and help to prevent deleterious organic growth. The chemically reactive and active ingredients seal the pores within the substrate adequately blocking surface moisture while still maintaining the concretes ability to breathe. It will not significantly modify substrate appearance or traction and will only wear away if the concrete surface itself wears away. New or existing concrete can be treated and performance can be improved in as little as two applications. The concentrated nature of the sealer allows for 1000 sq. ft. of coverage per coat from 1 gallon (two coats are recommended so each gallon will yield 500 square feet worth of coverage) and it is now readily available at Amazon.com, HomeDepot.com and Lowes.com. This concrete sealer only costs about $0.10 per square foot per application; considering the cost to replace concrete is about $7.00 per square foot, sealing concrete with the 9500 is a worthwhile investment.
After over 30 hours of researching more than 60 concrete sealers and testing and evaluating seven of them, our results for the Best Concrete Sealers for 2024 are found below. We found that the Siloxa-Tek 8500 concrete sealer is best for most people. Its made of high quality silanes and siloxanes with a 40 percent actives content, so it’s active ingredients are stronger, less watered down and approved by the Department of Transportation. The 8500 concrete sealer leaves a natural finish without any artificial luster or sheen leaving a natural, protected surface without ever fading.
Our Pick – Best Concrete Sealers for 2024:
Though we like Siloxa-Tek 8500, the Okon S-40 is a less expensive alternative. It lacks the concentrated availability but is cost effective, providing durable performance at an affordable cost.
Why you should trust us
We have worked in the construction industry for more than 20 years. We’ve reviewed countless sealer products with our conclusions posted throughout this site. For this guide we also talked to a number of experts about what they look for when sealing any concrete application.
The American Concrete Institute provided us with resources about terminology and the industry, and we gained insight from magazines such as Concrete Decor, Concrete Construction and For Construction Pros as to which products were popular among contractors.
To determine the longevity of sealers we relied heavily on customer reviews from Home Depot, Lowes and Amazon.
The difference between penetrating sealers, decorative coating and durable coatings
If you’re purchasing a concrete sealer for the first time or you’re due to reapply, its helpful to know the meaning behind some basic terms – including penetrating sealer, decorative coating and durable coating to ensure you get the appropriate product.
Penetrating concrete sealers: Penetrating concrete sealers penetrate into the concrete to form a chemical barrier that protects against water, moisture and deicing salts. They usually leave a natural finish without changing the surface appearance and most products are breathable allowing for vapors to escape. They are more frequently used in exterior applications to protect against the harsh elements. A penetrating concrete sealer is your best choice if you are looking to protect your application from deicing salts, freeze-thaw cycles and water without changing the surface appearance or feel of the concrete. A penetrating concrete sealer has a long lifespan and typically requires reapplication after five plus years of service life.
Decorative coatings: Decorative concrete coatings are typically of an acrylic chemistry available in both solvent and water based formulations. Available in a range of sheen levels they typically leave a satin or gloss finish changing the look, feel and texture of the concrete. They are great for enhancing colors and giving concrete the much desired wet look. Acrylic concrete sealers generally wear faster than penetrating sealers and usually require reapplication much sooner, typically every year if exposed to deicing salts. Decorative acrylic concrete coatings are great at first leaving the concrete looking nice but tend to wear quickly and cost more in the long run with constant reapplication.
Durable coatings: Durable concrete coatings build a protective film on the concrete surface, producing a hard, long-lasting abrasion and chemical resistant finish. Available in a variety of colors most durable coatings leave a gloss finish. Durable concrete coatings are harder and last longer than decorative coatings. Because durable concrete coatings may yellow with exposure to UV radiation they are limited to interior use.
How we picked and tested
Manufacturers offer penetrating concrete sealers, decorative concrete coatings and durable concrete coatings but we’ve focused our selection on penetrating sealers due to their longevity, versatility, appearance and practicality.
Our testers were drawn to the natural finish of penetrating concrete sealers. We aren’t alone in that assessment, as many of our experts agree. A Concrete Decor article titled, “Use of Penetrating Sealers is on the Rise” published in January of 2017 states, “The decorative industry grew up on the “one size fits all” high-gloss sealer which was the go-to coating for decades. While high gloss is still widely used, low-gloss and natural finishes in the decorative concrete industry have been gaining momentum as homeowners, architects and designers seek more ecofriendly, green and natural-looking sealing options.”
Aside from its appearance, penetrating concrete sealers offer greater durability and are less prone to water absorption and deicing salt damage than decorative coatings.
Ultimately you want a concrete sealer that provides water repellency to keep out any salts, mold/mildew, efflorescence and dirt, and will have a long life span. We found that in penetrating concrete sealers with a silane/siloxane chemistry.
In our research, we found that more inexpensive penetrating concrete sealers suffered in quality due to low solids content and most commercial products were exorbitantly priced. We prioritized finding a high quality concrete sealer that was both durable and had a high solids content at a reasonable price.
According to our experts, the best penetrating concrete sealers are resistant to water, chloride absorption and staining but clear enough to not change the look or feel of the concrete. The Concrete Decor article mentioned above states, “While relatively new to the decorative industry, penetrating sealers have been used successfully in other markets for decades. Originally developed for the stone, masonry and concrete flatwork industry, penetrating sealers primarily resist water and stains, while not changing the substrate’s appearance. Their primary functions have been salt and acid resistance, efflorescence control and water resistance.”
Concrete Construction noted that, “When applied properly, penetrating sealers can serve as chloride screens and dampproofing to improve durability against destructive corrosion of embedded reinforcement and damage from freezing and thawing.”
Decorative concrete sealers can be beautiful to look at but they’re also more likely to fade over time. For this reason we limited our search to products with a natural finish that do not need to be reapplied as frequently.
Overall we preferred concrete sealers with proven longevity that were highly reviewed with excellent water beading characteristics.
We searched for concrete sealers that are available online which allows the consumer freedom to order and have them shipped to a home or business versus having to shop around and find a distributor that carries the product in stock. Ideally we wanted concrete sealers that were not only conveniently available but offered excellent performance. At the very minimum we felt each concrete sealer should be composed of a 20% silane/siloxane chemistry. We were able to rule out any sealers that were too watered down or did not have enough active ingredients. Concrete sealers that offered additional oil and stain repellency were viewed as a nice bonus, but were not a required factor in our selection.
A note on penetrating concrete sealers. Though plenty of penetrating concrete sealers are available our research showed that homeowners often regret purchasing a penetrating concrete sealer that did not offer any sort of water repellency, such as a penetrating silicate densifier. These concrete sealers simply harden the concrete but offer no water and stain repellency. They are inexpensive, but likewise they don’t offer the full benefits of a silane/siloxane penetrating concrete sealer. Because of this we prioritized finding products that were penetrating and hydrophobic impregnating concrete sealers.
After considering over 60 concrete sealing products, we evaluated and tested seven. We applied and examined each product to check for a clear, natural finish. We tested for abrasions, salt exposure and water absorption and we also compared the application techniques for ease of use. Finally we asked testers to check for mold, mildew growth and efflorescence deposits.
Our pick: Our testers like the ease of use and lack of maintenance of the Siloxa-Tek 8500 of all the concrete sealers we tried. The product is easy enough to use so a professional is not needed to apply it. The Siloxa-Tek 8500 concrete sealer is also available as a concentrate which was lacking from the other sealers we tested. The type of silane, one of the chemical components, that is used in the product also gives the Siloxa-Tek 8500 concrete sealer a longer performance life, making it more stable and less volatile.
The concrete sealer not only uses quality silanes (isoctyltriethoxysilane) but it is a well formulated blend of silane and siloxane. Water was not absorbed by the concrete whatsoever during the water absorption test; in fact we were able to move the beaded water across the concrete and even then it was not absorbed.
Also the concrete sealer is available in a ready to use or concentrate version so you have the freedom to choose if you want to pay less to do a little extra work or pay a little more for the ease of convenience. The concentrate allows you to pay less in shipping since a one gallon of concentrate will make a five gallon pail of sealer, which wasn’t a possibility with some of the other sealers we looked at. This sealer is sold through Home Depot Lowes and Amazon, and Ghostshield is a brand that’s been around for years.
Flaws but not deal breakers
The only drawback to the Siloxa-Tek 8500 concrete sealer is that it does not repel stains such as oil and grease. We detected these minor imperfections when the Siloxa-Tek 8500 concrete sesaler was applied to a garage floor. Some of our testers found that if you prefer stain protection the 8500’s counterpart, the Siloxa-Tek 8505 (water based), or the Siloxa-Tek 8510 (solvent based) is resistant to staining. Also the Siloxa-Tek 8500 concrete sealer is more expensive than some of the other concrete sealers we reviewed, but the quality and longevity were unsurpassed making it a worthwhile investment.
Where to Buy
Siloxa-Tek 8500 concrete sealer is available through Home Depot in the ready to use version or Lowes in the ready to use or concentrated version. It is also available in both concentrations direct through the manufacturer.
Long-term test notes
After fifteen months of exposure to the elements, two freeze-thaw cycles and two winter seasons, we still highly recommend it. We did not have any visible cracking, spalling or deicing salt damage on driveway applications. Though we haven’t tested the product for a full five to ten years like the manufacturer claims it will work for, we haven’t experienced any major issues ourselves but we’ll continue to long-term test to see if any problems arise.
Runner-up
Though we like the Siloxa-Tek 8500 concrete sealer best, if you prefer something less expensive and a product that is available on store shelves we recommend Rustoleum Okon S-40. This concrete sealer is also a 40% silane/siloxane, penetrating sealer. It is not available concentrated, but it has a nice price point for a 40% formula. This concrete sealer comes with the option to purchase online or in some retail store outlets.
The S-40 has proven longevity, with one reviewer on the Home Depot site saying “This product is 40% silane/siloxane and is the best deal on an active ingredient basis. Most of the other products out there are just watered down versions with only 5%-20% active ingredients. S-20 was the next best deal I could find. Be sure to look at the concentration of ingredients on the Spec sheet so that you don’t end up just buying water.” We’re confident this will remain an effective and viable option for sealing concrete for years to come.
