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Ghostshield Cryli-Tek 5500 is a water-based acrylic sealer that leaves a low-gloss, satin-type finish on concrete, pavers, brick and stamped or stained surfaces. It is aimed at homeowners who want enhanced color and stain resistance without a high shine or solvent fumes. The bottom line: it is a good fit for decorative patios, walkways and pavers if you prefer a subtle finish, but as a thin film it will need recoating, and Ghostshield’s full application data was not easy to find when we checked, so get the current data sheet before you start.
| Type | Film-forming decorative sealer |
| Chemistry | Water-based acrylic; about 25% solids (per Ghostshield’s product description) |
| Finish | Low gloss / satin, non-yellowing; mild color enhancement |
| Coverage | Retail listings show about 250 sq ft/gal; confirm on the current data sheet |
| Coats | Typically 2 thin coats (check the label) |
| Dry/recoat | Fast set; see the current data sheet for times |
| Cure | See the current data sheet |
| Best for | Patios, walkways, pavers, brick, stamped and acid-stained concrete, driveways |
| Not for | Immersion (pools, ponds), areas with constant chemical exposure |
| New concrete | Listed for new and existing concrete; follow the label’s cure wait |
Watch: Cryli-Tek 5500 in 60 seconds
What It Is / How It Works
Cryli-Tek 5500 is the water-based member of Ghostshield's Cryli-Tek acrylic line. Its sibling, Cryli-Tek 5505, is a solvent-based, high-gloss wet-look sealer. The 5500 trades that deep gloss for a softer, low-sheen look and a water carrier, so there is no solvent smell and it meets VOC rules in all 50 states, including California.
Like other acrylic sealers, it forms a thin, clear film on the surface. That film reduces water absorption, blocks many stains and dirt pickup, and slightly deepens color. Ghostshield describes the resin as nanotechnology-based acrylic at about 25% solids, and says the finish resists water blushing (the white haze some acrylics get from moisture), sets quickly, resists UV breakdown and does not chip, flake or delaminate. The finish stays breathable, which helps moisture vapor escape from the slab.
Retail listings currently describe it as a clear, low-gloss, non-yellowing sealer for concrete, pavers, brick, stamped concrete and exposed aggregate. We found it still listed at Lowe's in 1-gallon size. Ghostshield's own technical data sheet for the 5500 was not available to us when we checked, so a few specs below are left to the label.
Where It Works Best (and where it doesn't)
Cryli-Tek 5500 makes the most sense on decorative concrete where you want the color to look richer but do not want a glossy, plastic look: stamped and acid-stained patios, brick and paver walkways, exposed aggregate and pool surrounds outside the splash zone. It is rated for vertical and horizontal surfaces, indoors and out, so it also works on stained interior floors and masonry walls.
It is not for immersion service such as pool interiors or water features, or for areas with constant chemical exposure. And like any film-forming sealer, it is not the first choice if your only goal is water and salt protection on a plain driveway. A penetrating silane/siloxane repellent lasts longer and will not wear off in tire paths. See our best silane-siloxane concrete sealers guide.
Owner feedback is limited. The few retail reviews we found describe a low or slight sheen, two-coat applications and coverage that met or beat expectations. That is not enough to judge long-term durability.
Pros
- Low-gloss, natural-looking finish rather than a high shine
- Water-based, no solvent odor, VOC compliant in all 50 states
- Ghostshield says it resists water blushing and UV breakdown and does not yellow
- Works on concrete, pavers, brick, stamped and acid-stained surfaces
- Indoor and outdoor, vertical and horizontal use
- Breathable film
Cons
- Thin surface film that wears in traffic and needs periodic recoating
- Less color depth and gloss than a solvent-based wet-look sealer
- Not for immersion or constant chemical exposure
- Current data sheet (coverage, dry and cure times, temperatures) was hard to locate; retail specs vary
- Few owner reviews to judge long-term performance
- Film sealers can be slippery when wet; consider an anti-slip additive on walkways
How to Apply It
- Get the current label or data sheet. Confirm coverage, the temperature range, recoat time and how long new concrete must cure before sealing.
- Clean thoroughly. Remove dirt, efflorescence, oil and any failing sealer. On stamped concrete, remove leftover release agent. Rinse and let the surface dry completely.
- Check compatibility. If the surface was sealed before, test a small area to make sure the new coat bonds and does not lift or haze the old one.
- Pick the right day. Seal in dry weather within the label's temperature range, out of hot midday sun, with no rain in the forecast.
- Apply a thin first coat by roller or low-pressure sprayer, back-rolling to spread it evenly and keep it out of puddles in grout lines and stamped texture.
- Apply a second thin coat once the first is dry, ideally crosswise.
- Let it cure before foot and vehicle traffic as the label directs. Plan to reseal when the color starts to look dull or water stops beading.
How It Compares
Ghostshield Cryli-Tek 5505. The solvent-based sibling. Its data sheet lists a high-gloss wet look, about 200 sq ft per gallon, 250 g/L VOC, a 60–90°F application window and xylene cleanup. Choose 5505 for maximum gloss and color depth. Choose 5500 for a subtler finish and no solvent fumes.
BEHR Premium Low-Lustre Sealer (No. 986). The low-sheen sibling of BEHR's Wet-Look Sealer, sold at Home Depot. It is a convenient big-box alternative if you want a similar subtle finish.
Penetrating sealers. If you do not want any film or sheen at all, a penetrating sealer changes the look little or not at all and does not need stripping later. See our best penetrating concrete sealers.
FAQ
Is Cryli-Tek 5500 glossy?
Only a little. It is sold as a low-gloss, satin-type finish. Retail listings sometimes call it "wet look," but it is far less shiny than a high-gloss wet-look sealer like Cryli-Tek 5505.
Is Cryli-Tek 5500 waterproof?
It reduces water absorption and resists water blushing, but it is not rated for immersion. For maximum water and salt protection on plain concrete, a penetrating repellent is the better tool.
Can you use it on stamped or acid-stained concrete?
Yes. Stamped and acid-stained concrete are among the listed uses. Apply thin coats and back-roll so sealer does not pool in the texture.
How often will I need to reseal?
Ghostshield does not publish a lifespan that we could find. As with any acrylic film, high-traffic and sun-exposed areas will need resealing sooner than covered or vertical surfaces.
Verdict
Cryli-Tek 5500 is a sensible pick for decorative concrete and pavers when you want a low-sheen, natural-looking finish with water-based convenience. Its limits are the usual ones for acrylic films (wear, recoating, no immersion), plus thinner published data than we would like. Confirm the current data sheet before you buy, and choose 5505 or a penetrating sealer if gloss or long-term water protection matters more to you.
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.
