This post was most recently updated on May 10th, 2024
H&C Sealer Wet Look
Update 2024 for H&C Concrete Sealer Wet Look Review
As of 2024, I have found that the H&C Concrete Sealer Wet Look has shown problems for Stamped Concrete, Brick Pavers, and other Decorative Concrete Surfaces. If you have any questions about the H&C Concrete Sealer Wet Look product, please ask in our Q&A area below. I am glad to help!
H&C Concrete Sealer Wet Look Water-based is a premium-quality 100% clear acrylic sealer that enhances and protects previously coated, bare concrete and other masonry surfaces. It is a single-component, nationally compliant sealer that can be applied to both interior and exterior applications. H&C Concrete Sealer Wet Look Water-based applies milky white to ensure complete coverage but dries to a transparent, durable gloss finish.
Tested on Brick Pavers – 2 coats applied.
H&C Concrete Sealer Wet Look Scores (1-10)
Wet Look: 5
I expected a much richer look because this sealer is H&C’s designated “wet look” sealer. The sealer did darken the surface, but only slightly. It is not on par with other water-based sealers and is not even close to a good solvent-based sealer.
Gloss Level: 4
H&C Wet Look Sealer had little to no gloss for the first coat and a matte sheen after the second coat.
Joint Sand Hardening: 8
The H&C Wet Look Sealer performed very well in this category. The sand between the pavers hardened all the way to the base, and after two years, there was little loss or erosion.
Fading/Wearing After 2 Years: 5
After two years, the H&C Wet Look Sealer dulled to a lighter shade. Mold and algae were growing on top of the sealer and between the sand joints.
White Haze/Yellowing: 3
This sealer is definitely prone to turning milky white. The entire paver patio blushed significantly. The manufacturer, in their directions, states that this could happen if the sealer is overapplied. We did not overapply the sealer but rather followed their directions, and it still turned white.
Overall Score H&C Concrete Sealer Wet Look at 2-Year Period: 5
H&C Wet Look is sold at local hardware stores and paint outlets. It is a consumer-grade coating, not a professional grade. It lacks the ability to provide a deep, rich, wet look and blushes/turns white when exposed to weathering. Coverage is poor, but it is easily applied.
This sealer will need to be chemically stripped and removed.
Product Information:
Sealer Type: Water-based acrylic Sealer
Types of Substrates: Brick, Concrete, Aggregate, Decorative Stamped
Coats Required: 1-2 coats
Coverage Per Gallon: 75-200 sq. ft
Application Tools: Roller, Airless Sprayer
Dry Time: 1-2 Hours
Cleanup: Soap and water
VOC Compliant: Compliant in all States
Manufacturer: H&C Concrete
My Test Stats:
Surface Type: Brick Pavers
UV Exposure: Mostly shaded area
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
*All products tested and results are from my experience. I offer no guarantee of similar results. Consider that results may differ due to different surface types, exposure to UV radiation, and traffic.
I used a paint brush and added H&C wet look sealer (water based) to my charcoal and terracotta coloured pavers. It’s now been 6 hrs and it is still showing the milky colour and hasn’t dried to a clear colour. I’m disappointed as I expected a transparent wet look.
I usually use H&C solvent gloss finish and have never had problems with it. I have a client that I used water-based sealer on natural coral stone and it barely darkened at all. From reading and researching about water-based H&C I’m worried what the outcome will be on natural stone and the concrete pavers that I feel I shouldn’t use it or recommend at all?
Is this sealer breathable?
Doubt it as it turns white on many people.
can this be used on outdoor concrete counter tops
We would not suggest it.
Can you go into more detail as in why not? Thanks
It will probably leave water ring marks and the H&C is a poor sealer in general. You need something more durable like a clear coat epoxy.
Which of your products is best for previously painted pool decks
You cannot seal over a paint.
I recently applied one coat of Masonry Saver All Purpose Heavy Duty Water Repellent Sealer on my driveway pavers. I was not happy with the appearance although the pavers did bead when it rained. Within two months, I applied one coat of H&C Low Gloss Clear Solvent-Based Exterior Concrete Sealer Wet Look over the Masonry. It looks great. Should I be concerned with slipperiness when wet, snowy or icy? Thank you. Tom
Probably not but no way to say for certain.
This site has offered me a great deal of information that I am now exploring using professional grade sealers. I have only been in business for 2 years but I’ve been using the H&C Clarishield Solvent-based wet-look sealer for a year now and so far I’ve had great results and no complaints from customers. However, a client called me because he was using his smoker on his pool deck that I sealed and it caused some haze to form beneath the smoker. It had already been weeks since application. Xylene did fix the problem. But Why did that happen if… Read more »
Not sure why it happened any nothing probably could have prevented this since it was fully cured by then. We have never had this happen to us or the sealers we use.
I need the pavers sealed in my lanai at my home in south west Florida. There is a pool in the lanai.
What is the best overall sealer to use for this application?
Thank you 🌴
See here: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/best-brick-paver-sealer/
Hi
I applied the concrete sealer high gloss today,and it’s flaking in spots
You will have to remove it to fix it: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/how-to-strip-a-stamped-concrete-sealer/
Do I have to strip off sealer before I repaint my driveway?
Apparently this is for bare concrete and not painted and chip flaked. It took the paint off. Help
You would have to ask H&C as we do not use their products due to very poor performance and quality.
Lowes told me to paint with h&c concrete paint then sprinkle with colored chips and then use h&c concrete sealer. It took the paint off! Directions are vague. Can I repaint and chip over this clear coat when it dries? It’s the oil based wet look clear cot.
Recently painted and sealed my driveway with H&C wetlook concrete sealer. I applied 3 coats and waited over 10 days before parking my car on the driveway. I know have tire marks on the driveway that I can’t wash off. Is this a problem with this product? Is there anything I can do to clean these marks off of my driveway, Very upset and disappointed in the sealer.
It is a very poor sealer, but it sounds like you over applied as well and that could create issues with curing. You cannot remove the marks outside of stripping off all the sealer.
What causes this product to bubble
See here: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/how-to-fix-concrete-sealer-bubbles/
So I have a stamped concrete pool deck. I originally used a solvent-based H&C product for several seasons, but switched to the water-based two years ago. Instead of every other year, I’m having to re-seal every season with this product! Is there ANOTHER water-based wet-look sealer you would recommend that would go on TOP of the existing H&C water-based? ( I just don’t want to go thru with stripping it off if at all possible!) Thank you for your advice!
No, you will have to strip it first.
We coved 2250 sq. ft. with H&C Solid Color Solvent Based Sealer. It was in the low to mid 70s with 10-15 mph winds.
Our driveway and patio took three coats and the sidewalks and porch took two coats. We still see variations in the stain. The product dries so fast that it is very difficult to roll evenly. No matter how we rolled, we got bubbles the size of gardenl peas and smaller. For this product being so expensive, we expected better results. We WILL NOT PURCHASE THIS PRODUCT AGAIN.
Can this product be use on roofing tiles
No.
Can you reply why? I just had a painting company come give me an estimate on painting a roof with this paint and they indicated there would be no danger of flaking since this tip of paint engrains itself into the tile, while it may fade over time, it should hold up pretty well. If not then what paint do you recommend and why?
Oops wrong product thought this was H&C Colortop from Sherwin Williams. At any rate would that one be ok?
Sorry, but we have never tried that product so not sure.
Can this product be used on pavers?
Yes.
I used this paint but it gets very slippery when it rains so. Much so that I slipped and fell!! Any suggestions thanks ! Doreen
Can I use this product over grout and will the normal 72 hour wait time going to be enough or do I need to wait longer before applying?
Not sure. Best to contect them directly as we do not use this product. Has issues.
Can I put a wax over wet look water base clear coat
No you cannot.
I applied H&C Silicone Acrylic Concrete Sealer Solid Color Solvent Based according to instructions provided in my garage. Spent extra time on prep as my expectations were rather low. I gave the product a good 10 days to fully cure before bringing the car in the garage. The first damp tires to roll on it caused the product to pull right up off the concrete. It has since done the same thing where the garage door meets the concrete floor. Not sure where the positive reviews are coming from but this product failed miserably on a basic garage floor. Went… Read more »
Usex on exposed aggregate. Did fair in coverage, 2 gal will not go a long way. Very happy with the gloss. Surface must be clean! Bold print says do not over apply, I barely got a wet look and 2 c oats turned out really nice. Go in oppo see ite directions for each coat. My coats are going on year 2 and look great. I live in the upper midwest.
Purchased H&C Wet Look product and applied per instructions.
Finish appeared nice for about two years, then began to turn milkey white in the Florida sun..
I must strip sealer and reseal pavers. Will not use this product ever again.
What do you use to remove this product off concrete?
Try the Concrete Sealer Stripper made by Clemons Concrete Coatings.