Contents
This post was most recently updated on January 30th, 2023
Exposed Aggregate Sealer
Best Exposed Aggregate Sealers 2023
As of 2023, we have found that the Super Seal 30, Super Seal 25, and the Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealers are the most popular concrete sealers for Exposed Aggregate surfaces. 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!
Sealing Exposed Aggregate patios, driveways, and walkways will enhance and protect your surface from damaging weathering and deicing salts. Sealing aggregate stone is something any homeowner can do with significant results.
Benefits of Sealing Exposed Aggregate
- Improves appearance
- Comes in Clear or Brown Tints
- Blocks U.V. rays that cause fading
- Reduces mold/mildew infiltration
- Increases longevity of the surface
- Stabilizes the foundation
- Minimizes damages from water and freezing
Cleaning Exposed Aggregate
Prep the surface by pressure washing and dirt and grime. If needed, use a cleaner that is specific to any stains. For example: use a Rust Remover to remove rust or a Cleaner Degreaser to remove oil spills.
Always wear safety glasses to protect yourself. After cleaning, you need at least 2 days of dry weather before continuing.
Sealing Exposed Aggregate
Apply a Solvent Based Acrylic Sealer. These sealer types can be used on exposed aggregate with excellent results. Using a 1/2″ roller, start applying the sealer at the far end making sure to not step in the sealer. The sealer should be applied at the manufacturer’s spread rate. This is typically 100-150 sq. feet per gallon. Apply sealer quickly to avoid any overlaps. Let the sealer dry for 1-4 hours. If the sealer did not dry evenly, apply a second coat to even out the appearance.
Best Sealer for Exposed Aggregate
Super Seal 30 – Best Exposed Aggregate Sealer
Super Seal 30 Concrete Sealer Review
SuperSeal30 is a Higher Gloss Concrete Sealer that can be used for many 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.
The SuperSeal30 is a solvent-based breathable acrylic sealer that comes in a Clear or Brown Tint for Exposed Aggregate.
Note: Not to be used for plain poured (white) concrete.
Where To Find: SuperSeal30 Concrete Sealer
Sealer Type: High Gloss Solvent-Based Styrene Acrylic in Clear or Brown Tint
Types of Substrates: Pavers, Stamped Concrete, Exposed Aggregate, Decorative Concrete, Acid Stained Concrete
Coats Required: 1-2 coats
Coverage Per Gallon: 100-125 sq. ft
Application Tools: Roller
Dry Time: 4-12 Hours
Manufacturer: Clemons Concrete Coatings
See Review Article Here: Super Seal 30 Sealer Review
ConcreteSealerReview.com Rating (On a Scale of 1-10): 8.8
Maintaining Exposed Aggregate Sealer
Depending on your exposure to the weather and traffic, the Exposed Aggregate should be sealed every 12-36 months.
Best Exposed Aggregate 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 tried to do my exposed aggregate pool deck with semi transparent stain in a tan color, because stain shouldn’t stick to the aggregate. Wrong. First pic shows stained aggregate and then after removing the stain from the aggregate with a weak sealer remover and a wire brush. Lots of work. The second pic shows my attempt with a colored stain and sealer, wouldn’t come off aggregate with any cleaner except a strong solvent and wire brush or powered wire wheel (even Muriatic acid wouldn’t touch it!). Luckily I didn’t do the whole deck with that solid one!! What I… Read more »
Sorry but no idea as to how to remove what you applied. Best to ask the manufacturer of the solid and semi-transparent stain for advice.
I hear ya. I found a Rustoleum product that removes it, just didn’t know if you had a product you knew would work. So part 2 question- does the SuperSeal30 require the additive for an aggregate pool deck to not be slippery when wet?
No, you do not have to add the grit additive.
Can you put super sealer 30 over super sealer m
No, the SS-M would repel the SS30.
Hi Scott, will the Super seal 30 Brown Tint leave wear marks on exposed aggregate driveways along the tire tracks as it wears off? Am i going to notice vertical lines along the width of my driveway? Also how good is it at evening out 2 different concrete pours (one area is darker then the other) and will it even out the appearance?
Thanks
No, it does not wear unvenly. It probably will not even out the appearance betwen the pours.
Hi! As a fellow Michigander not far from you in Bloomfield. Looking for a matte finish low voc sealer for my exposed aggregate pool deck.
Super Seal Matte. You can pick up in store.
Thanks Scott! I was in the store today and bought the supreme shield 350 low voc it was out of stock. How does super seal matte compare. Wife wants low voc and it is for exposed agg pool deck. Thanks so much
The VOCs between the SB-600 and the SB-350 is minamal and once fully cured in a day or two, will have no difference. The Matte is the same VOC as the SB-600.
Hi. We just had an exposed aggregate patio done. It was poured and sprayed yesterday and today it was power washed, dried and sealed with aggreseal gray by metropolitan concrete. It was applied with the correct ratio of about 1000 to 1500 square feet per gallon but it does appear streaky or darker in some areas. We plan on applying a second coat but we only had one 5 gallon bucket and will be purchasing another tomorrow as the concrete supplier was closed today. My question is will the second application be ok if it is very close to the… Read more »
Sorry but no idea as we have never used that product.
Question 1. I have 3 years old exposed concrete driveway and my contractor used and it looked great for first few months then it started to fade. Then I used BHER premium sealer (wet Look Hi Gloss No.985) for next 2 years but not happy with this product at all. I like to see bit of wet look and not being slippery because I live in Ontario Canada with -20 degree to -40 degree temperature, snow and slat. I try not to used salt in winter months but salt still end up being on drive from city streets with my… Read more »
Not sure what is sold in Canada and if any good. Sorry.
Do you sell it in Indiana
I can have it in Indiana buy please refer me a good stuff
I am in Indianapolis In. Where can I buy
No idea as we do not know which brand you want. Also we do not live in IN, so we would have no idea if sold there locally or not. Once you decide on a sealer, you can have it shipped to IN.
Whoops, spelling aggregate…
Looking for a non soluble sealer for raised aggravate driveway and stamped concrete patio. Vancouver Island based and a non gloss finish. Thanks.
I live in Arizona. What would you recommend me using and I want some gloss but not a high gloss. What do you recommend
Super Seal Matte or Super Seal 25:
https://www.concretesealerreview.com/superseal25-semi-gloss-paver-and-concrete-sealer-review/
No question was posted.
My new exposed aggregate driveway was beautiful after it was completed. A week later our contractor put a Honey brown wet look sealer on it and it appeared to look nice when it was finished.. what bothered me was that they put a second coat on it within an hour after they finished the first coat. The next day we started seeing some whitish blotches. We were told that they would go away. We had a day and a half of rain 4 days later and now we’re seeing a lot more of the splotches. The contractor doesn’t seem to… Read more »
Need pictures posted to offer any advice. Thanks
I want to seal my exposed aggregate pool patio but do not want the patio to be glossy. Do you have a flat option sealer?
Closest would be the Super Seal Matte or Supreme Shield SB-600.
Would it possible to add some black exterior paint to the seal 30 to darken it up a little?
No, not possible.
I have an exposed aggregate driveway and I want to seal it with a blackish tint any suggestions the super seal only has 2 colors tint of brown and clear. Thanks
No sealer has a black tint that we know of.
Had driveway sealed with super seal 30 but it doesn’t look like it was done evenly. Could you redo it three to four days after the first application?
Yes, but do a light coat.
Thank you.
Looking for the best sealer to use on a normal sidewalk pour that is having the rocks coming out. Thanks
Is it exposed aggregate or regular concrete? Also, a sealer will not prevent rocks from coming out.
Regular concrete
Try Super Seal-M for an excellent water repellent.
Is the acrylic sealer gif exposed aggregate also a non/slip coating? If so what DCOF value does it have?
To achieve a nonslip with a filming sealer, you should add Shark Grip or Super Grip to the coatings prior to applying.
How long should I wait to seal immediately after pouring and exposing a new slab? And any advice on best sealant for (off) white concrete. Trying to keep it as light as possible.
Cheers
Use Super Seal-M. You can seal it now as it is a cure and seal.
What kind of roller to use with Super Seal 30? I believe it will melt microfibre, not sure about natural fibres (lamb wool).
Thank you
Any roller that can handle solvent-based sealers will work. Not lambs wool.
I have an old agrigate bird bath that needs sealing. What is the best product?
Try Super Seal-M.
The guy that did my exposed aggregate around my pool used a pressure washer when poured. It is hard to walk on barefooted. Is there a clear that will be thick to fill and seal.
A sealer will help some with this but no sealer is that thick that it will film fully and fill voids, etc. Try Super Seal 30.
Our aggregate walkway has turned gray and splotchy. A high gloss sealer has been applied every year without any major cleaning other than a thorough hose wash. Aggregate does not have an even appearance. What can we do before sealing this year to achieve a more even result.?
Post some pics.
We have a 1 year old exposed aggregate pool patio and love how it looks when wet. It is not currently sealed but we can’t decide whether we should get the clear or brown Super Seal 30. Will the clear make it look wet and dark? Will the brown turn the lighter stones dark? Picture shows it wet compared to dry. We want that wet look.
Look at this link and the pictures on it that show the difference: https://www.opwdecks.com/superseal30-gloss-5-gallon.htm
Both give wet look, just brown tinted with the brown.
My exposed aggregate has gone plotchy white . What is the preparation to clean it before i apply super seal 30.
Post pics.
What is the shelf life of Super Seal 30?
If opened, about a year.
Thank you!
Looking for a non shiny/gloss sealer for my exposed aggregate that has a faded redish/brown color to it?
Sorry but no such thing. They will have a gloss no matter what.
Looking for a product that will seal and tint my exposed aggregate patio for longer than 2 years? Any out there?
Try Super Seal 30 in the brown tint.
Any products that last at least 10-15 years ?
No, that is impossible. 2-3 years is the best you will get.
aggregate patio is in need of a sealer, but need something clear and NON SLIP as we’re old and grandkids use the pool. What product would you recommend for this. we want clear-non glossy
Supreme Shield SB-600 is what you would want: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/supreme-shield-sb-600-wet-look-review/
We used a different sealer on our stamped concrete 2 years ago. Would that be an issue with the Supreme Shield SP600?
That would depend on the prior sealer. What type it was and if it has failed by turning white or yellow?
I have been told that aggregate sealant sold in Indiana is inferior to sealant sold in other states. True?
No, depends on the brand and type.
it is supposed to penetrate down 1/4 inch into the rocks and cement, can rocks absorb sealant?
No.
What do you know about SealantPro?, supposedly it only needs one application for life of the concrete.Appreciate your answer
No sealer will last a lifetime. Sounds like a gimmick.
I’m looking to seal exposed aggregate concrete and would like to know how to select the product. I saw one brand that said it was “brown” but I was thinking I wanted a clear look with no color. As in a wet look. Also, what brand do you recommend that can find at Home Depot as it is near my home? I saw that I need a gallon per 100 sq ft. Is that true? Thank you
Nothing at HD or Lowes will be any good and have they have lots of issues with turning white. Try Super Seal 30 in the clear, if you do not want a brown tint.
Can this sealer be used on indoor aggregate. 10 years since last sealed by company and recommended it be done?
Not sure which sealer you are referring to but most of the sealers we rank are outside only.
Hi i have grey pebblecrete on outside of house it has never been coated and is approx 15 y.o and looks very old and worn and stained If i clearcoat it is it slippery when wet?
No.
We have an exposed aggregate driveway, new last year. Ahead of resealing I used my pressure washer to clean the driveway. I used too high a pressure and have pitted the exposed aggregate. The pits are very small and for the most part are at the edges of the aggregate stones. They are throughout the driveway, which is 9.5 ft by 52 ft. Is there a product you recommend to fill these pits ahead of applying a sealant? I’m willing to fill them one at a time, if need be. Alternatively is there a coating I can apply ahead of… Read more »
You cannot fill or fix this. It is permanent. You can sell it with the Super Seal 30 in either clear or brown tinted.
Does an exposed aggregate driveway in Massachusetts need to be sealed?
Yes, it should be sealed.
What to use to strip current sealer off exposed aggregate?
Thanks!
See for tips: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/how-to-strip-a-paver-sealer/
Best sealer over exposed aggregate that is not slippery? Live in Massachusetts. Zero slip!
Look at Super Seal 30 and then add in their Super Grip for traction as there is no such thing as “zero” slip with any sealer for aggregate.
Hi, I’m looking for the best brown tinted sealant for an exposed aggregate driveway with minimal slip and preferably minimal sheen (to reduce slickness). Superseal 30 is the only one I’m seeing in the comments that appears to be available in brown tint. What is your recommendation?
That is the best option. Super Seal 30.
We have brand new washed aggregate patio and pool surround, what should we use to seal it; we are looking for a matt finish.
For a matte finish, try Supreme Shield SB-600: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/supreme-shield-sb-600-wet-look-review/
Hello, I have a flagstone patio (approx 240sq ft) with breeze (crushed granite) as the grout, some areas larger than others but roughly 1/2” – 1” spacing. I am looking for a way to seal the breeze/ flagstone to keep the breeze from getting ALL over. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
There are not any sealers that we know of that will work for this to seal the grout in your scenario.
Can I use this over pebletec
Probably but best to ask them directly.
I have a pebble tec driveway that has eroded. Some pebbles remain but maybe half have washed away. It also looks like it has some dirt stains. Someone gave me an estimate and they want to use a sealant for asphalt driveways even though they told me I have a pebble tec concrete drive. How can I repair it? Can you add pebbles and spread them back onto the surface? Or should I just seal it? It doesn’t have any major cracks just losing pebbles so it seems wasteful and expensive to replace vs repair. Thanks for your advice.
Sory but we do not have any experinces with this surface type. FYI, a sealer will not hold in pebbles.
Would love to see a side by side of the clear and brown tint sealer after application and dry time. For comparison purposes and product decision purposes. Thanks.
Look on this link: https://www.opwdecks.com/superseal30-gloss-5-gallon.htm
Very helpful. Thank you Concrete Sealer Reviews😃
Where can I buy ?
https://www.opwdecks.com/superseal30-gloss-5-gallon.htm
How do sealers wear? Do they “fade” away or get “chippy” or “splotchy”?
Most just fade away.
where to buy it. Is it available in ontario canada.
Which product?
I have been reading about sealing expose aggregate over the past week and came across your helpful site. My project is a 30 year old sidewalk and a front door entrance. I cleaned it this weekend with a power washer and water only. The appearance is now clean, but dull all over, a few questions relative sealing in 90-100 degree Texas heat. 1. Which sealant would be used that would give a slightly shiny appearance? 2. How long do I need to wait before applying the sealant? With the Texas heat, the sidewalk seems to have dried quickly. 3. If… Read more »
Try the Super Seal 25: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/superseal25-semi-gloss-paver-and-concrete-sealer-review/
You can seal 24 hours after prep or rain. It will dry in a few hours after applying. You can do it in am or evening.