For more decorative concrete surfaces, such as patios or driveways made up of pavers, an acrylic surface sealer is a better choice than a penetrating one. A good acrylic sealer will be a clear topcoat that will not harm the color of your concrete while protecting the material from UV rays and mild weathering. H&C’s Wet Look concrete sealer is an acrylic option that will protect your concrete from the elements.
The acrylic nature of the sealer means the application will leave a thin, clear topcoat that will act as a raincoat for your concrete. Water will pool on the surface, not making it down into the concrete past the surface. The larger particles of the acrylic sealer will protect the surface of the concrete without sinking into the small pores. This option is good as long as there is no danger of water seepage from the opposite side of the concrete.
It also is not a long-term solution. Acrylic sealers have to be reapplied more often that penetrating concrete sealers, which can be a hassle for a hurried homeowner. They do, however, tend to be more inexpensive, which rarely makes their reapplication a costly venture. The H&C offering is a wet-look variety sealer, which means your concrete will always have a clear, slightly wet-looking coat, regardless of the weather. If you prefer a more matte, subtle finish, it would be better to look for a different variety of acrylic sealer.
A potential drawback to the H&C option is the lack of slip-resistance offered with the Wet Look sealer. Instead, you must purchase a secondary slip-resistance additive offered by H&C to mix in with the sealer in order to make your pool decks, patios, and various other surfaces safer.
