What is a Solvent Based Concrete Sealer?

Concrete sealers are available in either water based, solvent based, or 100% actives/solids versions. What this means is that water or a solvent is used to carry to active ingredients into the concrete. Solvents used include xylene, toluene, mineral spirits and acetone to name a few. Since solvents are chemicals they are usually hazardous and more dangerous than water based sealers. Solvent based concrete sealers are usually shipped red label and because they can container higher levels of VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) they cannot be used in all fifty states.

That being said solvent based concrete sealers tend to outperform and outlast water based concrete sealers. They are able to penetrate deeper and bond better to the slab. Water based concrete sealers are excellent choices if you are looking for eco-friendly options. Even though they do not last as long as solvent based products the industry is moving away from using solvents and manufacturers are improving their water based options. If you are looking for the highest performing carrier, that would be a 100% actives product without a carrier. 100% actives products are actually 100% active ingredients. They are significantly more expensive than water based and solvent based products but they will perform the best.