Basements: Look for an invisible waterproofing silicate/siliconate blend that will densify and waterproof. If your basement is built of cinderblocks or concrete blocks look for a silane/siloxane blend. Since silane/siloxanes have a larger molecular size they are able to mask and bridge the especially porous blocks from potentially damaging water.
Driveways: Look for a penetrating silane/siloxane sealer that will protect driveways from salt degradation, mold, mildew and unsightly efflorescence. One of the best effects of a silane/siloxane sealer is the ability to see it working right before your eyes with its water beading effect. Look for a silane/siloxane of 20-40% solids.
Patios: Depending on the desired finish of either a high gloss shine or a matte finish choose either a solvent based acrylic or water based acrylic. Be careful when choosing a solvent based sealer if it meets VOC regulations in your state. Water based acrylics, if industrial grade formulations, are excellent decorative concrete enhancers.
Garages: If you are looking for chemical resistance, abrasion resistance and resistance from oil, gas, acids and other chemicals use an industrial coating, either an epoxy, urethane, polyaspartic or a conjunction of an epoxy and urethane. These coatings are also resistant to hot tire pick up and heavy equipment and machinery.
Warehouse Sealers: The best sealers for warehouses are concrete densifiers or industrial strength coatings. Concrete densifiers are usually sodium silicate sealers or lithium silicate sealers that will harden and dustproof concrete. They are especially used when polishing a concrete warehouse. Industrial strength coatings like urethanes and polyaspartics are used when chemical or abrasion resistance is needed. The concrete floor must be grinded before applying one of these coatings in order to maximize adhesion.
Basement Waterproofers: Silicate/Siliconate blends are necessary for waterproofing concrete basements. With the densifying characterisitcs of the silicate and the hydrophobic waterproofing barrier of the siliconate water does not stand a chance. However if the basement is composed of concrete blocks or cinderblocks a silane/siloxane sealer must be used. Look for one that is at least 20%-40% solids. Do not use a straight silicate sealer for waterproofing since it is a densifier not a waterproofer.
Driveway Sealers: Silane/Siloxanes, or industrial water based acrylics are fantastic options that will protect a driveway from mold, mildew, efflorescence and salt degradation.
Patio Sealers: Water based or solvent based acrylic sealers that will add a matte finish or high gloss shine depending on the desired finish. If the area is prone to slipperiness use a water based sealer. Acrylics are excellent choices for brick pavers as well.
Garage Coatings: Depending if a natural concrete finish is desired or a decorative coating is desired use either a silicate/siliconate sealer or an epoxy/urethane system. The silicate/siliconate will help to prevent the passage of vehicle fluids while the epoxy/urethane system will be extremely chemically and abrasion resistant. Also with an epoxy/urethane system, paint chips or decorative sand can be added for an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Basement Sealers: For concrete blocks or cinderblock walls use a silane/siloxane sealer. For poured foundations or concrete slabs use a silicate/siliconate sealer to densify and waterproof.
Driveway Sealers: Use a silane/siloxane sealer if you live in a colder climate with a lot of snow and ice. For a warmer climate you can use a water based acrylic formulation.
Patio Sealers: Use a decorative acrylic sealer either solvent based or water based. Solvent based sealers will not be VOC compliant in all 50 states but they will leave a high gloss shine. Water based sealers leave a matte finish but have no harsh, solvent odors.
Warehouse Sealers: If the concrete will be polished use a concrete densifier; either a sodium silicate or a lithium silicate. If you are looking for chemical or abrasion resistance use an aliphatic urethane.
Garage Sealers/Shop Floors: If you are looking for a natural garage floor use a siliate/siliconate blend. If you are looking for a decorative finish or for added chemical/abrasion resistance use an epoxy coating followed by an aliphatic urethane topcoat.
Countertop Sealers: Use a concentrated penetrating acrylic sealer that you work into the concrete. Use in conjunction with a concrete wax for added protection and shine.
Our Take: Our go to manufacturers of concrete sealers include Kretetek, Prosoco, Scofield and ChemMasters.
When it comes to most things in life you are looking for long lasting, durable solutions. When it comes to concrete sealers and concrete coatings you are looking for the same. Most sealers on the market need to be reapplied frequently. Acrylic sealers are known for this, needing to be reapplied on an almost yearly basis. Coatings like epoxies and urethanes tend to last longer up to an average of ten years. There is more of an investment put out up front but with the chemical resistance and abrasion resistance properties gained with an epoxy/urethane system it is well worth the expenditure.
After perusing the internet, I am sure you have seen some companies offering lifetime warranties on their products. The products they are most likely warrantying are penetrating concrete densifiers. The reason they can offer these types of warranties is because silicate densifiers penetrate into the concrete causing a chemical reaction to occur below the surface of the concrete. Concrete is permanently strengthened and hardened. However, if a company is offering a lifetime warranty on a waterproofing sealer I would be skeptical. Silane/Siloxane sealers typically last 5 years before needing to be reapplied. As soon as the water beading effect starts to fade you know it is time to apply another coat.
Our Take: All in all concrete sealers are durable solutions to seal, densify, harden, waterproof and coat concrete. Some sealers last longer than others and some companies offer excellent warranties to back their products so you cannot lose even if they don’t perform as advertised.
When getting ready to purchase a concrete sealer there are many factors to consider. Application, longevity, quality, strength, durability and last but not least price. Concrete sealers are sold at a variety of price points but there are a few factors to consider before buying the cheapest priced sealer out there.
Active ingredients are important: is the sealer latex based or acrylic based? If so these sealers are usually cheaper but are not always the best products to use on concrete. Is the sealer a silane/siloxane? If so it is probably more expensive but will be the most effective on concrete blocks and cinderblocks. Silicates tend to be similarly manufactured in either sodium, lithium and potassium form. When it comes to choosing a silicate densifier look for one that will give you the most bang for your buck.
You also have to be aware if the sealer is concentrated or not. You may think you are not paying a lot for a sealer but in fact, it could be heavily diluted with water. We prefer concentrated sealers. Not only are you getting the sealer in its natural manufactured state, but you are not paying to ship water.
Our Take: Concentrated sealer brands we like are Supreme Crete and Ghostshield.
With a multitude of concrete sealing options available on the market it can be extremely difficult choosing not only the correct product for your application but the correct brand of product for your application. There are hundreds of companies claiming to all sell the best products with guaranteed warranties and added this and added that. That is why being an informed consumer and reading independent review sites is the best way to make an informed decision.
Sealers for concrete is not a new concept or theory. Since the early 1900’s concrete sealers have been used to seal and prevent common concrete mild and mildew problems. There are companies who have been in business since then and are still selling the same formulations. Let me ask you something, do you really want to use a product that has not been updated to keep up with the times?
Quality and attention to detail is an extremely important yet overlooked factor when it comes to choosing a concrete sealer. With today’s ‘industrial grade’ concrete sealers being sold over the internet a website is an important, yet overlooked indication of quality. A companies logo, branding, website and labeling can tell a lot about a company. If it is something that looks like it was just thrown together, it probably was. If a company is successful and goes the extra mile and spends time on their website and their branding, just imagine the quality and the attention to detail that goes into their sealer formulations. Now this may not always be the case, there can be some fantastic products with a lack of creative marketing. However, as a general rule if you are successful and have had continued success you are going to want to create the easiest, friendliest materials and site experience for the end user to showcase and share your products with the world.