Cryli-Tek 5500 is a pricey acrylic sealer, but it is also the top choice of professional contractors and expert homeowners. Ghostshield markets its Cryli-Tek 5500 as a one-coat sealer — which should theoretically save money by cutting the amount of sealer you need in half compared to other acrylic sealers on the market. After testing out Cryli-Tek 5500 for ourselves it does live up to its other major marketing claims: It dries in 3 hours with little odor and Cryli-Tek 5500 is a low-volatile organic compound (VOC) sealer, meaning it has low levels of the chemicals in sealers that are linked to respiratory and other health problems.
We love that it is water based and still leaves a slight matte sheen enhancing colored and stamped concrete. We also found Cryli-Tek 5500 breathable, non-yellowing, and highly scratch and peel proof. Remember when looking for a decorative sealer to look for a breathable one to avoid problems down the line. Above all, professional contractors and do-it-yourselfers love Cryli-Tek 5500’s beautiful finished matte look.
However, Cryli-Tek 5500 is pricier than other acrylic sealers in its class. But since it lasts longer than other acrylics, we found the price justifiable. Cryli-Tek 5500 is available at HomeDepot.com and independent retailers and online at Concrete Sealer Supply.
The MasterProtect H 400, formerly the Enviroseal 40, manufactured by the BASF chemical company, is a clear, water-based silane sealer. Silane sealers are a type of penetrating sealer that features small particles of sealant that penetrate past the surface of the concrete to lock out water and salts.
The MasterProtect H 400 is a reputable silane on the market. The MasterProtect H 400 is an excellent source of protection for chlorides, freeze/thaw cycles, and other such potential threats. Because of this and other characteristics of its chemical formula, the MasterProtect H 400 is a preferred sealer for certain environments that need protection from high traffic, whether from machinery or from humans. The smallest available quantity is a 5 gallon bucket so it is typically used in commercial applications.
The MasterProtect H 400 is also a great choice for commercial projects because of its international appeal. As it is manufactured by BASF, you can be assured that it will perform up to the high standard required of that company. Similarly, it is marketed across the world, as facilitated by the resources of a company as large as BASF.
The 2500 Medium Gloss sealer manufactured by SS Specialties is a medium-grade acrylic sealer that offers such benefits as UV resistance, water resistance, and non-yellowing properties. The sealer itself functions much like all other acrylic sealers: its larger particles of acrylic sealant will not pass through the surface pores of the concrete, rather pooling on top of the concrete to be spread out during the application process. Once properly applied, the sealer will bond to the surface of the concrete substrate to prevent the incursion of water, salts, and other potential harms.
According to their website, “SS Supreme 2500 Plus is a medium gloss, UV Resistant acrylic copolymer concrete sealer intended for all types of concrete both indoor and outdoor. SS Supreme 2500 Plus Medium Gloss offers improved resistance to rain, the sun, freezing temperatures, stains, and other pollutants that sometimes can be hazardous to concrete. With substrate wetting agents and anti-foaming additives included in this formulation, SS Supreme 2500 Plus Medium Gloss provides superior adhesion to properly prepared concrete. Applying SS Supreme 2500 Plus Medium Gloss to exposed aggregate will also help to eliminate loose pebbles and premature wear. SS Supreme 2500 Plus Medium Gloss can be considered an ultimate multi-use concrete sealer, including a Cure-N-Seal.”
The biggest potential drawback to the SS Specialties line of sealers is that they are solvent-based sealers, meaning they may not be legal in your state due to their high volatile organic contents. Similarly, care must be taken during the application process as the fumes released by solvent-based sealers during application can be harmful to your health.
The Solid Color Concrete Stain manufactured by Valspar is marketed as a concrete staining product that will also seal your concrete, offering an increased level of protection. However, this is not entirely true. The Solid Color Concrete Stain is more of a paint than a concrete sealer; as such, it will not truly protect your concrete from potential sources of damage ranging from water damage to cracking and general degradation.
The Solid Color Concrete Stain is an acrylic resin, which means it would be, at best, a surface level sealer that would bond to the concrete substrate. Through bonding, it would, ideally, offer a level of protection from water and UV rays from the sun. However, its chemical composition reveals that it is a weak product that will not really protect your concrete for any significant duration of time.
It will, however, give color to your concrete. The Solid Color Concrete Stain is a product very similar to paint than a true concrete stain. Instead of seeping into the concrete to change the color of the concrete in a lasting manner, it will be applied over the concrete. This may lead to a stronger level of color, but it is also vulnerable to chipping and other types of aesthetic damage over time. If you want a true concrete stain for your project, the Solid Color Concrete Stain will work but a reactive concrete dye may be the better choice.
The Polyseal Plus is a concrete sealing product manufactured by ChemMasters. The product itself is a cure and seal product featuring a high solids content. This means the product performs very well, though it also dangerous and potentially harmful, for both you and the environment. Be sure to check with your state’s environmental regulations, as the Polyseal Plus features a high VOC content, which is regulated by at least sixteen different states.
According to their website, “Polyseal Plus is a premium quality, non yellowing, high gloss curing and sealing compound. Polyseal Plus’s high solids formulation has been developed specifically to give long-term protection to all exterior concrete including pigmented or decorative concrete. Polyseal Plus provides extreme abrasion and weathering resistance while developing exceptional gloss and color enhancement. Polyseal Plus eliminates concrete dusting and protects concrete from salt and water penetration. Polyseal Plus generates a durable film that will continue to protect concrete after standard sealers have dissipated. Generally, Polyseal Plus will out last these sealers by at least one season.”
Typically cure and seal products are used on fresh concrete to aid in the concrete curing process while also giving the concrete a decorative sheen. If you are in a rush and cannot wait the industry standard 28 days before applying a concrete sealer, and concrete cure and seal is the way to go.
The Glaze-N-Seal Multipurpose Sealer offers an adequate level of surface protection for your more delicate and decorative concrete surfaces. The sealer itself is an acrylic sealer, meaning it is made up of large particles of acrylic sealer that will not penetrate past the surface of the concrete, as would a silicate. Instead, the particles of sealant will remain on the surface of the concrete upon application, waiting for the person applying the concrete sealer to evenly spread over the surface of the concrete.
When spread properly, acrylic sealers will bond to the concrete substrate to help repel water from entering the concrete and causing potential damage. The Glaze-N-Seal offering is a water-based sealer that will result in a mild gloss. If you prefer a matte, or more natural looking surface, then you should opt for a different choice. However, the water-based nature of the concrete will help conform with various environmental laws and regulations dealing with VOC contents in states like California, New York, and New Jersey.
That being said, it isn’t as safe for personal application as some other acrylic water-based sealers. The Glaze-N-Seal product contains ammonia, which will result in a hazardous odor. It is also not really acceptable for indoor applications, as the fumes can be potentially harmful with prolonged exposure. Aside from these concerns, the Glaze-N-Seal Multipurpose Sealer is a perfect acceptable choice for a water-based concrete surface sealer, though we have certainly reviewed stronger, more cost-effective products.
