This post was most recently updated on January 30th, 2023
Update 2023 on the Best Stamped Concrete Sealer
Stamped Concrete Pitting
As of 2023, 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
The Best Stamped Concrete Sealer Video
As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing, concrete sealing, and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior restoration. Scott and his restoration Michigan company have restored over 10,000 projects in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the restoration industry and has contributed to numerous restoration forums and informative sites.
All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.
I have an old cracked driveway with some uneven joints. Trying to find a reasonably priced expert in west Los Angeles.
Thanks,
Mike
Sorry, but we have no idea about concrete contractors.
Hi my stamped patio is a little over a year old. I have loads of white spots on it. Will resealing it with Super seal 30 get rid of the spots?
Thanks
Maybe but it will probably come back as your old sealer has issues with turning white. You may need to strip it.
I have a stamped concrete patio which is approximately 15years old. After years of power washing the dye and sealer is almost gone in all areas, but there are a few rectangles where there is a touch of sealer left. We do not know what type of sealer was used. This week we power washed it again, then applied a Behr semi transparent stain to put some color back into the concrete. So now we have a porous stamped concrete patio with a recent stain application (about a week old). What type of sealer would be best for our requirements:… Read more »
You need an acrylic sealer since you stained this. Try Masonry Saver Stamped concrete sealer or Super Seal Matte.
Help appreciated!
Stamped concrete was poured Saturday morning, sealant applied Sunday afternoon.
Rain happened on Monday. We stayed off of it until Thursday.
Contractor says to give it a month, but I don’t think time will fix these issues. The sealant is “gummy” in some sections, bubbling in the crevices, and there is discoloration and claw marks from our dogs despite waiting 4 days to go on it. (We were told we could use it 24 hours after the sealant was applied but waited longer anyways).
How can this be fixed?
Try to reset the sealer with Xylene solvent. Spray on and let dry. Make sure it has 2-3 days to dry before rain.
I need a sealer that is not slippery
for my pool deck
To help properly, please answer the questions in the article.
I have a large stamped and colored concrete patio that has been neglected for several years. There is fading and pitting in some areas. What should I do to prep and seal this patio? What products should I use? Is this a job I can do myself or should I hire a professional?
Clean to remove dirt and then seal with Super Seal 25. You cannot fix the pitting.
With the SB 600, how long should fresh stamped concrete cure before it is sealed?
You can seal it right away as soon as it dries.
So a 28 day cure time is not required with this sealer to achieve full strength of concrete?
Nothing in the directions says it is needed to wait.
Our inground pool deck is stamped concrete. We have used Super Diamond Clear sealer every year. I like a high gloss wet look and after it’s sealed it looks awesome but fades quickly and loses its look before summer is over. In areas that are covered, it keeps it’s shine. What can I use to keep from fading and can I seal over existing seal? Thank you.
Post some pictures.
Where the concrete has cover it doesn’t fade. Thanks.
It has turned white and needs to be chemically stripped to fix. See here: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/how-to-strip-a-stamped-concrete-sealer/
Hello! Our stamped concrete was sealed last year, we had to have the stairs redone so now there’s an area around steps that isn’t sealed. Should I reseal the entire patio? If so, what product do you suggest?
Reseal all. Try the Super Seal 25.
Thank you!!!
Hi, we had a contractor clean and apply some “antiquing” and sealer to our aging stamped concrete patio. It’s still pretty dull and pitted looking, and slightly porous. Could I go over it with the superseal 25 to give it a better finish? Will it help with the pitting look?
As long as it is porous, it should work to enhance to color. You cannot fix pitting with a sealer.
Thank you! What can help with the pitting, if anything?
Nothing that we know of.
Hi , We have just applied H&C Clarishield Solvent based High Gloss Sealer on Sat Jun18/2022 on our year old water based stained stamped concrete. It is yet to rain here in Clemmons NC. It looks really good with high gloss sheen and has no bubbles. but I have been reading a LOT of terrible reviews about this sealer ( unfortunately , started going through reviews after applying ). One of the contractors suggested us to go with this sealer. am thinking to redo the whole sealing. Could you please advise , best sealer that is high gloss solvent based… Read more »
You would have to strip off the H&C first with chemical stripping and pressure washing. Do you want to do this?
What is the best stamped concrete sealer for an interior surface? The stamped concrete is in an enclosed Florida room attached to the back of the house.
Try this sealer for indoors: https://www.defystain.com/concrete-products/decorative-concrete-products/decorative-concrete-sealer.html
Hi, I have a concrete pool deck about 8-10 years old. The surface appears to be stamped or molded and appears to have been stained the color of wet beach sand. I do not know if the concrete was sealed or how. I have tested the surface in a couple places with water and with Muriatic Acid… The water shows some discoloration where it has evaporated, and the Muriatic Acid generated some fizzing… Can you review the attached pictures https://photos.app.goo.gl/eUwKpW97AVMuNm667 and video https://photos.app.goo.gl/xi2YsNCBEhxcVkpU8 to help confirm that this deck does not appear to be sealed…? Many thanks in advance since… Read more »
Try Super Seal 25 for this. Aso, you might want to add their Supre Grip into the sealer for traction around the pool.
Can we use Valspar protective sealer natural look on our stamped concrete? We have stained it with Valspar ConcreteStain Semi Transparent.
Thank you!
No, it will not work.
Attached pics
No pics.
A third party applied Deco Guard Premium Concrete Protection High Gloss to our stamped concrete in Colorado and the results after six months are horrible. The shine has diminished and discoloration is everywhere. First question: How is Deco Guard rated ?
Second question: We are looking at another vendor and he is using Super Diamond Sealer. Is this compatible with Deco, is it better for shine and protection?
Is there a better product than these two
sealers?
Never heard of this sealer so no idea if any good or if Diamond Clear is compatible. You probably need to remove the coating as well first before recoating. Post some pics.
We have a stamped color patio. We have had it sealed by the company who installed it every two years. I want to tackle it this myself. This is year two when it would be done. I appreciate your page and the information. A couple of questions. Do you always need to strip old sealer off in this case? Or is it sufficient to power wash patio and then apply new sealer? Any recommendations for repairing small divets in patio before sealing? Thanks in advance.
Post some pics. You cannot spot-fix the divets.
Here are a few pics. Thx again.
No need to strip this. You cannot repair the divets and have it blend. It will look bad if you try.
Ok. Thank you so much for responding much appreciated!
Can I seal my stamped concrete if it has some pitting?
Yes, but the pitting will still show.
What would you use on this?
Is that concrete or tiles?
It’s concrete!
Try this: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/supreme-shield-sb-600-wet-look-review/
Have stamped concrete around the pool, what the idea sealer to use with pool water (chlorine)
Most use Super Seal 25 or the Supreme Shield SB-600.
I have a stamped concrete fire pit done 4 years ago. What should I use for this to reseal it?
Most use Super Seal 25 or the Supreme Shield SB-600.
What do you recommend for patio that was neglected (not resealed) for several years? This is after power washing (dark spots are not dirt)
What type of concrete surface? Do you have pcitures?
Here’s one – sorry the upload didn’t work before
Do us a favor and take one more picture of the same but wet the stamped first with water.
Wetted
It looks like you have an old sealer that has turned white. This will need to come off first. See this for tips:
https://www.concretesealerreview.com/how-to-strip-a-stamped-concrete-sealer/
Once removed, try Super Seal 25:
https://www.concretesealerreview.com/superseal25-semi-gloss-paver-and-concrete-sealer-review/
Thank you!
Thank you!
Newly bought house has stamped concrete driveway , needs to be sealed don’t know what’s on it now, solvent or water based would prefer a none darkening low luster sheen. Recommendations? Need 700sqft thanks ,Dave
All stamped concrete sealers will darken the appearance. You can get one with little to no shine. Try SuperSeal-Matter.
About 13 years ago we had a company pour our stamped concrete patio, which is a large area. They stained it with a product called “Smith’s Color Floor in a dark brown color with a white border. They sealed it with a products called W.R. Meadows SeaTight. Every single year the color fades and the white area is pitted even though we stain the entire area and seal it every year. It we re-stain it can we use one of these products to seal it? If so, how long should it hold up before needing to be re-sealed
You cannot restain over a sealer You would have to strip it all done to the bare concrete, restain, and then reseal.
It sounds like an extremely major job to strip everything off of the concrete and start all over.
If that is done and your stain and sealer product is used, how long should it last in the Pacific Northwest before the sealer should be put on again.
It is normal to reseal every 2-3 years or as needed.
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/