How to Seal Stamped Concrete 2024  5/5 (16)

This post was most recently updated on February 21st, 2024

How to Seal Stamped Concrete Update

In this updated article, we explain How to Seal Stamped Concrete. If you have encountered any issues and have any suggestions or have any questions, please comment below.


Stamped concrete is simply concrete that is patterned or textured to bear a resemblance to brick, flagstone, stone, slate, tile, wood, and various other surfaces. It can be used for patios, sidewalks, driveways, and pool decks. Normally a base color is chosen to reflect the natural color of the material it resembles. An accent color is also commonly used which gives the stamped concrete some texture.

To protect the appearance of stamped concrete, it is best to seal it. The right stamped concrete sealer will keep the surface looking good for many years. A concrete sealer can also revive an existing stamped concrete surface.

Benefits of Sealing Stamped Concrete

  • Prevents color fading caused by U.V. rays
  • Improves appearance
  • Protects from stains
  • Locks out moisture
  • Reduces the chance of freeze/thaw damage
  • Protects from deicing salts and chemicals

Surface Preparation Stamped Concrete

Like any surface, you will need to wash the stamped concrete before sealing it. Use a concrete cleaner and a stiff brush or pressure washer. Remove any dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and any other stains. For severe mold/mildew, a mild bleach solution can work well. Follow the directions on the concrete cleaner and be sure to rinse well. Allow the stamped concrete to dry for a day or so before applying the concrete sealer.

Choosing a Stamped Concrete Sealer

Stamped concrete sealers are offered in a variety of gloss levels, ranging from matte or non-gloss to high-gloss or “wet” look. The sealer can be applied using a brush, roller, or a quality metal sprayer. Cheap plastic garden sprayers do not work well as the sealer is too thick.

Stamped Concrete Sealer Application

Once the surface has completely dried, start applying the sealer evenly on the surface. Avoid “puddling” of the sealer; back brush any areas that start to pond or puddle up. Depending on the product and the type of finish you want, a second coat may be necessary. For glossy or “wet” look concrete sealers, additional coats can add more shine but be sure to follow the directions on the label and wait for the adequate dry time between coats. Once the entire surface is sealed, stay off the sealed concrete for the suggested amount of time, usually at least 24-48 hours.

Keeping your stamped concrete surfaces maintained will improve the look and value of your property. Protecting stamped concrete from the elements, stains, and other contaminants are certainly the best way to protect your investment.

The Best Stamped Concrete Sealer Video


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Carol Clift
Carol Clift
7 months ago

When you have stamped concrete that is spalling, what is the best thing to do and product to use?

Andy C.
Andy C.
8 months ago

Should you clean the older stamped/stained concrete with anything special (Xylene, TSP, mineral spirits) before actually applying the sealer? I have bought 20% solids to use. I’d rather roll than spray if you could offer some advice. Is it better to apply later in the afternoon if the concrete is hot/warm? I live in Alabama. Thanks in advance.

Andy C.
Andy C.
8 months ago

Thank you for your reply. I was told by the guy who did the concrete work (stamped, stained and sealed originally) that the next seal job, use Xylene to help “turn the older sealer loose” and allow the new sealant to adhere. He also mentioned that Xylene might help bring out the older sealer for a better look. Another guy I’m talking with about helping seal the pool deck this time said that he’d recommend spraying/rolling mineral spirits onto the concrete first to allow better adhesion for the new sealer. Not necessarily to clean the concrete but for adhesion properties.… Read more »

Andy C.
Andy C.
8 months ago

Scott;
 
Thank you very much for your clarification and advice. I will feel better knowing how to proceed with our re-sealing of the pool deck.
 
Andy Cook

Jackie
Jackie
10 months ago

Hello! Can you tell me what to use and how to fix cracks in stamped concrete prior to re-sealing? Also, what product is best for cleaning prior to re-sealing? Thank you!

Gus Bellomo
Gus Bellomo
1 year ago

Can I seal my stamp curbing with xylene?

Scott B
Scott B
1 year ago

I just had my patio that is positioned over my garage concrete stamp done by a contractor. There were a couple cracks in my patio before he started now after he’s done and it’s sealed it is leaking into my garage and he said there is nothing he can do for me. It’s one of your products able to seal this without getting any water through it?

Lauryl
Lauryl
1 year ago

I’m a 65 year old woman. How do I do this? 400 sq ft

Michael Reichman
Michael Reichman
1 year ago

I damaged our stamped concrete patio this past winter by trying to remove a layer of ice so as to safely walk across it. Concrete is about 10 years old and has been sealed 2-3 times over its life span. When it rains and is wet damage looks less noticeable.
Hoping that new sealer coat will minimize the obvious damage

Traci
Traci
2 years ago

We have a large stamped concrete patio. There has been a growing number of spots/areas where the salt water has eroded the sealer and leaves a spotty look.

We are wanting to reseal the patio as it’s been 3 years since install.

Can we use xylene on the spots /areas with erosion and then reseal over top???

What is the best sealer for this?

Traci
Traci
2 years ago

I hope these will do.

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Traci
Traci
2 years ago

Will super sealer fill in these spots? Can it be tinted or should it be???

Joaquin
Joaquin
2 years ago

Is there a method to spray on the dark areas of the stamped concrete? So its not just a plain color without the dark highlights of the stamp

What is the price range of 5 gallon
What is the price range of 5 gallon
2 years ago

What is the price range of 5 gallon

Brent
Brent
2 years ago

Hello. I have a 3 year old stamped concrete patio. It’s time to reseal it. Not sure what previous seal was used. We have young children and don’t want anything that is slippery when wet. Without knowing the previous sealant, what should we use for that wet look? I tired attaching pictures but it only allows for 2MB?? Please email me so i can send pics if needed. Thanks

JHerod
JHerod
2 years ago

Can I use Super Seal 25/30 over top of a previously used xylene based sealer? This was used approximately 5 years ago.

David
David
3 years ago

We already have a sealant on our stamped concrete but would like to add more shine to the present look. Can we just clean the stamped concrete and apply ? a new sealer with more gloss?

David
David
3 years ago

Is there a simple test to determine if this product is compatible? I have no idea what the previous sealer type or brand is, sorry.

mike scullion
mike scullion
3 years ago

I have lime spots where some planters were sitting on the colored stamped concrete. Should I try and remove or will the concrete sealer take care of it?

Greg Lentman
Greg Lentman
3 years ago

We had a stamped patio done 4-5 years ago. It’s starting to look dull and we want to reseal it. The contractor is no longer around and we don’t know if he used water based or solvent based. We are guessing solvent based but we don’t really know. Since we don’t know, what type of sealer would be best to use?
Thanks!

Thomas J Avellina
Thomas J Avellina
3 years ago

when using xylene to remove sealer do you wait for it to dry before resealing?

Janice
Janice
3 years ago

What do you do if the stamped concrete has a crack running through it?

Karen
Karen
4 years ago

How does it hold up in Arizona heat

Cheryl
Cheryl
4 years ago

My stamped concrete patio is showing some pitting. What should I do to repair or should I seal over the pitted areas?

gary
gary
4 years ago

whats a good recommendation on a sealer? looking for a wet/glossy look

Cindi
Cindi
5 years ago

I had a stamped concrete patio done last summer…. how long before I need to seal it again? The contractor is telling me I need to do it this spring. No problems with it…looks good. I thought he originally told me 2-3 years before I needed to reseal it. And what is the normal cost – the area is 10×10 with a hot tub taking up about 1/4 of the space. He is quoting me $348

Cindy
Cindy
5 years ago

Our new stamped concrete patio was sealed and a few days later it rained. The texture/pattern is like pavers. It’s been two days and puddles are still on the patio, in the “crevices”. Is this normal? The foundation for the stone wall (not sealed) and a small area for our trash cans (not sealed) dried quickly. Our wood deck has also been dry. I’m also noticing white spots that others have asked about.

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Cindy
Cindy
5 years ago

My concern is there aren’t any puddles anywhere else around our home. If it’s the norm for them to remain, won’t they turn to ice in colder weather?

Mike
Mike
5 years ago

We hired someone to install a new stamped concrete patio. Approximately 24-30 hours after concrete work was finished, they applied a sealer (first coat was thin and soaked in; second coat was applied about 30 minutes after first coat and looked to me like it may have been applied too thick). It ended up raining lightly overnight, approximately 5-6 hours after application of sealer. It has been 5 days now since sealer was applied and there are some areas where it is dry to the touch, but if I push with fingertip, it will leave a fingerprint (which I can… Read more »

Aaron Berhaupt
Aaron Berhaupt
5 years ago

I have black spots that show up when the stamped concrete is wet after it rains is this normal for being less than a year old.

Gary Checchi
Gary Checchi
5 years ago

Can you add a non skid additive to this my driveway is stamped and can slippery

Deonna
Deonna
6 years ago

We had a new stamped concrete patio installed. They colored it antique grey which looked great. However after they sealed it many large white patches appreared. He said he was fixing it but all there is is dark wet areas. He says he needs to seal. However the large white patches are still visible. Is there a way to fix this?

James
James
7 years ago

I have a 9 year old stamped concrete patio where much of the sealer has gone away, but around the edges and under the table still have a coating. (last re-sealed 3 years ago). What is the best sealer to use to re-coat? And do I have to worry about the difference in areas that still have a coating and those that don't?

Also in the past, when it rains, I have had areas that got milky white for a couple of days? is this normal?

Jan Russell
Jan Russell
7 years ago

Our new stamped concrete patio was sealed yesterday – we could walk on it after an hour – but how long do I need to wait before putting our patio furniture out?

R grewal
R grewal
7 years ago

I put bear premium wet look sealer.after the second coat it shows white spot how can I fix it

dbooms
dbooms
8 years ago

I sealed my stamped concrete with Diamond Clear with one thin coat, and the next day I went over it again with another thin coat. About three hours later, we had an unexpected light rain. So far, it looks good. Should I expect a white haze or blemishes? If so, what's the best remedy? A xylene wash?

Brandi
Brandi
8 years ago

I just had stamped concrete layed in my backyard. It was sealed 2 weeks ago. Most parts look nice and smooth but there is one area that is very rough and dull and it seems to be spreading. Is this normal or should I have the contractor come back out and re-seal?

Charlene hart
Charlene hart
9 years ago

We had new concrete poured. The front walk was stamped and sealed. However, right at the front door extending some past the porch which is covered, there is a dark discoloration. The contractor thinks it happened due to temperature differences. He is not sure it can be fixed. Is there any way to remove the stain or disguise the discoloration with another stain?

Josie
Josie
9 years ago

Just had my concrete done two days ago , how long do I wait to put the sealer on?

Steve
Steve
9 years ago

Pressure washing was done with too fine a tip and left noticeable lines on the concrete surface. Is there anything that can be done to remove those lines before resealing? Thanks!

Charlie
Charlie
9 years ago

Do you know how much I should expect to pay (ballpark) to have my 6-8 yr old deck washed and sealed. 1450 sq ft?

Dawn Solt
Dawn Solt
9 years ago

Help please! Had a salt water pool installed four years ago. Pool builder never did anything to pool deck…just left natural. After several years, cement cracked in one spot and seemed to be fading. So, we had company come out and apply an acrylic sealer/stain, but after the application had dried, the surface appeared to have milky white spots all over it. What would be the reason for this?

CORY HEIT
CORY HEIT
10 years ago

Need your help. I had a colored, stamped concrete floor installed in a bathroom and shower area and the installer initially did a cure and seal… was supposed to apply a sealer but closed his business and left the state. Now a year later I need to seal this floor, should have earlier. I like the wet look and want a durable, long term sealer. Any recommendations??

paul
paul
10 years ago

I have a small new stamped concrete walk way. When should you seal it? Right way or do you have to wait 30 days like some directions i have seen say.

isfearitself
isfearitself
10 years ago

We recently had a contractor install a stamped, stained concrete patio. It looks great. However, when it gets wet, dark stains appear. They then disappear when it dries. We thought maybe it wasn't sealed correctly. After all, the contractor said the sealant needed to remain dry for the first 24 hours, yet he sealed it on a day when it rained heavily after only 4 hours. The general contractor says the stains are actually signs of needed permeability, citing this article: http://www.concretenetwork.com/fix-concrete-seali…. So, my question is are these disappearing spots okay or signs of trouble down the road? Thanks.

Alison
Alison
10 years ago

I have a very old concrete bird bath. Can it be sealed to protect it from further wear? What product should I use?

Erma
Erma
10 years ago

The old sealer has discolored leaving whitish flaky spots, how do I prepare this surface to reapply sealer, and what went wrong?

kim
kim
10 years ago

I am getting ready to reseal a 7 year old faded stamped concrete patio. Can I just pressure wash it and apply a thin coat of SuperSeal 25 or do I have to use a concrete cleaner first? From the info I found on line it sounds like pressure washing it and letting it dry should be sufficient considering it has been 7 years since the walkway was sealed.

Sal
Sal
10 years ago

I am in Northern Cal, have a horizontal stamped concrete patio 10×15 ft. Never stained or painted or sealed before. I am seeing water marks on the areas where my lawn sprinklers splash water on the concrete. Look ugly, so I am looking to get rid of those water marks and seal my stamped concrete patio. I used a 'Seal Krete 2-in-1 etch n clean' from lowe's. Followed directions on that product, used a garden watering can to apply it after diluting 1/2 gallon with 1 gallon of water. But this has left some stains on my concrete now, and… Read more »

Sal
Sal
10 years ago

when wet with water, it looks somewhat uniform, better than when dry, but still those spots where the 'etch n clean' was applied can be seen.

Keira
Keira
10 years ago

I lost my color on my stamped concrete. Is there anyway to add color back into the concrete and then seal?

Ray
Ray
10 years ago

What is the right sealer to bring back color on stamped concrete

Teresa
10 years ago

I have read that using a matte concrete sealer is better because they are easier to clean than high gloss sealers. It also shows less scratching. Is this true?

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