With hundreds of thousands of sealers on the market it can be extremely difficult choosing one that will actually work and last as claimed. That’s why here at Concrete Sealer Reviews, we test, use and evaluate concrete sealers based on strength, durability, price, quality and longevity.
Lets start off with waterproofers, when looking for a basement waterproofer you want to make sure you go for a silicate/siliconate blend. Through densification and a hydrophobic barrier, moisture, vapor and water have no chance at damaging your home.
When it comes to a water repellent look for a silane/siloxane blend that is at least 20% solids to repel and bead water. Best sealer choices for concrete blocks and cinderblocks because of the larger size particle of sealant.
When it comes to decorative sealers you can decide if you want either a high gloss finish or a matte finish, solvent based and water based respectively. The best decorative sealers are acrylics and they are non-yellowing and UV stable.
Concrete coatings are extremely popular but can be labor and time intensive from floor prep to cure time. In order to maximum the benefits make sure you scarify the surface of the concrete so the concrete will adhere and wont be at risk for delamination. If you are looking for a fast cure time try a polyaspartic.
Acrylics
Water Based: Excellent decorative sealers that leave a beautiful subtle matte finish. If it is a high quality water based acrylic it will bead and repel water. Will stand up to sun, salt, and wind driven rain.
Solvent Based: Excellent decorative sealers that leave a high gloss shine. Make sure the VOC limit will meet requirements in your state, especially California (under 100 g/L). Will repel water but will make the surface slippery if silica sand or a non-slip is not added to the sealer.
Coatings
Epoxies: Excellent coatings with good abrasion resistance and protection from dusting. Can be used to leave a decorative floor finish with metallic sand or paint chips. Be wary of the long cure time of an epoxy.
Urethanes: Excellent coatings with excellent chemical resistance, abrasion resistance and protection from oils, acids and stains. If used in conjunction with an epoxy longevity will double. Be wary of the long cure time.
Polyaspartics: Excellent coatings with excellent chemical resistance, abrasion resistance and protection from oils, acids and stains. If used in conjunction with an epoxy longevity will double. Excellent choices for floors that need a fast drying finish. Will cure within a 24 hour time period; however, they do have a very short pot life.
Countertop Sealers
Acrylics: Excellent if choosing a penetrating acrylic blend. These formulas will protect from heat, oils, acids, stains and abrasions. If used in conjunction with a countertop wax you will receive double the protection.
Densifiers
Sodium Silicates: Excellent for densifiying and hardening concrete. This is the product to use when polishing a concrete floor. However, they will not waterproof concrete.
Lithium Silicates: Excellent for densifiying and hardening concrete. This is the product to use when polishing a concrete floor. However, they will not waterproof concrete. Newer technology than sodium silicates.
Water Repellents/ Waterproofers
Silane/Siloxanes: Excellent waterproofers for concrete blocks and cinderblocks. Because of the large molecular size the silane/siloxane is able to form a hydrophobic barrier and seal the large pores and cavities.
Concrete Densifiers: Look for silicate sealers, either in a sodium, potassium, lithium or carrier. They are available in both concentrated and ready to use formulations and are excellent for hardening, densifying and polishing concrete. If the formula is concentrated make sure to price out the cost per gallon after dilution. If the formula is ready to use make sure it is at a better price point than a concentrated solution. Keep in mind silicate densifiers do not waterproof concrete. Best for use on warehouse floors.
Concrete Waterproofing: Look for silicate/siliconate blends especially of a lithium carrier. Will densify and waterproof concrete all-in-one through penetration and a chemical reaction with the carbon dioxide in the air. Creates a hydrophobic barrier resistant to water and chemicals. Best for use on basement foundations.
Concrete Water Repellents: Look for silane/siloxane blends of a high percentage of solids, look for at least 20%-40% silane/siloxanes. Best for waterproofing extremely porous concrete blocks and concrete cinderblocks. Also excellent choices for municipality jobs.
Decorative Sealers: Look for acrylic sealers of either a water based or solvent based formulation. Water based sealers will leave a natural to satin sheen while solvent based sealers will leave a high gloss sheen. Make sure if you purchase a solvent based sealer it meets the VOC regulations of your state. Best for concrete patios, pavers and driveways.
Coatings: Encompasses epoxies, urethane and polyaspartics. By using a urethane or polyaspartic in conjunction with an epoxy you are adding longevity and added chemical resistance properties. Polyaspartics provide similar benefits to urethanes but they are faster drying. Make sure you have a concrete slab with a rough surface porosity before applying a coating in order for the coating to adequately adhere to the concrete. Best for garages, warehouses and high chemical exposure areas.