Learn how chemical strippers work, how to choose the best one, and what precautions to take when using them. You may also wish to fill any significant cracks prior to sealing. Acrylic concrete sealers are either solvent-based or water-based formulations. Here are approximate dry times for the various sealer types: Most concrete should be resealed every 1 to 3 years. When working indoors, it's safest to apply a water-based sealer, because they dont contain harmful fumes from VOCs. Whether for a commercial or residential property, a basement or a garage, a concrete floor sealer is an easy and affordable way to ensure the surface will look its best and function well for years. If there is already a sealer present, it may need to be removed. Get Tuff Duck Concrete Countertop Sealer on Amazon or at Walmart. To see which ones live up to the hype, we sealed both concrete pavers and a concrete countertop with popular products, then tested their performance against moisture, grease, dirt, and ice-melt chemicals. No stains or dulling were evident. Sealer can enhance the color and beauty of stained, stamped, exposed aggregate, and other ornamental concrete treatments. Get Foundation Armor AR350 on Amazon, at Walmart, or at Lowes. Most concrete sealers can be sprayed on with either a garden-style pump sprayer or a high-pressure, low-volume (HPLV) sprayer. We had to let that last block dry out while we sprayed the entire 1344 sq ft of block. It provides a highly effective & breathable moisture barrier, dries clear, and is paintable. While UV resistance is not required indoors, interior sealers must still be waterproof, although slab floors benefit from breathability. For most exterior surfaces, a penetrating concrete sealer is the go-to type to block out moisture and chemicals. Flexibility no cracking. Its a popular choice for kitchen counters and high traffic areas like walkways. It is NON-SLIPPERY, NON-HAZARDOUS, NO SHEEN. It is approved for dampproofing of masonry block, pre-cast and poured concrete foundation walls. Interior sealers are more likely to be used to enhance decor. We couldnt have planned a better ice test! The concrete sealers with the best reviews tend to be professional grade, not the type you can buy at your local home-improvement store. Eagle Armor Seal Urethane Acrylic Concrete Sealer, TotalBoat Table Top Epoxy Resin 1 Gallon Kit, Seal-Once NANO + POLY Concrete and Masonry Sealer, EcoProCote Eco-Tuff Clearcoat Concrete Sealer, Foundation Armor SX5000 Water Based Concrete Sealer, Rocklinite Labs Tuff Duck Concrete Countertop Sealer, RAIN Guard Micro-Seal Penetrating Concrete Sealer. Though we had high hopes for Rain Guard Micro-Seal Penetrating Concrete Sealer, it didnt live up to our high standards. ASTM C 672 Freeze/Thaw 20 Day Cycle, Site Map | Designed by Tree Ring Digital | Proudly Made In The USA. I was hoping this product would have lasted 6 or 7 years but I was informed by Mark their salesman that driveways take a beating with foot and car traffic. Any remaining product can be saved. They are easy to apply with a pressurized garden sprayer, a paint roller, or a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer. Concretes porous texture allows moisture intrusion that causes cracks during freeze-thaw cycles, requiring crack fillers to repair. Epoxy sealant has a high gloss and brings out surface colors. Concrete is an incredibly durable flooring choice, especially when properly sealed. To choose the best sealer for your project, consider the following. To see a demonstration of DiamondFinish Clears flexibility and durability see our video. = 1000+ sq.ft]. (Note: if you wish to have the exterior of your foundation wall(s) protected by a waterproof material check out our Deco Seal). The product dried blotchy, but we continued testing and, at the end, when we power-washed, the sealer peeled off in flakes. This is an optimal choice for concrete driveways, patios, and other outdoor applications where users dont wish to alter the surface appearance. Concrete sealers can be used on new and old concrete, whether indoors or outdoors. On arrival, Deco 20 is ready to use. Also do plenty of research about the process and follow the instructions included with your sealer carefully. Like acrylics, they are available in water based and solvent based formulations. My brother in law is an electrical contractor. We extensively tested each concrete sealer and awarded points based on its performance. After testing, we power-washed the paver and noticed a bit of dulling where the de-icing salts were applied. We double-checked the specifications and found that the manufacturer does not guarantee protection from chemicals. No reemulsification. = 1000 sq.ft], Precast = 200+ sq/ft. A clear concrete sealer serves two primary functions. We did not perform the sand abrasion test since we knew that epoxy can be scratched. It can be applied to either unsealed concrete surfaces or those previously sealed with a solvent-based acrylic sealer. We could not stop talking about how water beads up and rolls right off of the treated block. Siloxa-Tek, manufactured by Ghostshield, can be applied in several wayswe opted to use a brush, painting the sealer on a clean, dry concrete paver. It went on easily and quickly penetrated the surface. Epoxy concrete sealers are the most durable, making them good for sealing garage floors and high-traffic retail environments. Get Seal-Once Nano + Poly on Amazon, at The Home Depot, and at Walmart. DECO 20 clear sealer can be used on the interior of existing concrete and masonry block foundation walls. This water-based, low-VOC, high-solids sealer can be applied to unsealed interior or exterior surfaces of vertical and horizontal concrete, brick, pavers, flagstone, and slate. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. - 0.102 perms, ASTM C 836 - Film Thickness On Vertical Surface. Tested & Approved by ICC (International Code Council) to replace for bituminous/tar materials. Outdoors, an acrylic sealer will be ultraviolet (UV) resistant and will not turn yellow. After 24 hours, we moved the paver outdoors to weather the elements, and we applied grease, mud, ice melt, and sand. DECO 20 clear sealer produces a highly effective breathable moisture barrier, by reducing water vapor transmission. Sealing concrete is a fast process that can be completed in a single day. Choose acrylic for floors and either epoxy or polyurethane for countertops. Of all the sealers we tested, Eco-Tuff Clearcoat Concrete Sealer was the only one that had no odor at allit was great that we didnt have to open our shop windows when it was 15 degrees Fahrenheit outside. Rather than move the paver outdoors, we kept it indoors and exposed it to fairly heavy foot traffic after sprinkling it with sand and didnt notice any scuffing. It is suitable for both interior and exterior applications, where it provides a non-yellowing, transparent, and durable finish. Eco-Friendly: Water Based & Non-Hazardous, UV Resistant & Application requires only (1) coat (be sure concrete is dry). Coverage rates will vary depending on the porosity of your concrete. Very impressed with this product and will use it again. At the end of the testing period, we power-washed the paver, let it dry, and inspected it carefully. Zach Bryant. This type of sealer performs so well it is the sealant of choice for high traffic areas such as concrete roadways. Rolling with a - to -inch nap roller is doable with many water-based and solvent-based sealers. They are nearly invisible, so the concrete retains its original appearance. After the Siloxa-Tek cured for 24 hours, we set it outdoors and subjected it to the elements, mud, grease, de-icing salts, and rubbed-in sand over the next 3 weeks. UV protectants keep the sealant from yellowing over time, making it a functional choice for outdoor applications as well as indoor use. Engine Paint Whats Important for Best Performance? We sprayed the SX5000 on a clean, dry paver, and it quickly spread and saturated the surface. We were sealing a small 1-foot-by-1-foot concrete paver, so we used a brush to apply AR350 evenly to the surface. DiamondFinish Clear is a 1K (one part requires no mixing) moisture cured high gloss urethane clear coat that is exceptionally tough. Penetrating sealers and acrylics offer the best breathability. This sealer doesnt alter the appearance of concrete and is often used on vertical surfaces to protect concrete against graffiti. Plus, unsealed concrete can easily become host to moss and mold, which can further weaken it. Treated surfaces resist pitting and cracking. A penetrating sealer is used for a nearly invisible finish, while acrylic can provide a range of sheen options. Check with the sealer manufacturer to see if you can seal over the top of the existing sealer. Sealing can be a great way to restore the appearance of old concrete. For more information on DiamondFinish Clear click HERE. Yes I am recommending this product. The AR350 came through with flying colors. Solvent-based acrylics are a better choice than water-based for outdoor projects. Flexibility of the coating allows it to handle impacts that would damage an acrylic clear concrete sealer. Applicable by: Garden or Airless sprayer ( >100psi ), Poured Concrete (must wait a min. Foundation Armors SX5000 Water-Based Penetrating Concrete Sealer is a silane/siloxane blend with up to 10 times more active ingredients than the competition. It claims to prevent efflorescence, cracking, spalling, mold and mildew growth, lime bloom, and freeze-thaw damage. Since then we've not had any issues with moisture and it's rained hard several times. Its formulation brings out the colors and textures of the concrete and because of its Advanced Cross-Linked Coatings Technology, it is both flexible and durable to avoid cracking and peeling. Concrete countertops must be sealed to avoid staining. Countertop sealers come in varying sheen levels, from matte to high gloss. So we strained the sealer through a large coffee filter to remove the tiny bits that had obstructed the nozzle and were then able to use it in the sprayer. We only had 3 weeks, so we didnt pull any punches, exposing the sealers to extreme testing procedures to see how well they held up. After mixing, the sealer must be applied immediately before it hardens. No stains were left behindpretty impressive! Sealer may not seem necessary at first, but after a few years of exposure to weather and use concrete can become discolored, stained or even flaky. We ordered 2 more pails and after powerwashing and putting on Deco it's beading more and isn't showing wet look after it rains. These durable sealers are often used for floors in high-traffic areas, such as garages and basements, or for concrete countertops. During the winter, trapped moisture can freeze and expand within the concrete, leading to cracks or other surface damage such as spalling or efflorescence. A combination of spraying and rolling is being used to seal a stamped concrete driveway.Decorative Concrete Institute in Temple, GA. A concrete driveway or patio sealer will protect against: All types of exterior concrete should be sealed including plain concrete, stamped concrete, stained concrete, integrally colored concrete, exposed aggregate, stenciled concrete, engraved concrete and overlays. It's anEco-Friendly material with the viscosity similar to water. Applicable CONCRETE FOUNDATION WALLS: (New). Read our Applicator Guidelines or your bucket for details. We contracted an outside firm to spray the exterior walls with this Deco 20. It resists the staining from chemicals, rust, petroleum products, and hard water that can affect unsealed concrete. After allowing it to dry completely, we performed the water test, and the water beaded up on the surface. MasonryDefender Penetrating Concrete Sealer, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, The Most Affordable Ways to Fence in a Yard, 7 Awesome Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Your Backyard, The Dos and Don'ts for Landscaping Around Trees, Protects against chemicals, stains, mold and mildew, Compatible with wood, stone, metal, and ceramic, Requires multiple coats; 30 to 60 minutes between coats, Approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Decos first product, created in 1991, designed as a safe & easy to usemulti-purpose concrete sealer. A damp wall(s) must be dry as possible before applying Deco 20. of 1 full day for form oil to dissipate before applying), Precast: Commercial Buildings, Parking Garages, Water tanks. If the sealer youre using requires two coats, you may have to wait a specified amount of time before applying the second coat. Wet look concrete sealers have the highest solids content, giving the concrete the glossy look some people desire. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Most of these sealers provide invisible protection without changing the appearance of the surface. However, this will depend on the type of sealer used, the amount of abuse it is exposed to and so forth. Sealed concrete resists dirt and stays cleaner than unsealed concrete. Tuff Duck brushed on milky but dried to a semi-gloss. Compared to products like Tar and other bituminous materials, Deco 20 is not labor intensive. Moisture and salt are two of concretes biggest enemies, yet depending on your climate you may be dealing with both of these. A clear concrete sealer that penetrates concrete is popular for outdoor use as it absorbs into the concrete for a barrier that doesnt let water in but allows water vapor to evaporate out. For extra protection and shine, some countertop installers will apply a food-safe finishing wax over the concrete sealer. No, you should not apply concrete sealer over old sealer. The coating doesnt offer UV protection so its not ideal for applications that are exposed to significant sunlight. Note: Not all the products we tested met our standards and made it to this list, so youll also see what sealer was a major disappointment. Cracks, delamination, and other structural problems develop much more easily in unsealed concrete. When a good concrete sealant is used, maintenance is easywash the driveway or patio with soap and water, or a degreaser designed for use on cement, and apply a fresh coat of sealer about every three years. Choosing the correct clear concrete sealer is a matter of determining what qualities it will need to have to best meet the requirements of the project. Both sealers cure to form a nonporous surface that can be wiped clean and sterilized, making them generally recognized as safe for food preparation. However, there are cure and seal products available that can be applied as soon as the concrete is strong enough to support the weight of a person. gal. They dont peel, delaminate or wear away. Available in either water- or solvent-based formulations and a range of sheen levels, polyurethane provides excellent abrasion and chemical resistance. We applied it after digging down to the footers. Low VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) Meets all States Spec's. These products are a good choice where simple application and low cost are important. The old sealer should be worn or stripped away and the surface thoroughly cleaned before applying a new coat. A waterproof concrete countertop sealer will prevent food stains as well as scratches. They did not soak in. Combined with general wear and tear, unsealed concrete can be subject to damage due to freezing, thawing, and salt exposure. Beyond just the type, there are other factors involved in making a decision about the best concrete sealer. It does have a bit of an odor, however, and we had to open the windows in the shop to air out the smell during application to a concrete paver. So in this scenario that would be 200 square feet, meaning you would only need one additional gallon for the second coat, making it three gallons in total. Admittedly, concrete sealers are supposed to last a year or longer, and we didnt have that much time to test. It is significantly harder than acrylic, but it does not allow trapped moisture to escape from the concrete slab. DiamondFinish Clear is a crazy tough Clear Coat that can be applied Direct To Metal or over other coatings. Yes, concrete sealer does wear off over time. Deco 20 prevents moisture invasion and acts as a vapor barrier to keep walls dry. Were proud to continually receive praise from customers by being100% Water-Based and contain no solvents. As a general rule, sealing concrete driveways should be done with penetrating sealers, indoor floors with acrylic sealers, and concrete countertops with either an epoxy sealer or a polyurethane sealer. Get MasonryDefender Concrete Driveway Sealer on Amazon, at Walmart, or at Sears. Deco 20 Clear Sealer meets or exceeds the following ASTM tests. Seal-Once Nano + Poly Concrete and Masonry Sealer combines proprietary penetrating nanotechnology with polyurethane to provide durable, long-lasting protection. That material was so easy to apply. An effective application method is to pour the mixture onto the surface, spread it evenly using a squeegee, then smooth it with a lint-free roller. So, if youve just installed the decorative concrete masterpiece of your dreams, make sure it gets sealed. Micro-Seal is intended to prime and seal concrete and masonry before painting, and the suggested method of application is by spray. To determine how much sealer youll need for your concrete you need to know these things: For example, if the sealer you are using will cover 100 square feet per gallon and your patio is 200 square feet, you will need two gallons. Anyone ready to seal a concrete driveway, a floor, or countertops might be eager to find out how the following concrete sealers fared in our hands-on tests. Stopping and starting sealer application can cause appearance and performance problems. They form a chemical barrier that shields against intrusion by moisture and chemicals such as ice melt products. Some sealers contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are released into the air during application and at a slower rate after the sealer has dried. ASTM D 466 - Resistance to water flow and action. There are two main types of concrete sealers: film-forming sealers and penetrating sealers. The best way to keep these elements from damaging your driveway, sidewalk, or patio is to apply a sealer that will keep them out. Find contractors offering concrete sealing near me. A penetrating product offers nearly invisible protection, while a film-forming concrete sealer gives a smooth, durable finish. Water based is often preferred as it is more durable than solvent based. When the liquids dried, we sprayed on an all-purpose cleaner and wiped them off, and there was no staining. If it resisted stains moderately well, it got 2 points. 0.04 grains/sq.ft./hour Water vapor permeability. Foundation Armor AR350 Wet Look Concrete Sealer, MasonryDefender Penetrating Concrete Sealer, Ghostshield Siloxa-Tek 8500 Penetrating Sealer. The best way to apply most concrete sealers is with a HVLP or an airless sprayer. This is ideal for winter environments as water trapped in concrete can freeze and expand, thereby cracking the concrete. ASTM C 836 Film Thickness On Vertical Surface. [ 5 gal. ASTM D 2939 Resistance to water solubility. Sealing outdoor concrete surfaces is an essential part of hardscape maintenance. Epoxy, which requires thoroughly mixing resin and hardener before application, is spread with a notched squeegee and finished smooth with a lint-free roller. Foundation Armor AR350 Solvent-Based Acrylic Concrete Sealer met and exceeded our expectations, earning the best overall spot. This epoxy is BPA-free, contains no VOCs, and is food safe when cured. It gradually self-leveled (in about 1 minute) and the excess ran over the edges of the paver. However, some sealers can be applied wet-on-wet, which means there is no downtime. So, recoating is required more frequently than other types of clear concrete sealers. Penetrating sealers have a long lifespan and are a great choice for exterior applications. He never saw a product like this before and was extremely impressed. Clear Concrete Sealer How to Choose the Best Type for Your Project. Indeed, the U.S. Department of Transportation approved and used the product in several states to protect roadways and bridges against water-absorption and freeze-thaw damage. Apply with a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) airless sprayer or a microfiber mop to lay down a thin, even coat. It works below the surface without changing the look or color of the concrete. Silicate concrete sealer increases hardness and density of concrete. We allowed the fluids to dry in place, then used an all-purpose floor cleaner to wipe them up. Additionally, it helps reduce issues like brush marks and bubbling. Deco 20 has been applied in over 2 million International applications and istheonly Clear Sealer approved by ICC for dampproofing foundation walls. It soaked in so rapidly that using a brush would not have achieved the same uniform application. After power-washing, we found no traces of staining, scuffing, or dulling. Our customers continually tell us they love the ease of use and the time saved with this product. For sealers requiring two coats, they typically cover twice as much on the second application.