This post was most recently updated on January 19th, 2022
Update 2022 on the Best Stamped Concrete Sealer
Stamped Concrete Pitting
As of 2022, we have found that the Super Seal 30, Super Seal 25, Supreme Shield SB-600, and the Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealers are the most popular sealers for Stamped Concrete Patios, Driveways, and walkways. If you have any questions as to the best type of stamped concrete sealer for your project, please ask below in our Q&A area. We are here to help!
What Sealer is Best for Stamped Concrete Patios
Stamped concrete are decorative surfaces that have become popular in the last 10-20 years. These surfaces utilize patterns and different colors to create a dramatic look for your landscaping. Stamped concrete is concrete that is patterned to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, wood, and various other patterns. Stamped Concrete is commonly used for patios, sidewalks, driveways, and pool decks.
As with any exterior concrete surface, Stamped Concrete Surfaces need to be maintained on a consistent basis. Sealing will help keep your Stamped Concrete looking new and protected for many years.
To determine what Stamped Concrete Sealer is best, you must first understand the differences between the different types of stamped concrete sealers and what you would like to achieve when it comes to appearance and protection when done.
Stamped Concrete Sealers have 4 major functions
- Enhance the Stamped Concrete by either adding a wet look, shine, or both.
- Protects the Stamped Concrete from pitting and cracking.
- Protect the Stamped Concrete from color loss and fading
- Seals from water damage and staining.
Wet Look Stamped Concrete Sealer
“Wet look” sometimes gets confused with “gloss”. Using a sealer that will leave a “wet look” means you are darkening the surface similar to as if it was wet with water. These sealers may or may not contain a shine level of some sort. Wet look sealers will also protect from UV fading and color loss.
Gloss Stamped Concrete Sealers
Gloss sealers will add a shine to the surface ranging from matte to high gloss. In most scenarios, you will also darken the concrete with a wet look. These sealers may be prone to being slippery when wet if over-applied.
Pitting/Cracking Stamped Concrete
One reason to seal Stamped Concrete is to protect from pitting and cracking of the surface. This is especially important for cold weather areas where deicing salts are used, resulting in erosion of the surface by pitting or the freeze/thaw cycle can create permanent cracks if the stamped concrete is not sealed.
Top-Rated Stamped Concrete Sealers
1. Super Seal 30 Gloss – Best Glossy Stamped Concrete Sealer
Super Seal 30 Concrete Sealer Review
SuperSeal30 is a Higher Gloss Concrete Sealer that can be used for many different types of concrete surfaces. SuperSeal30 is very popular for Brick Paver Patios, Exposed Aggregate, and Stamped Concrete. This sealer will darken the appearance and leave a shine.
Where To Find On Google: SuperSeal30 Concrete Sealer
Concrete Type: Wet-Look solvent-based breathable acrylic sealer
Wet Look: Deep Rich Wet Look
Shine Level: Higher Gloss
Protects from UV Fading, Water Damage, Deicing Salts, and Staining: Yes
ConcreteSealerReview.com Rating (On a Scale of 1-10): 8.60
See Review Article Here: Super Seal 30 Gloss
2. Super Seal 25 Semi-Gloss – Best Overall Stamped Concrete Sealer
Super Seal 25 Concrete Sealer Review
Similar to the SuperSeal30, SuperSeal25 is a Semi-Gloss Concrete Sealer that can be used for Brick Paver Patios, Exposed Aggregate, and Stamped Concrete. This sealer will darken the appearance and leave a shine similar to a semi-gloss.
The SuperSeal25 is a 25% solid solvent-based breathable acrylic sealer and curing compound. This product is suitable for use on interior and exterior concrete surfaces.
Where To Find On Google: SuperSeal25 Semi-Gloss Sealer
Concrete Type: Wet-Look solvent-based breathable acrylic sealer
Wet Look: Deep Rich Wet Look
Shine Level: Semi-Gloss
Protects from UV Fading, Water Damage, Deicing Salts, and Staining: Yes
ConcreteSealerReview.com Rating (On a Scale of 1-10): 8.40
See Review Article Here: Super Seal 25 Gloss
3. Supreme Shield SB-600 – Best Wet Look Stamped Concrete Sealer
Supreme Shield SB-600 Review
SUPREME SHIELD SB is a solvent-based penetrating sealer designed for stamped concrete, concrete pavers, and other porous concrete surfaces. Application of SUPREME SHIELD SB will enhance the color and give the wet look without adding the gloss and plastic look associated with other traditional film-forming sealers. Once treated, the surface repels water and oil to prevent staining.
Where To Find On Google: Supreme Shield SB-600
Concrete Type: Wet-Look solvent-based breathable acrylic sealer
Wet Look: Deep Rich Wet Look
Shine Level: No Shine
Protects from UV Fading, Water Damage, Deicing Salts, and Staining: Yes
ConcreteSealerReview.com Rating (On a Scale of 1-10): 9.0
See Review Article Here: Supreme Shield SB-600
4. MasonrySaver Decorative Concrete Sealer – Best Water-Based Stamped Concrete Sealer
MasonrySaver Decorative Concrete Sealer Review
MasonrySaver Decorative Concrete Sealer is a non-yellowing acrylic polymer blend sealer formulated for use on properly cured stamped concrete surfaces. MasonrySaver Decorative Concrete Sealer dust proofs concrete with a durable acrylic blend resin. MasonrySaver® Decorative Concrete Sealer leaves an attractive, non-yellowing durable gloss finish that protects concrete from damage and color loss due to ultra-violet light, moisture, and abrasion/wear.
This sealer can be applied on top of previously applied solvent or water-based sealers without creating an adhesion issue.
Where To Find On Google: Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealer
Concrete Type: Wet-Look non-yellowing acrylic polymer blend sealer
Wet Look: Medium Wet Look
Shine Level: Satin Gloss
Protects from UV Fading, Water Damage, Deicing Salts, and Staining: Yes
ConcreteSealerReview.com Rating (On a Scale of 1-10): 8.0
See Review Article Here: MasonrySaver Decorative Concrete Sealer
Questions on Stamped Concrete Sealers? Please Ask Below
Stamped Concrete Sealer Photos
I have a stamped concrete driveway that was dyed during the pouring process. The contractor used Euclid Super Diamond Clear to seal.
What chemical should I use to “Top Scrub” with that will not alter the color of the dye? I plan to use the same sealer.
Is there a stripper to remove all of the Super Diamond Clear that will not alter the color of the dye and is a solvent based sealer the best choice for my particular driveway?
You do not need a chemical to clean it unless the Diamond Clear has turned white. Just pressure wash with water if it has not turned white or blushed.
If you strip the Diamond Clear then it is possible you will remove some of the release color during the process but not likely.
Thank you for your response and info! One final question, can I apply a low gloss Sealer over the Diamond Clear that is currently in place? Thanks again for your assistance.
You cannot make the Diamond Clear less glossy by adding a low gloss sealer over the top as the gloss from the Diamond Clar will still be prevalent.
Using a product like the Super Seal Matte which has an additive to lower the gloss level may help dull it some but it will still have some shine no matter what.
Thanks for the response. Virtually all of the original Super Diamond Clear has worn off from the patio except where the umbrella and table protected the sealer. Do I need to totally strip all areas before applying a low gloss Super Diamond Clear? Thanks.
Post some pictures.
Patio
Your old sealer has turned white and blushed. You have to strip it.
What chemical stripper would be the best keeping in mind I have a brown tinted stamped concrete? Thanks!
See here about stripping stamped concrete: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/how-to-strip-a-stamped-concrete-sealer/
I want to change the color of my stamped concrete patio from tan to gray do I Powerwashing then paint then seal it give me some advise
It is not possible to change the color of your stamped concrete with a sealer.
Hello,
Is the Supreme Shield SB 600 available to ship to California?
No, you need the SB-350 option.
Is this available in Ontario Canada
Not sure which sealer you are referring too and we do not leave there so not sure.
I have a 2 x 8 ft cement hearth that I used cement stain on. So much waste as I had to purchase gallon cans. I want to put a glossy finish on it but do not need gallons of sealer. It is decorative and actually will not even get that much heat as it is a gas fireplace. What can I use that will work but be cost effective? Thank you for ur help.
Nothing we know of will come smaller than 1 gallon in size.
I have a stamped concrete patio in need of sealing. Late morning and afternoon sun. We live in Wilmington NC where the summer sun is pretty intense. I believe our covered attached porch was originally the same color as the patio, and the patio is noticeably faded with the start of some pitting. Would like the wet or glossy look. Have included some pictures. Any recommendations would be appreciated
Super Seal 30 sealer for this.
Where can I get this product to buy and what is the price of this product
Which product?
Stained concrete needs a shine. It’s great n glossy when wet. Which do I need
Super Seal 30: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/superseal30-paver-and-concrete-sealer-review-2/
I’m looking for a sealer to use on my stamped concrete around my pool I like the gloss finish but I have small children and what I used in the past was slippery when wet. What do you recommend?
Super Seal 30 and add their Super Grip for traction.
Hello, Glad I found your site. My patio looks exactly like the image above that shows “stamped concrete pitting.” I thought I sealed it the other day, but realized the sealer I had I left in the shed through the winter, live in the North East, and it crystalized. I’m wondering if I should strip it, and then use one of the sealers mentioned on the site. I have several cracks but I’ll have to deal with that another time. Will the sealer darken the pitted spots, or is there some type of color/dye I can use beforehand? Again, the… Read more »
Sealer will not darken the pits. You may need to stain them and that means you will have to remove if possible the sealer you put on.
I was afraid of that, but I know that the prep work will make the difference. I’m not sure if there’s an average I could be looking at, but at 560 square feet, any idea on what a resurface might run?
No idea. We do not do that type of work.
I live in Michigan. I bought my house in 2014 from the original owners who built the home in 2002. The stamped concrete has changed dramatically. It’s faded and dark now but was shinny with a more uniform look. I’m trying to restore it to its original.
You will need to strip it first: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/how-to-strip-a-stamped-concrete-sealer/
Once removed, use the Super Seal 25.
I’m looking for a sealer. Part of it’s covered and it’s fading. I’ve sealed it but was looking to get better results for restoring the color if possible.
What type of surface do you have? Post some pictures here as well.
It’s stamped concrete. It was originally a dark Gray/black. It’s a porch with it extended for a sidewalk area.
More pictures if it helps
Use the Supreme Shield SB-600 to all areas: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/supreme-shield-sb-600-wet-look-review/
I’m trying to figure out if there’s a suitable product for my concrete stamped porch. I’m in Denver. The porch is covered, but still gets some west sun, and snow if we have a storm. My goals are to 1) seal it to make it easier to clean the dust/dirt that accumulates; 2) allow me to slide my wicker porch chairs easily (right now they are hard to slide even though I have attached sliders to the bottoms); 3) not have the finish be super slick so people can injure themselves. Is there a product that fits my criteria?
No sealer will make it easier to slide chairs. Try the Super Seal 25 for this stamped concrete patio.
Oops! Meant stamped concrete. Thanks
Here is a pic what sealer do you recommend for patterned concrete. Thanks
Any of the above sealers in the article will work for this.
Do you sell your sealer for stamp concrete in Ontario Canada. Thanks
We do not sell products from this website. Informational only.
Just used a stripper to remove old sealer before putting down SuperSeal 25. I am having a lot of trouble getting the stripper off. It is white and hard to get off. Used a power washer and lots of brushing. Any ideas… should I try Xylene?
Stripper residue and not old sealer? If so, you need a cleaner degreaser to remove it.
Like this: https://www.concretesealerstore.com/cleaner-degreaser.html
We have a tinted stamped concrete patio that we would like to apply a sealer and/or protective coating. Is there a matte finish product that will not have the shine or darkening cautioned?
Stamped concrete sealers will all have a wet look and or shine level of some sort. Penetrating sealers with no wet look and or gloss will not be able to soak into stamped concrete.
How to match existing stamped concrete
I do not undertand what you are asking?
Live in Michigan , have a colored stamped patio. Have some effervescence.
Other sealers seem to last only one year.
What should I use ?
Do you have pictures of current condition?
Yes, some flacking a as well.
You will need to strip this off: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/how-to-strip-a-stamped-concrete-sealer/
Then seal. Try Super Seal 25 or Super Seal 30.
New stamped concrete patio 8 years ago, that was sealed using Super Diamond Clear by the contractor. We have full sun all day. After year 1, it was faded out, due to sun and some hazing, although product still remained. Per your recommendations, I re-activated the product using ALOT of Xylene & a stiff broom, which worked well that year. The next year, again Xylene and pressure washed to remove any remaining seal. Then I used Masonry Saver, which lasted a year, so again pressure washed all the flaking & seal off to bare concrete. This time I used Super… Read more »
Stick with the SS25. Apply every other year. In off years apply xylene to restore shine. Do not scrub the xylene, just spray on and let dry.
what is best for stamped concrete around a inground pool? The product that was used when the concrete was installed was very slippery to walk on when it was wet and we would like to avoid putting on a new surface that is also slippery.
The best way to fix this going forward is to add a grip into your sealer. Try the Super Seal 25 with the Super Grip additive..
Is the SB-600 product good for stamped concrete around a pool
Yes, works well.
Do you need to back roll while spraying the first and second coat of the SB-600 product or is spraying with no back rolling sufficient?
It cannot be back rolled. Just spray.
Nevermind, i found what i needed…your site is incredibly helpful, thank you so much!!!
Can you add a non-slip additive to Supreme Shield SB 600 – doing a pool deck
No, it is a penetrating sealer so a grip additive will not work.
We have patterned concrete driveway. Almost 13 years old. Couple times in last six years hired contractor to seal the driveway. But now plan to do ourself. Not sure which sealer to buy and from where / manufacturers retail etc.
Try the Super Seal 25: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/superseal25-semi-gloss-paver-and-concrete-sealer-review/
Can you add a color variant to the sealer to slightly add more depth and color to my stamped concrete driveway.
Some sealers have addtives that can be added but they will look more opaque when added: https://www.opwdecks.com/superseal-tints.htm
Approximately 4 years ago we had a contractor install a stamped concrete patio. He used SuperSeal 2000 as a sealer. He recommended that every year or 2 that I reseal it with the same product. I have followed all of the instructions and every fall and continuing through the winter the coating appears to fail and I get pitting in the sealer. Obviously it looks horrible. Part of the patio is covered and the part that is covered the pitting is not nearly as bad. At this point I think that the product which he used is inappropriate for this… Read more »
Post pictures for product prep help and what to use after. BTW, the SuperSeal 2000 is not the same or made by the same people that make the Super Seal 25 and the Super Seal 30. Completely different coatings.
Looking at Silacast Water based sealer for my stamped concrete surface but see that you also recommend others for same. I do prefer water based products. Are samples available?
Look at using the Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealer for this stamped concrete and a water-based sealer. You can find it on this website: https://www.defystain.com/decorative-concrete-sealer.html
I have a stamped concrete patio that has hairline some cracks I a mean hairline. can these be fixed with a sealer?
No, a sealer will not fill a crack.
Looking for shine/ gloss, water repellent and non slippery. Does this exist in an all in 1??,
Use Super Seal 30 and add Super Grip to it for traction.
Hi there, I just had my basement done with stamped concrete and was looking for a water based Sealer (since it’s in the house, trying to avoid chemical odors) wet look with a high gloss to semi gloss finish
Does this exist? If so I would love some recommendations! Thanks everyone
Keith
Try this: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/masonrysaver-decorative-concrete-sealer-review/
Supreme Shield SB-600 – will using this sealer cause the patio to be slippery when it gets wet?
No, it should not.
Bought a 6 year old house 2 years ago. 6 year old stamped concrete pool deck and patio looked tired after our first year. We cleaner the surface (water and brushing, did not powerwash) and sealed 1 year ago with 1 coat of Sherwin Williams H&C Clarishield Oil Based sealer with some shark grip for slip resistance. Already have cloudy looking areas that are easy to flake off with screwdriver in some areas, also some white pitting areas appearing. Was the H&C the wrong product, did we need more coats, what product and process do you recommend we use this… Read more »
Wrong sealer brand was used and yes you will have to strip it all off: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/how-to-strip-a-stamped-concrete-sealer/
Once removed, try one of these brands: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/best-stamped-concrete-sealer/
I have a stamped concrete patio that has never been sealed – about 13 years old. Concrete is very porous, and has lost most of its color. It has hairline cracks in it. Will a sealer like Supreme Shield SB-600 help to hide those cracks? Pictures included. Crack next to the quarter (for size) is probably the largest one.
A sealer will not hide cracks or repair them
Anything to solve the slippery when wet problems
Add grip into the sealer.
What brand of “grip” can be added to . Supreme Shield SB-600?
It is a penetrating sealer, grips will not work with penetrating sealers.
This is five year old stamped concrete. It originally had a semi gloss sealant of unknown variety. In my pictures You can see what it looks like where it’s been exposed to the Houston, Texas sun, what it looks like wet, and the portion that has been protected under my patio.
I don’t want anything too shiny, but I also want something that will darken it up some. Not necessarily as much as the water does. Suggestions?
Try this: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/masonrysaver-decorative-concrete-sealer-review/
if you have a patterned concrete drive and the surface has started pitting which is the best sealer to use its a buff colour but where its pitted its a grey colour i was thinking of changing the colour to possibly grey which are the best products to do this and what prep is req and how many coats
You cannot change color of stamped concrete with a sealer. You would have to remove all current sealer, restain the concrete, then seal over. You may want to call a pro on this.
Do I have to remove the old sealer before resealing a dark gray stamped concrete driveway that is about 12 years old.(see photo 1) If you do not have to remove the old sealer, which high quality matte sealer can be used if you do not know what kind of sealer was used originally? Second photo is the section in the first photo that I sprayed with water
Yes, you will need to strip this: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/how-to-strip-a-paver-sealer/
We have been using Euclid’s Luster Seal 300 on our stamped sidewalk every year for several years, that is all that has gone on it. It is getting hazy and I wonder if there is anything better. We live 60 miles south of Seattle (not far enough) so our climate is rather mild.
Thanks for any recommendations you can provide.
Post a picture as you may need to strip.
Dull or maybe faded?
Looks mostly dull with maybe a little of the white haze. Try the Supreme Shield SB-600: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/supreme-shield-sb-600-wet-look-review/
how good is cobble loc paver sealer
Below average.
Our driveway was acid stained about 15 years ago and needs refreshing.
Will SuperSeal 30 work for me? Pictures as requested.
Thank you.
Yes, it would work for this.
Need company name of people who apply sealer…do the sealing
We do not have lists of contractors by area. Check online for local applicators.
hEy my driveway needs some help what is the best way to do it and what products should I USE it was midnight blue and glossy before
Sorry but you cannot fix this with a sealer as the stamped concrete surface as failed in many spots py pitting and spalling. You might need to redo the entire driveway. Best to contact a stamped concrete professional installer.
Existing stamped concrete patio approx. 5-6 years old. Previously sealed with Euclid Super Diamond Clear, existing sealer appears mostly worn off – no issues with previous finish. Will Superseal 30 or SB 600 work where Super Diamond Clear was used without having to strip any remnants of the old sealer?
Yes as long as the old coating has not turned white or yellow in color.
I live in Michigan so winter is a problem. I have used Super Seal 30 twice. It is easy to apply and looks great. However, a little snow or rain makes it very slippery. I am 78 and being very careful, I still fell on my tailbone which hurt for 2 months. This was after using the additive to make the surface rougher to prevent such a problem. I am afraid for guests who are unaware of the slippery conditions. What else can I do? Would switching to the Super Seal 25 be the answer?
No switching would not help. You could add more grip into another application to see if that helps.
Does either the Super Seal 30 or the Supreme Shield SB-600 contain an emulsifier? We are re-sealing a 20 year old installation and hoping not to have to strip old product. Thanks.
Both are solvents that can emulsify old solvent-based sealers but they cannot “fix” a bad sealer that has turned white or discolored.
Can you use a sprayer to apply super seal30 concrete sealer? If so, what sprayer should I purchase?
No, the SS30 is too thick to spray.
What nap on the roller should I use to apply the SS30?
1/2″ or 5/8″.
Hey there! We just put stamped colored concrete in around our pool and hate the color. Did not turn out as base and release color said. Is there a colored sealer out there that may help? It a very large area! We haven’t sealed it at all yet…….thought I’d ask before purchasing anything.
No there are not tinted sealers that will fix this. Does it look better when wet? If so just use a wet look sealer like this: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/supreme-shield-sb-600-wet-look-review/
I had a stamped concrete patio put in spring 2018. Everclear 350 sealer was applied by the contractor with a roller. Bubbles appeared in most joints and were popped, power washed, dried and more sealer was applied with a roller ‘ nice and thick’ according to the contractor. 1st year the sealer flaked off some areas. 2nd year alot worse and now some spider web type cracks where the sealer seemed to fail. I was told xylene to redistribute the think sealer but not only did it dull the finish it made more spider webs appear and some areas the… Read more »
You would have to strip this all off to fix this. Adding more will make it worse.