Mark Dominic writes Concrete Sealer Reviews. He covers penetrating sealers, coatings and surface protection for driveways, garages, basements and patios, with a focus on how products hold up through freeze-thaw cycles and deicing salts.
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Aliphatic urethanes are similar to epoxy sealers. They are both surface level concrete sealers that feature large particles of sealant that, rather than penetrate past the tiny surface pores natural to all concrete, will remain on the surface of the concrete to be spread out evenly during the application process. Once so spread out, the aliphatic urethane (like the epoxy sealer) will feature a strong adhesive bond to the concrete substrate, protecting the concrete underneath from abrasion, heat, water, chemical spills, and similar threats. However, aliphatic urethanes are significantly stronger than epoxies, featuring a greater level of resistance to the aforementioned threats. This makes aliphatic urethanes the preferred choice for industrial warehouses that feature heavy machinery and frequent chemical spills, as well as airports and large retail stores that have heavy foot traffic and frequent spills. Aliphatic urethanes and epoxy concrete sealers do not actually have to be mutually exclusive products, either. In fact, many people frequently choose to apply an epoxy base layer to the concrete substrate before adding a layer of aliphatic urethane over that epoxy layer. The aliphatic urethane will actually bond just as well to the pre-existing epoxy as it will to the concrete itself, making it the perfect choice for a topcoat. Of course, aliphatic urethanes are not the perfect choice for every type of concrete project. Sometimes you will need a penetrating sealer, like a concrete densifier, to achieve the desired results. Concrete densifiers are different from aliphatic urethanes primarily because they feature small particles of sealant that will penetrate past the surface pores natural to all concrete, passing through the extensive network of microscopic pores and hairline cracks to react chemically within the concrete. These chemical reactions actually enhance the very nature of the concrete, greatly increasing its strength, longevity, and structural integrity. Concrete densifiers are preferred to aliphatic urethanes for smaller projects, such as for homes or buildings, rather than large retail stores, airports, or warehouses. They are often waterproofers (if you find a silicate/siliconate variety), and some even create vapor barriers that make them the most effective type of concrete sealer against potential water damage. They feature many of the same benefits as aliphatic urethanes, though they are not as strong and will not withstand as harsh of conditions. Our Take: Some excellent aliphatic urethane choices we recommend are Superior Industries Aliphatic Urethane or Urethane 645. As far as concrete densifiers we recommend Lion Hard, Lithi-Tek 4500 and Formula OneCheck Price on Amazon
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Garage floors are one of the most high traffic areas of most homes. Not only do they feature the constant foot traffic of those entering and leaving the house, they also need to withstand the weight and abrasion of tires, as well as the chemical spills from oil and other acidic materials. This is not to mention the harm of the freeze/thaw cycle if water gets into the concrete, in addition to the oversaturation of sodium if you track road salts into your garage. In short, they require a significant level of strength and protection, or else they will likely crack and degrade, leading to costly repairs.
There are two main solutions to this problem, and they both involve treating the concrete with a high quality concrete sealer. The first is to use an epoxy sealer. Epoxies are surface level sealers whose large particles of chemical sealant cannot penetrate past the tiny surface pores natural to all concrete. The epoxy will pool of the surface of the concrete to be spread out evenly during the application process. As a result of this process, the epoxy will bond to the surface of the concrete substrate, leading to comprehensive protection from heat, water, chemical spills, abrasions, and so on. Epoxies are an excellent choice, especially if you want to add some visual appeal in the form of paint chips or decorative quartz to your concrete.
Epoxies, however, will change the surface texture of your concrete from that of natural concrete to a smoother surface, similar to what you would find in an airport or large retail store. If you happen to prefer a natural concrete garage floor, you should choose the second main solution, concrete densifiers. Concrete densifiers are also necessary if you want to polish your garage floor – be sure to apply one before the polishing or grinding process begins, as that would be too late, leading to widespread crumbling.
Concrete densifiers work by penetrating past the surface of the concrete to chemically react with the naturally occurring minerals and compounds to create more calcium silicate hydrate, or CSH, which is the compound that gives concrete its noted strength. Concrete densifiers come in two main varieties: sodium-based and lithium-based. For garage floors, we always recommend lithium-based concrete densifiers, as they are better when your car tracks in salt from the roads. Sodium-based concrete densifiers will lead to an oversaturation of sodium in your concrete, while the lithium concrete densifiers will help retain the balance of salts and chemicals necessary to preserve strength and longevity.
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Polyaspartics are fast becoming a veritable wonder product on the concrete sealer market today. These products are relatively new derivatives of the traditional aliphatic urethanes that have been around for a lot longer. Aliphatic urethanes are typically used as topcoats that feature incredibly strong levels of resistance to the most extreme weather conditions, water exposure, heat, abrasions, and other such threats to concrete. While urethanes are typically used as the topcoats in concert with epoxy base layers, they can also stand on their own.
Polyaspartics are newer product that are similar to urethanes. The biggest difference between a polyaspartic concrete sealer and a traditional urethane is that the polyaspartics feature incredibly short dry times. They can be applied to the large floor of a retail store, for instance, only to dry completely overnight and be ready for the store to open for full service the next day.
However, the biggest drawback to polyaspartics is their short pot-life. The pot-life is the technical jargon term for the amount of time before being applied that a solution can last without being ruined. That is to say, once you mix a polyaspartic, it all has to be applied within a certain (short) period of time before it becomes unusable. A short pot-life is typical for a product that cures rapidly, as do polyaspartics. And, while this can be an inconvenience, it is not the end of the world, as there are proven ways to work around the limitation.
A general rule of thumb is that polyaspartics with a lower solids content will have a longer pot-life. Polyaspartics typically have a solids content between 70% to 100%; therefore, a product with a solids content of 70% will have a longer pot-life than a product with a 100% solids content. Another factor that makes the pot-life shorter is the amount of moisture, typically in the form of humidity, that the mixed polyaspartic is exposed to – the more moisture/humidity, the shorter the pot-life.
In order to extend the effectiveness of the polyaspartic, it is best to mix small amounts of the product more often in order to work around the short pot-life. As polyaspartics need to be mixed together before use, it is best to mix as you go, applying the polyaspartic between mixing breaks (even if this means mixing more often), in order to maximize the potential.
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| Type | Film-forming acrylic sealer |
| Chemistry | Water-based acrylic |
| Finish | Satin; doesn’t deeply darken concrete |
| Best for | Broom-finish driveways and walkways |
| Where to buy | Lowe’s and other home centers |
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Cryli-Tek 5500 is a pricey acrylic sealer, but it is also the top choice of professional contractors and expert homeowners. Ghostshield markets its Cryli-Tek 5500 as a one-coat sealer — which should theoretically save money by cutting the amount of sealer you need in half compared to other acrylic sealers on the market. After testing out Cryli-Tek 5500 for ourselves it does live up to its other major marketing claims: It dries in 3 hours with little odor and Cryli-Tek 5500 is a low-volatile organic compound (VOC) sealer, meaning it has low levels of the chemicals in sealers that are linked to respiratory and other health problems. We love that it is water based and still leaves a slight matte sheen enhancing colored and stamped concrete. We also found Cryli-Tek 5500 breathable, non-yellowing, and highly scratch and peel proof. Remember when looking for a decorative sealer to look for a breathable one to avoid problems down the line. Above all, professional contractors and do-it-yourselfers love Cryli-Tek 5500’s beautiful finished matte look. However, Cryli-Tek 5500 is pricier than other acrylic sealers in its class. But since it lasts longer than other acrylics, we found the price justifiable. Cryli-Tek 5500 is available at HomeDepot.com and independent retailers and online at Concrete Sealer Supply.
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Sikagard-400 Enviroseal is a commercial-grade penetrating water repellent for concrete and masonry. If the name looks unfamiliar, that’s because it has changed twice: it was sold for years as Enviroseal 40, then as BASF / Master Builders MasterProtect H 400, and it now carries the Sika name.
| Type | Penetrating water repellent |
| Chemistry | Water-based, 40% alkyl alkoxy silane |
| Finish | Invisible, no change in appearance |
| Best for | Parking decks, bridge decks, ramps, plazas, exterior concrete and brick |
| Application temp | 40–110°F |
| Where to buy | Commercial construction-supply distributors (typically 5-gallon pails) |
What It Is
It’s a single-component, water-based sealer containing 40% silane. Silanes are small molecules that soak deep into concrete and react to form a water-repellent layer inside the pores, protecting against moisture, chloride (salt) intrusion and freeze-thaw damage without leaving a film. It’s used on parking garages, stadiums, bridge decks and other reinforced structures, and it’s listed as an Alberta DOT Type 1b sealer.
Pros
- High 40% silane content, the level many transportation specs call for
- Doesn’t change the look or traction of the surface
- Works on horizontal and vertical surfaces, indoors or out
- Water-based, with less odor than solvent-based silanes
Cons
- Sold mainly through commercial distributors, not big-box stores
- No oil or stain repellency; a silane alone mainly blocks water and salt
- Can’t be applied if temperatures will drop below 40°F within 12 hours
- The name changes make it harder to find and compare
Who Should Buy It
It’s a good fit for contractors and property managers protecting large areas of exposed concrete from road salt. Homeowners can get the same 40% actives level in a product that’s easier to buy and apply. See our best silane/siloxane sealers and best concrete sealers.
Application Tips
- Apply to clean, dry concrete with no standing water.
- Crack repair and joint sealants can go in before or after the sealer.
- Follow the label for coats and coverage, since porous surfaces absorb more.
How we reviewed this product: this review is based on the manufacturer’s current technical data and product listings, along with our experience with this type of sealer. Product details were last checked in October 2026; always confirm against the current label before you buy.