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This post was most recently updated on April 4th, 2024
Update on Different Concrete Sealer Types in 2024
As of 2024, there have not been any major updates with the different sealer types for concrete available on the market. If you have any questions as to the best type of concrete sealer for your project, please ask below in our Q&A area. We are here to help!
Concrete Sealer and Water Repellent Types
Sealing concrete will protect the surface from elements, deicing salts, spills, mold/mildew infiltration, and freeze/thaw damage. Knowing this, many homeowners have elected to seal their concrete surfaces. Whether it is a driveway, sidewalk, pool deck, or patio, these surfaces can benefit from being sealed.
There are many concrete sealer types and it can be a bit confusing to decide which product is best for your concrete. A general description of the most common concrete sealer types will make your buying decision a little easier.
Penetrating Concrete Sealers
Penetrating sealers react chemically with the concrete to shield against moisture. These sealers can dive up to a ½” into the surface and are normally used when repelling water is critical, such as on horizontal surfaces. These types of concrete sealers provide excellent protection from salts, efflorescence, and freeze/thaw damage. Penetrating sealers do not affect the appearance of the concrete surface and are a matte finish.
Where to Use: Plain Poured or White Concrete. Examples would be concrete driveways, patios, walkways, retaining walls, exterior brick walls, basements, and garages.
Penetrating Concrete Sealer Photos
Filming Concrete Sealers
Like their name suggests, filming concrete sealers form a thin protective film on the concrete surface and are typically very breathable. The most common type of film-forming sealers is acrylics. This film provides a layer of protection on top of the concrete. Filming concrete sealers can alter the appearance of the concrete. Depending on the type (water-based or solvent-based) the concrete may appear darker and/or have a shiny appearance.
Where to Use: Concrete Brick Pavers, Stamped Concrete, Exposed Aggregate, Stained Concrete surfaces.
Enhancing (Wet Look) Concrete Sealers
These types of sealers are generally used to enhance the appearance of the concrete, hence their name. They form a thicker film atop the concrete than the thinner film created by the filming sealers. Enhancing concrete sealers come in a wide range of sheens. They can be glossy, semi-gloss, satin, matter, or no shine. The pigment can be added to some of these sealers if additional color is desired. The thick, durable, abrasion-resistant finish repels water and provides a long-lasting finish.
Where to Use: Concrete Brick Pavers, Stamped Concrete, Exposed Aggregate surfaces.
Gloss and “Wet Look” Concrete Sealers
These types of concrete sealers have a high percentage of solid contents. They are great for darkening brick pavers, exposed aggregate or stamped concrete surfaces. The surface darkens as if wet once the sealer is applied and it stays that way. Many homeowners like the “wet look” of this type of high gloss sealer. It can restore the original color of faded surfaces while providing adequate moisture protection.
Knowing about the most common concrete sealer types can help you in your buying decision. The most important factor is to protect your concrete with some type of quality concrete sealer to either enhance its beauty, increase longevity, or both.
Where to Use: Concrete Brick Pavers, Stamped Concrete, Exposed Aggregate surfaces.
Gloss and Wet Look Concrete Sealer Photos
Epoxy Concrete Coatings
One of the more popular concrete coatings types are Epoxy Coatinga. It has proven these coatings to be some of the most durable concrete coatings. Epoxy Coatings can be used for both interior and exterior applications, but most are used for interior or covered surfaces. By using Epoxy Concrete Coatings, you can prolong the life of the concrete surface while making it easier to clean.
Where to Use: Garage floors, warehouse floors, industrial floors, shop floors, basements, concrete patios, and concrete countertops.
Any Questions on the Different Types of Sealers for Concrete? Please Ask Below.
Different Types of Concrete Sealers 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 live in Minnesota and we just had a new concrete driveway poured a year ago. They sealed it once but would like to put another coat on myself. What sealer would you recommend to hold up with our elements here? Thank you for the help.
zach
Do you know what they used prior? Not all sealers are compatible and your first coating may repel the next coating.
We have a 20 year old concrete driveway, we would like to stain and seal it to a black matte color. Anything you would recommend?
Sorry but no, we do not know of a stain that would work for this.
Hi — we live in an area that gets 3-4’ of snow each winter, with multiple thaws and re-freezes each season. If we seal our concrete driveway and walkways will they be more susceptible to ice accumulation simply due to the sealant used? They are properly graded and drain well with no ponding of snowmelt. Thanks!
No, it should not make a difference if sealed.
I have a basement block concrete walls have water coming in at bottom, what’s the best Searles to use. Tried the black sealer didn’t stop all the leaks
Sealers will not stop leaks from leeching out, they only work by preventing water from penetrating into concrete. You would have to prevent water from the outside.
Hi Mike, I’m hoping you have a solution for me: house built in 1954, concrete basement floor has never been sealed. It’s now been cleaned with TSP and floor brushes, and well rinsed. It is used frequently so I’m looking for:
1. Something that holds up to foot traffic.
2. Is not clear (floor has been used HARD lol)
3. is not shiny or slippery.
What do you suggest?
Thank you
P.S. Is TSP “clean enough”, or do you suggest additional cleaners?
Use an epoxy coating. See here for the best options: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/what-is-the-best-epoxy-floor-coating-reviews/
Thank you!
Hi there, I am looking for some advice for our indoor concrete floors & sealing. We built a new construction home and had the concrete finished before the framing started, EXCEPT for sealing. We live on the coast in WA and wanted to give the slab a long time to cure. A couple questions we have are: 1) do you have recommendations for a sealer that is a more matte finish (for interiors – this will be our finished floor for a while). 2) to protect the floors during construction, we covered the concrete with ram board, and taped it… Read more »
1. No change of appearance? No wet look or shine?
2. Sorry but no experience here on what to remove it. Maybe a graffiti cleaner such as good off? It will show if you do not get it off.
3. No.
1) Correct – I really like the natural color of the concrete but would like the protection of course.
2) thanks! Will give that a try,
3) great!
Try Super Seal-M or Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellent.
How do I remove epoxy sealer that has turned white and is flaking after a decade? We’ve tried every sealer we can think of and we need a professional to come and do the work asap
Post some pics for help.
How can we remove an epoxy concrete sealer that was used on patterned encaustic tiles? It has turned white and must be removed before resealing. We’ve had at least 10 tile cleaning companies tell us they cannot do this work but will be happy to come reseal after we get current finish off.
Need more info on the sealer. Brand and exact name. Also, pics would help.
Yes, you will have to grind it off or replace all the tiles.
ouch…..we have a half an acre of tile patios to grind down. Is there a specific name (that I don’t know) for such grinding specialists? I have tried looking under Tile Grinders and Tile Sanders but I keep winding up with only Tile Cleaning contractors who do not do grinding/sanding. Thanks for the advice.
Try Epoxy coating people as they are familiar with grinding. Also, try a rental yard that rents grinders as they may know of some contrators.
Thank you!!!! I’ll do that
I have a water feature that I like to paint with an acrylic paint, and then seal it with a high gloss sealer. I need something that can seal below the waterline of the feature without turning white like the sealer I used before. What do you recommend? Thank you.
Sorry, no sealer will work for this scenario.
I just had a new garage floor installed. The contractor said he sealed it but when I got home that night the floor still had dust on it from the saw cutting. Would this be normal after they had applied sealer?
No.
I have a round 12′ paved brick patio with a soldier edge on the edge leading to the yard. It is about 9 years old and has been sealed about every 3 years with a water base satin acrylic sealer. What would you recommend as the best sealer and the best process to obtain a wet look with a gloss look that would not be slippery? I am thinking that the water base has not been giving me the look I want but I like the convenience of the water based.
You will need to strip off the current sealer first. Once fully removed, try Super Seal 30.
Hi there! I have a concrete pool deck that was poured without any color. Someone told me that we can use a sealer on it afterwards to make it a bit lighter in appearance. Is there any sealer that does this? If not, what sealer could we use for our pool deck that won’t make it any darker? Thanks!
Sealers will not make the concrete lighter. You can use a product like SuperSeal-M and that will not alter the appearance: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/superseal-m-concrete-water-repellent-review/
Hello Mike, We have an indoor fireplace with red brick hearth. I did a german smear with white mortar in between bricks. I am looking for a semi wet look to bring back some of the red brick look that got smeared with some of the white mortar. Also am not sure if I should coat anything and just leave it because we burn a lot of wood. I have concerns about solvent based sealers around high heat. Can you reccomend any of your products for this application? Thank you a ton for your web site and blog-extremely helpful! Gerry… Read more »
Try a water-based wet-look sealer like Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealer or Surebond SB-6000.
I have a new split face (one side) concrete block wall that I want to water seal that will dry clear on the block – gloss would be ok, but semi-gloss would work. I do not want it to turn white and I’d like to clean up with water. What is the best product to use? Thanks
Look at Super Seal 30 but you will need multiple coats to achieve a shine on split face block.
I am looking for a WET LOOK sealer product that is water-based, with no gloss. Can you help? I have found that many do no live up to their hype. If I soak the paver with water, it darkens noticeably, but returns to it original dull color after drying. But when I hit it with the WET LOOK sealer, it reacts quite similarly, darkens noticeably, but then dries a tad darker than the original color, but still no match to the soaking-with-water fresh look. Please help!
You will need solvent-based if you want that deep wet look. Try Supreme Shield SB-600.
Thank you for your time. The previous owner appears to have used a product called Dominator, which I believe is water based of i read label correct. So can I use a solvent based product over that?
If the surface is porous (water does not bead) and the old sealer has not discolored, it should be fine.
Thank you!! SB-600!!
I have a 10×10 dog kennel that I laid concrete pavers in the bottom of. I filled the cracks with quick crete to help keep them set. It is working out fine, but when I spray it out, little chuncks of concrete and sand is going with it. What can I use to seal it with to prevent this from happening
A sealer will not stop this from occurring.
I have an exposed aggregate concrete front patio and walkway and a separate 6″ border wall separating my yard from my neighbors. They are a year old and i originally sealed them with a product from nox crete called sparkl-seal acrylic high-gloss decorative sealer. it gave it a little darker color and a wet look to it. The front of my house where this is gets a ton of sun and is very hot. That original look after sealing has pretty much faded. Is this the best product to use or is there something better and longer lasting. Any help… Read more »
I sent a question 6 days ago and haven’t heard back yet. Did you recieve it or do i need to resend. I appreciate any help or answer. Thank you
We would suggest the Super Seal 30 in either the regular color or the brown tint for exposed aggregate.
https://www.concretesealerreview.com/superseal30-paver-and-concrete-sealer-review-2/
I have an 18 ft X18 ft patio that I made that is concrete from those rock shaped molds. I hope that makes sense. I had filled in between the shapes with polymeric sand. It didn’t last one summer. I’m going to take it all out and clean out the old polymeric and try something better. I’ve read that Sakrete Paver Set Polymeric Sand is good. I wanna know if I can apply a sealer to the concrete and polymer?
Post pictures.
Any quality coloured sealers? Looking for something that does not build up on surface.
No, they are not tinted.
Which is better on concrete patio pavers, solvent based or water based. I’ve been told water base last longer but solvent base bonds chemically with the polymetric sand making it more durable.
Secondly, we want our pavers to look wet but not like they’ve been shellacked. Which is better the wet finish or the gloss finish?
Solvent has always been better for the most part. Not true about the sand, both would do the same.
Wet look is an enhancement. Shine is the gloss. Try this: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/supreme-shield-sb-600-wet-look-review/
I have a newly recently poured concrete garage floor in Chicago. I want to protect it from water, freezing, and salt.
–How long do I have to wait before sealing it?
–Would you recommend a penetrating sealer? Which one?
–Would there be any advantage to going with an epoxy sealer? (I’m not interested in the looks of the surface, just protecting it).
Many thanks. Finding this site very helpful–learning a lot.
You can seal now. Try the Super Seal-M:
https://www.concretesealerreview.com/superseal-m-concrete-water-repellent-review/
Epoxy is mostly for looks.
we have a newly constructed home , not sure what paver sealer to go with.
I don’t want a high shine, maybe one that enhances the color a bit.
Something that is breathable but will last, one that secures the sand preventing movement of the pavers , and prevent weed growth, and fading from the sun.All the usual things people want from a sealant
Try the Super Seal Matte Paver Sealer.
I have 21″ high and 18″ deep concrete walls in my backyard. The walls are about three months old. We used colored concrete (black) but it has faded to a gray color. We are getting ready to seal them and I would like to know which sealer will bring out the black color. When it rains they do look black but when they dry in the sun they fade to the lighter color. Thank you!
You would want a wet look sealer like Supreme Shield SB-600: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/supreme-shield-sb-600-wet-look-review/
Have an existing concrete walled underground room. The slab and concrete top have been waterproofed, but looking for a similar vertical product. Has developed hairline cracks and looking for a product to create a barrier against penetration of underground moisture. Appearance is not an issue.
It is not possible for a concrete sealer to prevent water from seeping or leeching out of concrete. They only help to prevent water from penetrating into a surface.
What is the best sealer for a year old driveway that is showing signs of scalding
Try SuperSeal-M: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/superseal-m-concrete-water-repellent-review/
or Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellents https://www.concretesealerreview.com/masonrysaver-heavy-duty-water-repellent-review/
I have a stamped concrete brick look patio that is 12 – 15 years old. I have always used acrylic high gloss sealer. I always power wash, & sometimes I have stripped the old sealer off. No matter what I do, or what I use it always goes yellow within 2 years. I am done with high gloss acrylic sealers. Do you recommend a penetrating sealer? Anything else? Thanks!
Strip it all off fully and then got with a wet look but no gloss: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/supreme-shield-sb-600-wet-look-review/
I have an issue with moisture coming up thru my concrete (house) slab from time to time, and am in process of having to replace carpet and pad. Is there a sealer acts as a moisture barrier. in lieu of laying plastic moisture barrier material?
No, sealers cannot stop moisture from coming through concrete. They are designed to prevent it from going in.
I have a front porch that has a layer of small pebbles (~1/4 Inch) embedded in an epoxy(?) layer and I want to add a sealer to keep water from penetrating. I live in the midwest. What is the best clear sealer for the job? Thanks.
Please post a picture.
I have a outside porch I want to seal. I live in northern Minnesota. What do you suggest.
1. MasonrySaver Heavy Duty Water Repellent
2. SuperSeal-M Water Repellent
First of all, I want to say this is a great forum. Hopefully it is unbiased and your forum is not funded by manufactures. We are a large decorative concrete installer and probably have done more in the Twin Cities over the past 25 years than any of our competition. The challenge is we are losing a lot of market share in decorative stamped to pavers and natural stone… it is a large part due to whitening and maintenance of sealers owners are faced with. I can tell you that salt water pools have eaten away 2 different types acrylic… Read more »
As for who we are and our experience, that is on the very first article on the home page.
The whitening of sealers we have found is mostly due to pure solid acrylics. We suggest the styrene acrylics as they are breathable and less chance of this happening.
We had a pool constructed with pre-cast coping pieces. The contractor used BP PRO-NSS paver sealer on them. Now the coping is a darker color and very slippery. Neither of which we wanted. He tried to use stripper, but it left streaks. He insists that sealer is the correct one for the pre-cast coping. Is he correct?
Nothing wrong with what he used but he probably should have asked you if you wanted a sealer that darkened the color.
I have a small office building with a separate entrance that I want to seal the cracks then seal the entire concrete area with some light gray dye added for color enhancement. I want something that lasts a long time. This area would get only foot traffic. Norfolk, Virginia with humid, hot summers too. What do you recommend?
You cannot add a dye into a sealer. You can try staining the concrete first and sealing over but that is going to give a more decorative look. You will also need a pro to do this correctly.
I need to seal a concrete drive. I live in northern middle Tennessee. What stalker do you recommend?
Super Seal-M or Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellent.
How long must sealer dry before it can have water or rain on it?
Depends on the brand and type of sealer you are using?
How often should you seal the exposed aggregate driveway.
Every 2 years is normal.
We have an exposed aggregate driveway in which we have used Super Diamond Sealer every year. It fades and we are not happy with it. I like a shine but it doesn’t last long. Is there something better to use and can we use it over top of Super Diamond without stripping the old seal off. We will power wash it and there isn’t any oil spots on it. I know a lot of people have trouble with white patches. Help
We need to do it ourselves and we aren’t young anymore.
It is normal to fade when exposed to the sun. Have you tried to rejuvenate the shine once a year to extend the life? You would use a solvent called Xylene. Just apply to a dry surface with a pump sprayer and your sealerw will be shiny again.
Can I use your super sealer 25 on my acrylic 1 part epoxy painted cement driveway.
No it will not work there.
My driveway is 15 years old and has never been sealed. It now has cracks. Can I still apply a waterproof sealer, if so what would you suggest?
Hi Mary, sealers will not stop cracks that have already formed in your surface.
My Pacific Northwest aggregate bordered by stamped driveway is visited by many days of heavy continuous rainfall. I would like a wet look as provided by the paver sealers but the stamped concrete need the major aggregate areas demand the waterproofing aspect. Can I apply a coat of the lossy paver sealer followed by a top coat of the water repellent concrete sealer – just like you do with lady’s nail polishes? Is this an annual undertaking? Previously applied water based sealers for the 10 yr old paved aggregate driveway.
No, you cannot do that. You cannot apply a water repellent over top of a paver sealer. Will not soak in and will create a mess to fix. Best to just use a gloss sealer for all areas. Look at the Super Seal 30.
I am making pavers for driveways. My problem is that the aggregate seems to be too strong for the dye because no matter what quantity of dye is placed in the mixture when the products get dyed the color fade from it original looks. I am in Jamaica and the aggregate is white and very strong and I am using the powdered oak oxide.
How can I solve this problem so the color don't fade?
Sorry but no idea on this as we do not make or manufacturer pavers.
I have a concrete apron and patio of the same substrate. The patio has an oak tree in the middle and therefore there is a lot of sap and other tree material landing and discoloring the cement. I can power wash the patio and it returns to bright form, but it takes a long time to do the power wash. The structures are at least 30 years old and maybe 50 years old. I am leaning toward a penetrating sealer to use on both surfaces. What is the best brand?
Try Super Seal-M water repellent.
Can you tell me how the Ghostshield Siloxa-tek 8500 compares to these other products for concrete and brick coping pool deck with a saltwater pool in los angeles, ca
Thank you
Becky
Sorry but familiar with this product.
Good afternoon,
Last year we pressure washed our driveway.. sat to dry for 5 hot days.. then applied the primer .. sat for 5 days … then applied 2 coats of the Behr concrete stain (off white) — it looks wonderful a year later.
I would like to apply a sealer to it to avoid potential stains, friends with leaky vehicles, weather issues…. what would you recommend.?
–
Hello, you cannot apply a sealer over a concrete paint.
Good morning,
The corporate officer from Eagle recommended using EAGLE ARMOR SEAL…. it's on the shiny side, but it won't have any problems collaborating with the Behr concrete stain(according to him)
— your thoughts.?
–
Sorry but no idea on this.
I have a 7 year old home with an aggregate driveway. A section of it had to be repoured during construction due to cracking and the color has never truly matched. Is there a product I can apply to make all the sections match without a drastic color change?
You could try a sealer with a brown tint added possibly.
I have a concrete deck around my in-ground pool in western PA. Concrete was poured containing a tan dye, 6 years old and beginning to fade. Want to seal it with a sealer that allows pigment to be added.
Look at Super Seal 25.
I just got new concrete paths in my garden. Unfortunately, the contractor made a big mistake. It was supposed to be lovely aggregate to match my driveway. He poured plain concrete. Can you please advise what kind of concrete sealant I could use to make it look better? I don't want stamped concrete. I wanted something that will look natural/ go some way towards matching the existing aggregate. I would be very grateful for your advice. It's a lot of concrete, so it has to look good.
Diana
It is not possible to make regular concrete look like the aggregate. Sealing it with a wet look sealer will not work either for plain poured concrete. It dries blotchy and uneven. Looks bad.
Greetings. Could you please tell me what you currently recommend as the best water based wet look sealer for concrete driveway pavers in a cold climate with lots of freeze/thaw and road salt. Thank you.
Masonry Saver Paver Sealer.
Which type sealer is best for a patio (outdoor) with a freshly applied concrete dye?
Try the Super Seal-M water repellent.
Home is in Washington State…about 10 years old…architecturally designed by previous owners.
There is a considerable amount of concrete brick pavers interlaced with decorative concrete borders about 3 feet wide.
I don't know what the previous sealant was nor, if, in fact, it was sealed. My mention of the 'architecturally designed' aspect is relative to my assumption that it would have been.
What product should I use on these varying surfaces without knowing this history?
Thank you for your help!
Super Seal paver sealers or Masonry Saver Paver sealer.
I live in Northern Kentucky and am sealing a 15 year concrete driveway that has not been sealed before. The driveway has a brushed texture to it I am going to powerwash/clean the area. I will also be filling in cracks and doing some minor repairs. What is your recommendation on the product I should use. Thank you, jc
Masonry Saver products. Try their Heavy Duty Water Repellent.