There are a few different options when it comes to coloring concrete:
1. Integral coloring
Integral color is used when new concrete is being poured to add color to the concrete during the mixing process. The color is either in liquid or powder form and allows color to be added to the entire depth of the slab. This allows for a uniform color for a large amount of square footage.
2. Shake on color
Shake on color is used on new concrete by broadcasting small pigments of powder that work their way into the concrete. Water from the newly poured concrete wets the powder and causes the the color to bond with the top layer of concrete.
3. Acid Stains
Acid stains are chemically reactive and react with minerals in the concrete to create a unique, durable color effect. Acid stains are hazardous and must be neutralized after application. Acid stains can be used on new or old concrete slabs.
4. Acetone dyes
Acetone stains and dyes are solvent based and hazardous but can create vivid beautiful colors. They are not UV stable so a protective sealer should be used on top of an acetone dye to lock in the color.
5. Water-based dyes
Water based dyes are safe and easy to apply with all of the colors able to be mixed together to create patterns and effects. Since they are not UV stable a protective sealer should be used on top of water based dyes to lock in the color.
6. Color densifiers
Color densifiers are a new technology in which a colored, water based, lithium silicate solution is used. They allow you to densify the concrete while coloring it in the same step. The color densifiers are UV stable but a protective sealer can be used on top of a color densifier to lock in the color and add an additional sheen.
Stamped concrete is commonly used on driveways, patios and walkways to resemble brick, slate or stone with a textured or embossed pattern. It is a much more economical way to achieve the desired finish compared to using brick, slate or stone and stamped concrete is a longer lasting building material. Stamped concrete is usually infused with a base color and an accent color using a color hardener and color release respectively. In order to protect the color of the stamped concrete and the integrity it is best to use a concrete sealer.
Because of the decorative nature of stamped concrete it is popular to seal it with either a high gloss sealer or a low gloss sealer. High gloss sealers are usually solvent based acrylics that enhance and accentuate the colors and textures of the concrete. Low gloss sealers can be solvent based or water based and will give a slightly enhanced finish without the excessive slipperiness or shine. Both options will protect the stamped concrete but since they are usually acrylic based they do need to be reapplied quite frequently. Deicing salts are extremely corrosive especially to concrete and acrylic concrete sealers. It is best to avoid using deicing salts on a stamped concrete to maintain the integrity to get an extended lifespan out of a concrete sealer.
Benefits to using a stamped concrete sealer:
- Stamped concrete sealers add a satin or high gloss sheen to the surface.
- Stamped concrete sealers enrich the colors and the intensity of the patterns.
- Stamped concrete sealers create an easy to clean and easy to maintain surface.
- Stamped concrete sealers help to protect the surface from wear and abrasions.
- Stamped concrete sealers reduce the penetration of stains and harmful contaminants.
Concrete densifiers are silicate sealers of a sodium, potassium or lithium carrier designed to densify, harden, dustproof and increase the abrasion resistance of concrete. Most commonly used on warehouse floors in conjunction with a floor machine to polish and add a shine.
Most Important Features When Purchasing a Concrete Densifier:
- Concentrated densifier so the water to sealer ratio can be controlled at a more cost effective price point
- Resistance to mold, mildew, efflorescence, abrasions and dusting
- Look for an industrial grade silicate with substantial penetration that is chemically reactive with a guaranteed warranty.
Most Popular Concrete Densifier Brand Reviews:
Concrete Sealer X-1: Silicate sealer that is permanent, penetrates 4 inches and leaves a natural looking concrete finish. Non-toxic, low VOCs with a 2 year shelf life applied by a brush or roller.
LiON Hard: Environmentally friendly lithium silicate sealer, VOC compliant and non-yellowing. Densifies and dustproofs all while creating a non-slip surface.
Prosoco LS: Chemically reactive lithium silicate, one coat application, abrasion resistant, slip resistant, non-yellowing and VOC compliant.
Silicate sealers are commonly used as densifiers to harden and strengthen concrete. Most common applications include concrete that will be polished as seen on many commercial warehouse floors. Silicates also help to prevent dusting, efflorescence, mold and mildew. Keep in mind that silicates are not waterproofers although many manufacturers claim their silicates waterproof, they are strictly densifiers.
Most Important Features When Purchasing a Silicate Sealer:
- Available in either a sodium, potassium or lithium carrier, look for a concentrated blend that will be more cost effective.
- Resistance to mold, mildew, efflorescence, abrasions and dusting.
- Look for an industrial grade silicate with substantial penetration that is chemically reactive with a guaranteed warranty.
Most Popular Silicate Sealer Brand Reviews:
LiON Hard: Environmentally friendly lithium silicate sealer, VOC compliant and non-yellowing. Densifies and dustproofs all while creating a non-slip surface.
Prosoco LS: Chemically reactive lithium silicate, one coat application, abrasion resistant, slip resistant, non-yellowing and VOC compliant.
Concrete Sealer X-1: Silicate sealer that is permanent, penetrates 4 inches and leaves a natural looking concrete finish. Non-toxic, low VOCs with a 2 year shelf life applied by a brush or roller.
Lithi-Tek 4500: Easy spray on application and excellent protection against mold, mildew, efflorescence, radon and dusting, fast drying and chemically reactive. We love the beautiful sheen when polished, extremely hard and abrasion resistant with a lifetime guarantee.
Acrylic sealers are commonly used as decorative sealers to add a high gloss shine or matte finish while protecting from sun, rain and salt degradation. Available in both solvent based and water based variations, we prefer a water based version with low VOCs that is environmentally friendly in all 50 states.
Most Important Features When Purchasing an Acrylic Sealer:
- Breathable formula that is non-yellowing and UV stable
- Protection from rain and sun while adding and enhancing the look of colored concrete
- Non-scratch, non-scuff, long lasting with no risk of delamination
Most Popular Acrylic Sealer Brand Reviews:
Everclear: Excellent as a cure and seal, however it is not VOC friendly in all states with a whopping 681 g/L. Adequate coverage and a fast dry time along with an easy application make it a good choice.
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 5500 : We like that this sealer is water 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 subtle shine without being excessively slippery or glossy. No delamination or yellowing and our concrete looked beautiful.
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.
Concrete countertops are one of the most versatile counter fixings that are fast outpacing granite as the countertop of choice. In order to protect the countertops from oils, water, acids and heat you need to seal them with a countertop sealer. We prefer a penetrating countertop sealer over an epoxy/urethane/polyaspartic countertop sealer since they are easier to apply, less toxic and keep a natural, scratch free finish.
Most Important Features When Purchasing a Countertop Sealer:
- Resistance to acids, oils, wine and water, non-porous
- Resistance to heat, abrasions and etching, scratch proof
- Food safe formulation, non-toxic
Most Popular Countertop Sealer Brand Reviews:
Cheng : By far the most popular countertop sealer but we found the application process to be very labor intensive. Provides adequate protection yet we found liquids started to seep through after a few months thus forcing us to apply another coat.
V-Seal : Stonelok is an epoxy system originally used to seal floors was not originally designed for use on countertops. Claim you can use their penetrating sealers on countertops but they will not provide heat, acid and oil resistance.
enCounter : Offer either an epoxy or polyaspartic system, long dry time, concrete needs to have a rough surface porosity in order to be applied
CounterForm : Slightly glossier than expected since product claimed it would leave a natural finish. Sealed out stains yet we had to apply two additional coats in order for liquids to be sealed out.
Countertop Sealer 660 : We like that it is a sealer designed for use on countertops, formulated to specifically combat acids, oils, water and heat. It is non-toxic, completely food safe and meets the three most important features listed above while being very easy to apply. Product is sold as a concentrate so you are able to control the dilution ratios; left the natural looking finish we desired.