Kilz Low Lustre Sealer Review
Kilz is a tried and true company well known for their primers, paints and stain blocking technology. With their first foray into sealers for concrete, brick and tile, Kilz offers the Low-Lustre Sealer and a Wet-Look Sealer. In this review we are reviewing the Low-Lustre Sealer.
According to Kilz, the Low-Lustre sealer is:
A good masonry sealer that protects and beautifies concrete, brick, and other masonry surfaces while preserving and maintaining color and detail without fading, yellowing or changing color. Kilz sealer is high-solid, non-yellowing acrylic-based formula that enhances coated and uncoated stone, tile, cement, and stucco surfaces with a low-luster, low-gloss finish.
These claims were exactly what we were looking for out of a decorative sealer so we decided to try it out for ourselves.
What is an acrylic-based concrete sealer? Acrylic resins are used in concrete sealers to offer decorative properties to enhance concrete, brick and masonry with either a low sheen or gloss finish. They also provide protection from the elements such as rain, wind and sunlight. One of the most common issues that plague acrylics is that they tend to yellow and they do not properly bond with the concrete leaving them at high risk of peeling.
So is the Kilz Low-Lustre sealer a non-yellowing color enhancing sealer like it is claimed to be?
Currently sold online through Amazon.com and Walmart.com we read the reviews which highlight issues with hazing and discoloring. Is it not recommended for use with colored concrete and multiple coats are recommended in order to get any sort of shine or enhancement. That being said reviewers also state that this product was easy to apply, has a low odor and is extremely economical. The product currently earns a 3.9 start rating on Amazon.com however the reviews are mixed for both the Low-Lustre and Wet-Look versions.
Our experience:
When it came time for us to test out the Kilz Low-Lustre sealer, we followed the instructions on the label and made sure we were in the application temperature guidelines of 50º-90ºF. Since we apply acrylic sealers frequently we know that the concrete needs to be completely dry before application. Like most water based acrylics it was milky white in appearance yet dries clear. We applied three coats in order to get a nice low sheen as advertised. We also tested out the product on some damp pavers and this caused them to haze confirming our suspicions that customers who have this issue have moisture trapped in their substrate. On the dry section of pavers, because of their porosity, we needed to apply four coats in order to see any sort of enhancement which seems a little excessive.
Our review:
We think that this product is a good choice if you are looking to seal your concrete, brick or masonry on a budget; however, given the amount of coats that are required it can become a little pricey. Like most water based acrylics it has about a one year lifespan. After a few months when exposed to deicing salts all sheen and enhancement is gone. About six months after the initial application there were some high traffic areas that had some visible delamination. It did a great job short term at giving us the low sheen we were looking for. You can’t really ask for more than that from a water based acrylic sealer. If you are looking for a longer lasting product, use a penetrating concrete sealer. Even though they do not add any enhancement to the concrete they can last upwards of ten years before needing to be reapplied.
