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Ghostshield Lithi-Tek 9500 is a water-based, zero-VOC penetrating sealer that combines a densifier with a water repellent in one product. It’s aimed at people sealing poured concrete, such as garage floors, basement slabs, driveways and sidewalks, who want a harder, more water-resistant surface with no visible coating. The bottom line: it’s a convenient two-in-one for dense poured concrete, but it isn’t meant for block or pavers, it doesn’t stop oil stains, and the data sheet’s coverage figures need a careful read.
A note on the name: this product was originally sold as Lithi-Tek LS 9500. It’s now sold as Lithi-Tek 9500, mainly as an “ultra concentrate” gallon that makes 5 gallons.
| Home Depot rating | ★ 4.7/5 (895 Home Depot reviews) |
| Type | Penetrating densifier plus water repellent |
| Chemistry | Water-based proprietary reactive agent; 50% actives |
| VOC | 0 g/L |
| Finish | Clear, natural flat, tack-free, slip-resistant |
| Coverage | 1 gal concentrate (makes 5 gal): about 1,000–1,200 sq ft one coat, 500–600 sq ft two coats |
| Coats | Two, wet-on-wet |
| Dry/traffic | Dries in about 4–6 hours at 70°F and 50% RH; traffic in 24 hours |
| Cure | Water repellency keeps developing for up to 7 days |
| Best for | Poured concrete: garage floors, basements, driveways, sidewalks, loading docks |
| Not for | Cinder/concrete block, pavers, very porous masonry, oil-stain protection |
| New concrete | After proper cure, typically 14–28 days |
Watch: Ghostshield Lithi-Tek 9500 in 60 seconds
What It Is / How It Works
Most concrete sealers do one job. Densifiers react with the concrete to harden and tighten the surface; water repellents make the surface shed water. Lithi-Tek 9500 aims to do both. According to Ghostshield's technical data sheet, its reactive agent forms an insoluble crystalline structure inside the pores and capillaries of the concrete while leaving the surface hydrophobic. The result is a denser surface that also beads water, with no film on top.
The data sheet lists 50% actives and 0 g/L VOC, and the product has no solvent odor, which matters for indoor slabs like basements and attached garages. It dries clear to a natural, flat, slip-resistant finish and is said to work on troweled, cured and honed concrete. The Lowe's listing describes it as strengthening concrete surfaces by up to 50%; that's a manufacturer claim, and the data sheet doesn't give the test behind it.
A practical note on coverage: the data sheet's front page lists 150–400 sq ft per gallon of reconstituted (mixed) product, while its application section and the Lowe's listing describe one gallon of concentrate covering roughly 1,000 sq ft. Because the concentrate makes 5 gallons, those figures overlap, but plan your purchase on the concentrate numbers and test first.
Where It Works Best (and where it doesn't)
It's best on sound poured or cast-in-place concrete, horizontal or vertical, inside or out. Ghostshield lists parking garages, driveways, loading docks, sidewalks, ramps, plazas and parapet caps, and it's a natural fit for garage floors and basement slabs where dusting and moisture are concerns. The data sheet specifically lists troweled and honed concrete as suitable, which matters because smooth, hard-troweled garage floors can be hard for some sealers to penetrate.
Ghostshield is clear about what it's not for: extremely porous masonry such as CMU (cinder or concrete block) and pavers. For those, the company points to Siloxa-Tek 8500. It also doesn't protect against oil or hydraulic fluid, and it won't stop water through cracks, unsound concrete, or failed flashing and caulking. Over-applying can leave a white residue. If you're weighing invisible sealers, our best penetrating concrete sealers guide covers the options.
Pros
- Densifier and water repellent in one product
- Zero VOC and no solvent odor; practical for indoor slabs
- Invisible, flat, slip-resistant finish; nothing to peel
- Concentrate makes 5 gallons, so it's light to ship and store
- Works on troweled and honed concrete as well as broom finishes
- Usable on new concrete once properly cured
Cons
- Not for block, pavers or very porous masonry
- No oil, grease or hydraulic fluid protection
- Over-application can leave white residue or discoloration
- Coverage figures on the data sheet are confusing and need checking
- You have to mix the concentrate (distilled water recommended)
- Few published owner reviews on the current concentrate listing at Lowe's
How to Apply It
- Prep the surface. It must be sound and free of oil, grease, dirt, wax, curing compounds, efflorescence, paint, old sealers and adhesives. Power wash, acid etch or scarify as needed; neutralize and rinse after acid.
- Let it dry. Surface moisture should be no more than 4% by weight, with no standing water.
- Check the weather. Surface and air should be 40–95°F. Don't apply if it may drop below 32°F within 8 hours or rain within 12 hours.
- Mix. Combine 1 part concentrate with 4 parts water, preferably distilled, and stir thoroughly.
- Test. Treat a small area and inspect after 5–7 days.
- First coat. Apply with a roller, brush or low-pressure, non-atomizing sprayer, without exceeding what the surface can absorb. Let it penetrate 5–10 minutes.
- Second coat. Apply a lighter second coat the same way. Roll or broom out puddles so they don't dry white.
- Cure. Allow 24 hours before traffic; water repellency keeps building for up to 7 days. Clean tools with hot, soapy water.
How It Compares
Versus Ghostshield Siloxa-Tek 8500: the 8500 is a silane water and salt repellent without the densifying function, and it's the one Ghostshield recommends for block, pavers and more porous masonry. Choose Lithi-Tek 9500 for dense poured slabs where you also want surface hardening; choose the 8500 for porous masonry or salt-heavy exterior work.
Versus a standalone lithium densifier: traditional lithium silicate densifiers harden and reduce dusting but generally aren't sold as water repellents, so many people follow them with a separate repellent. Lithi-Tek 9500 combines the two steps.
Versus epoxy or polyaspartic coatings: a coating gives stain resistance, color and a cleanable surface, which Lithi-Tek can't, but it costs more, takes more prep and can peel if moisture is trapped. See our best epoxy floor coatings if oil stains on a garage floor are the main concern.
FAQ
Is Lithi-Tek 9500 the same as Lithi-Tek LS 9500?
LS 9500 was the earlier name. The product is now sold as Lithi-Tek 9500. Check the current data sheet for the latest specs.
Is Lithi-Tek 9500 waterproof?
It makes concrete water-repellent and denser, but it won't stop water entering through cracks, unsound concrete or failed joints and flashing.
Can I use it on pavers or cinder block?
No. Ghostshield says it's not for extremely porous materials like CMU block, and the Lowe's listing excludes pavers. Use Siloxa-Tek 8500 instead.
Can I put a coating over it later?
The data sheet doesn't address topcoating. Because it leaves the surface water-repellent, assume coatings may not bond well and check with the coating manufacturer before planning to coat over it.
Verdict
Lithi-Tek 9500 is a sensible choice for poured concrete slabs, especially garage and basement floors, where you want a harder surface and water beading with no odor, no sheen and no film. It's the wrong tool for block, pavers or oil-stain protection, and you'll want to test an area and read the coverage figures carefully before buying. For dense poured concrete, it saves a step over a separate densifier and repellent.
How we reviewed this product: this is a research-based review built from the manufacturer's technical data sheet and current retail listings. We have not run our own hands-on tests of this product. Details were checked in October 2026; always follow the current label.
