Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in stamped concrete sealing and protection. For info about who I am, please read my full bio here.
How to Seal Stamped Concrete
In this updated article, I will explain How to Seal Stamped Concrete. Please comment below if you have encountered any issues, suggestions, or questions.
Stamped concrete is simply concrete that is patterned or textured to resemble 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.
Sealing stamped concrete is the best way to protect its appearance. The right stamped concrete sealer will keep the surface looking good for many years and 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 to remove 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 before applying the 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.
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SuperSeal25 Semi-Gloss 5 Gallon
$189.99 – $219.99 -
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SuperSeal30 Gloss 5 Gallon
$199.99 – $229.99 -
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Supreme Shield SB-600 5 Gallon
$259.99 – $309.99 -
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SuperSeal Matte 5 Gallon
$209.99 – $239.99
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. A second coat may be necessary depending on the product and the type of finish you want. For glossy or “wet” concrete sealers, additional coats can add more shine, but follow the label’s directions and wait for 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 is undoubtedly the best way to protect your investment.
The Best Stamped Concrete Sealer Video
When you have stamped concrete that is spalling, what is the best thing to do and product to use?
You cannot fix this once it starts to happen.
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.
You clean to remove dirt and stains. If you have stains, then you need a cleaner that is specifiv to the stain. Xylene would have no point. Avoid hot sun application for stamped concrete.
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 »
Xylene or solvents will not help or do anything to increase adhesion. TSP is just a cleaner and would only help to remove dirt. Just pressure washing is all you need to do unless you have a stain or the old sealer has discolored by turning white or yellow. If that is the case, you need to strip.
Nothing last more than 2-3 years.
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
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!
There is not anything we know of that will fix cracks in stamped concrete and blend. As for cleaning, that would depend on the current condition. Post some pics for prep advice.
Can I seal my stamp curbing with xylene?
Xylene is not a sealer, it is a solvent.
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?
Not that we know of.
I’m a 65 year old woman. How do I do this? 400 sq ft
Buy a quality sealer like the ones we suggest. Pep first to make sure it is clean, let dry for 48 hours, and roll on the sealer per directions of the sealer.
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
Post some pictures.
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?
We would need to see pictures for proper help.
I hope these will do.
That is pitting of the surface. Xylene will not do anything for it. Use Super Seal 30 sealer.
Will super sealer fill in these spots? Can it be tinted or should it be???
No, a sealer will not fill in the damaged areas that are pitted. The pitting is permanent and cannot be repaired. One thing of note, if the pitting looks better and blends better when wet, then the SS30 sealer will also make it look better so it does not stand out.
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
No. You cannot spot seal. You have to seal all.
What is the price range of 5 gallon
Of what product? In addition, this site does not sell products so best to check online for the product you want.
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
Try Super Seal 25. You can add their Super Grip into for traction: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/superseal25-semi-gloss-paver-and-concrete-sealer-review/
Can I use Super Seal 25/30 over top of a previously used xylene based sealer? This was used approximately 5 years ago.
Yes, as long as the old sealer has not discolored or turned white/yellow.
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?
That would depend on the previous sealer type and brand and if it has failed or not. Pictures would help.
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.
Send some pictures.
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?
Remove first.
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!
Try a solvent like this one: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/superseal25-semi-gloss-paver-and-concrete-sealer-review/
when using xylene to remove sealer do you wait for it to dry before resealing?
Xylene is not a stripper and will not remove the old sealer fully. It would have to be dry to reseal.
What do you do if the stamped concrete has a crack running through it?
No much you can do to repair it.
How does it hold up in Arizona heat
Which sealer?
My stamped concrete patio is showing some pitting. What should I do to repair or should I seal over the pitted areas?
Super Seal 30 gloss and wet look sealer.
whats a good recommendation on a sealer? looking for a wet/glossy look
Super Seal 30 gloss and wet look sealer.
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
Cost varies by region and is not a set price. His price does not seem expensive. Typically every 2 years is normal.
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.
You can get puddles of water in the crevices. The white should not happen. I would ask the contractor to come back and take a look.
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?
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 »
Depends on the brand and the type of sealer they used. I would have them come back and take a look at it.
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.
No idea. Post a picture if you can.
Can you add a non skid additive to this my driveway is stamped and can slippery
Depends on the sealer brand and type you are using?
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?
You will need to strip off the sealer that turned white to fix before adding another sealer.
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?
The milky white is trapped moisture under the old sealer. Hard to say if it will blend when resealed. I would think so. Look at Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealer for this one.
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?
Depends on the brand. Typically cures in 24-48 hours.
I put bear premium wet look sealer.after the second coat it shows white spot how can I fix it
You have to strip it off and start over.
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?
I would not worry about it unless it happens. You are probably okay.
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?
Not sure what the issue is exactly. I would have your contractor look at it.
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?
Sorry but no that is not possible. At least we do not know of any way.
Just had my concrete done two days ago , how long do I wait to put the sealer on?
With stamped concrete you can seal right away if using a sealer that is both a cure and seal. Use the Super Seal 25, Super Seal 30, or the Super Seal Matte for this.
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!
No you cannot remove pressure washing lines that have scored or damaged the surface. If you cannot see the lines when wet with water then there is a good chance you will not see the lines if you apply a wet look sealer.
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?
It varies on the surface type, sealer type, and where you live. Probably a $1 to $2 a sq. foot.
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?
Dawn, it can be many reason that it turned white and there is not one fix that will work for all scenarios. It is probably moisture trapped. Try applying a solvent called xylene to the area and see if the white spots disappear. If they do not, than you will need to strip off the sealer and start over.
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??
Cory, look at the Masonry Save Decorative concrete Sealer to complete this project.
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.
Paul, waiting depends on the sealer you use. Some are cure and seals and can be applied right away. SuperSeal25 is such a sealer can be applied right away.
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.
It is fine and normal. You want the sealer the be able the breathe.
I have a very old concrete bird bath. Can it be sealed to protect it from further wear? What product should I use?
Alison, I am unfamiliar with anything that would work on a birdbath.
The old sealer has discolored leaving whitish flaky spots, how do I prepare this surface to reapply sealer, and what went wrong?
Erma, it could be many reasons that it turned white. It does need to be stripped prior to resealing. Do a google search for \”Concrete Sealer Stripper\” We use a brand made by Clemons Concrete Coatings
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.
Kim, it should be unless you have a stain to remove or the old sealer has discolored and failed.
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, it is not possible to fix the texture now. Does it look uniform in appearance when wet with water?
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.
I lost my color on my stamped concrete. Is there anyway to add color back into the concrete and then seal?
Keira, the right sealers will enhance the color as if wet with water.
What is the right sealer to bring back color on stamped concrete
Ray, SuperSeal 25 or SuperSeal30.
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?
Teresa, not that does not matter.