What is the Best Concrete Sealer?
2017 is here and time to review and apply a new concrete sealer. This article is one of our top articles related to concrete sealers and there has been over 2100 Comments and Questions. If you need advice on What is the Best concrete Sealer for you, please ask below in the comment area.
Concrete comes in many different types and substrates that can be found both for both interior and exterior applications. There are Concrete Driveways, Vertical Brick Walls, Brick Paver Patios, Basement Floors, etc. Concrete is very porous and can be prone to degradation from Water, Ultra Violet Radiation, wear, and tear, etc. By sealing or waterproofing your concrete surface you will add life and protection to your surface.
So what is the Best Concrete Sealer?
The answer to that is dependent on why you are sealing, what surface you are trying to seal, and what your final expectations are.
There are many different types of sealers for concrete and masonry surfaces. Concrete sealers come in both water based and solvent based formulas. They come in generic formulas for all surfaces or formulas that are specific to the surface you are applying to. For example, you would want a Brick Paver Sealer for a Paver Patio and a Chimney Sealant for your Chimney but you could use MasonrySaver All Purpose Water Repellent for both.
So why seal your concrete or brick? The main reasons to seal and waterproof your concrete are:
1. Preventing hairline cracks due to water expansion during freeze/that cycles.
2. Prevent water penetration and seepage of water through walls and foundations.
3. Enhance the appearance by adding a gloss or darkening the overall color.
4. Prevent damage from deicing salts during winter months.
5. Provide protection from “Pitting” or “Spalling” or deterioration of the concrete causing chunks of the concrete to separate from the concrete structure.
Once we understand the surface we are treating and what the reasons we are treating the surface for, then we can narrow down what would be the best concrete sealer to use.
Here is an example of concrete surface in Florida (answers in Red):
1. What State do you live in? Florida
2. Interior or Exterior concrete surface? Exterior
3. Vertical or Horizontal application? Horizontal
4. Change or enhance appearance (gloss or wet look) or no change of appearance? Wet Look/Gloss
5. Type of surface examples: Driveway, Paver Patio, Brick Wall, etc. Paver Driveway
Based on the answers you would want a sealer that is specific to brick pavers, gives excellent UV resistance since it is in Florida while adding a shiny enhanced look. Based on these questions you would want to look at:
- SuperSeal25
- SuperSeal30
- MasonrySaver Paver Sealer.
Feel free to answer these questions for help choosing the “the best concrete sealers for me”. Just post a comment below and based on your answers, we will suggest a couple of different options of what sealant or water repellent you should use:
Please include any additional information that would be useful!
Make Sure to Include Answers to the 5 Questions in Comment Area Below!
Average Article Ratings Score
Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada
Exterior
Horizontal
Wetlook
Concrete Driveway
Wet look sealers will not work on plain poured concrete as it dries blotchy. Decorative concrete like stamped, pavers, etc will work.
1. What State do you live in? California
2. Interior or Exterior concrete surface? Exterior
3. Vertical or Horizontal application? Horizontal
4. Change or enhance appearance (gloss or wet look) or no change of appearance? no change
5. Type of surface examples: Driveway
I mostly want to prevent dust from concrete from coming in and leaving foot prints on my wood floors inside my house
Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellent.
Any brand you recommend?
Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellent
Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellent
Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellent.
Pennsylvania
Exterior
Horizontal
No change
Walkways and driveway
Jim, try Masonry Saver Heavy Duty or Super Seal-M.
Indiana; Exterior; horizontal; no change; concrete driveway, sidewalks, & pool patio; want to keep clean and free from
dirt & algae in shade areas.
Super Seal-M or Masonry Saver Heavy duty.
1 – I live in Buffalo, NY….. obviously harsh winters.
2 – Exterior.
3 – Horizontal.
4 – The patio has not been sealed in several years and its appearance is very dill. I would like more of a gloss/wet look.
5 – This is a stamped concrete patio with a redish/brown tint. In addition to the gloss finish I would hope to enhance the color.
Paul, use the Super Seal 30 sealer.
St. Louis MO
Interior
Vertical
No change in appearance
(basement poured concrete wall)
Try Super Seal-M.
1. What State do you live in? Maryland
2. Interior or Exterior concrete surface? Exterior
3. Vertical or Horizontal application? Either
4. Change or enhance appearance (gloss or wet look) or no change of appearance? No change of appearance
5. Type of surface examples: Driveway, Paver Patio, Brick Wall, etc. Paver Driveway
Tom, try Masonry Saver Heavy Duty or Super Seal-M.
1. What State do you live in? Georgia
2. Interior or Exterior concrete surface? Exterior
3. Vertical or Horizontal application? Horizontal
4. Change or enhance appearance (gloss or wet look) or no change of appearance? Wet Look
5. Type of surface examples: New standard concrete driveway and patio
Colin, wet looks sealers do not work well for plain concrete. It dries uneven and blotchy.
1. Tennessee
2. Exterior
3. Horizontal
4. Wet look
5. Weathered Brick
Thanks!
Tru Supreme Shield SB-600.
Oregon, exterior, horizontal, satin look, concrete patio
Jery, try Masonry Saver Concrete Water Repellent.
1. Seattle, Wa
2. Exterior
3. Horizontal
4. Wet look with low sheen or no appearance change
5. Concrete driveway
What type of concrete surface is the driveway?
What type of concrete surface is the driveway?
1. southern California
2. exterior
3. horizontal
4. not sure but nothing too drastic, enhanced but not wet looking
5. Exposed aggregate finished concrete.
Would like to repel oil staining in outdoor kitchen area and driveway as well
Thank you!
Andrea
Try the Masonry Saver Decorative concrete sealer for some shine and a wet look.
Reno, NV
Exterior
Horizontal
Wet/Semi-gloss
Stamped, tinted concrete patio
Look at Super Sel 25.
1. Arizona
2. Exterior
3. Horizontal
4. Doesn't matter. Won't show. I just want it as waterproof as possible.
5. For Inside of concrete block raised garden before soil is added.
Thank you!
Try Masonry Saver heavy duty water repellent.
Just sent you my information.
I think I may have written horizontal for my concrete brick raised garden – Oops!. I meant vertical.
1. What State do you live in? Florida
2. Interior or Exterior concrete surface? Exterior
3. Vertical or Horizontal application? Horizontal
4. Change or enhance appearance (gloss or wet look) or no change of appearance: no change (although do not mind. Which ever has the best product. Don't want to be doing this every year.
5. Type of surface: Concrete cap on a freshwater canal wall.
Thanks.
1. What State do you live in? Oregon
2. Interior or Exterior concrete surface? Exterior
3. Vertical or Horizontal application? Horizontal
4. Change or enhance appearance (gloss or wet look) or no change of appearance: Wet look. Which ever has the best product. Don't want to be doing this every year.
5. Type of surface: Raised aggregate driveway
Thanks.
Try Super Seal 30 or Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealer.
Try Super Seal 30 or Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealer.
CA
Ext
Horizontal
No change, low change, matte, best product,
Slight acid wash white concrete pool deck low slip
Try Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete sealer.
CA
Ext
Horizontal
Not visible – best product
Stucco smooth – best waterproof seal
Matt, look at Masonry Saver Heavy Duty sealer.
Minnesota
Exterior
Stamped and dyed concrete around swimming pool installed 14 years ago a very large area. I had it professional sealed only once in 14 years. I desperately need it sealed this year for maintenance, protection from harsh MN weather and bring back beautiful shiny look . What product should I use??
Super Seal 25 or Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealer.
1. WI
2. Exterior
3. Horizontal
4. wet look
5. patio
What type of surface is this concrete? Decorative, stamped, plain poured, etc?
Maryland
Exterior
Horizontal
No change, matte. Want slip resistant when wet, with color enhancement if possible. But not really into a glossy look. Some gloss ok, but prefer matte or no show.
South facing driveway, so lots of sun.
Andy, what type of surface is this concrete? Decorative, stamped, plain poured, etc?
Hi,
Plain poured. Normal driveway one would see in a cluster subdivision.
Thanks.
Andy, wet look sealers will not work well on plain poured concrete. Use a sealer that protects but does not alter the appearance. Super Seal-M or Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellents.
Thank you!
South Dakota
Horizontal
Matte, darker color
Pool Deck
Bill, what type of surface is this concrete pool deck?
Utah
Exterior
Horizontal
Color enhancement, but not glossy or slippery
Concrete driveway
Color enhanced/wet look sealers that darken will not work well for plain poured concrete. Dries blotchy. Look at a long lasting water repellent like Super Seal-M or Masonry Saver Heavy duty.
Kentucky
Exterior
Horizontal
No change or little change preferred
Regular concrete under a deck (does not get sunshine or dry out well – main concern is algae stains)
Amy, try Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellent.
Minnesota
Exterior
Horizontal
Not totally sure…
Exposed aggregate concrete around pool and patio surround
Tim, most use the Super Seal 30 for exposed aggregate.
1. What State do you live in? Indiana
2. Interior or Exterior concrete surface? Exterior
3. Vertical or Horizontal application? Horizontal
4. Change or enhance appearance (gloss or wet look) or no change of appearance? No change of appearance
5. Type of surface examples: Driveway, Paver Patio, Brick Wall, etc. Driveway
Fro this, look at the Super Seal-M or Masonry Saver Heavy Duty.
Michigan
Exterior
Horizontal
Darken, Semi Gloss
Stamped Patio
Cason, try Super Seal 25.
State: Buffalo, NY
Exterior Concrete
Horizontal
Appearance: Whatever is BEST for an area around an in ground pool
Application is for concrete around an in ground pool
Try Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellent.
Jenna B
State: Missouri
Exterior
Horizontal
Appearance: The contractor dyed the concrete and did not seal. I want to darken (light brown or dark tan) and give wet look as well as seal.
Application: poured concrete around inground pool
Not sure of that will work or not since it already dyed. You may need to add a tint into the sealer. look at Super Seal 25 and they have a tint that can be added called Desert Tan.
State: Maryland
Exterior
Horizontal
No change (just protection )
Patio around in ground pool
Try Super Seal-M or the Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellent.
State: Utah
Exterior
Vertical
Pre-cast concrete columns with exposed pebble finish, plan to power wash a seal to keep moisture out.
Chad, do you want to enhance the appearance at all?
Interior
Horizontal
Brick floor
Louisiana
Want minimal shine but enhance color. Want to seal against mortar dust.
Try the Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealer.
Try the Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealer.
1. What State do you live in? Northern California
2. Interior or Exterior concrete surface? Exterior
3. Vertical or Horizontal application? Horizontal
4. Change or enhance appearance (gloss or wet look) or no change of appearance? No change needed
5. Type of surface: Driveway… prevent pitting
Zack, Super Seal-M or Masonry Saver Heavy Duty for this.
Live in Denver . Co. Last year had our pattern concrete resealed and it has turned all milky. The person wants to reseal it again.The seal did not last more than 4 weeks and it started to get milky looking again. What product should we use to reseal I?. He has been using half sealer and half xylene. He wants to do that again.
Adding more sealer will not fix the issue. It needs to be chemically stripped first. After you want to use a sealer that will not turn white.
1. What State do you live in? Florida
2. Interior or Exterior concrete surface? Interior
3. Vertical or Horizontal application? both
4. Change or enhance appearance (gloss or wet look) or no change of appearance? enhance/paintable
5. Type of surface examples: basement concrete floor and block walls
Katie, you cannot paint over a sealer. You would want a coating that does both like an epoxy.
Brian. Ohio
Exterior
Horizontal
Gloss
Stamped concrete patio
Any suggestions for tinting. Concrete shows fading from sun
Try Super Seal VOC. They have tint pack additives.
What State do you live in? Alberta, canada
2. Interior or Exterior concrete surface? Exterior
3. Vertical or Horizontal application? Horizontal
4. Change or enhance appearance (gloss or wet look) or no change of appearance? Glossy wet look
5. Type of surface examples: concrete driveway preventing cracking, salt, and oils
Hello, is this plain poured concrete or something else? Gloss/wet look sealers will not work on plain poured concrete.
I have a concrete paver patio that is getting pitted and would like to seal it.
Hello, try the Super Seal-M or Masonry Saver Heavy duty.
Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
Exterior
Horizontal
Would like wet look
Concrete driveway – exposed agregrite that was poured 25 years ago would like to seal it up and have it look contemporary – Thanks..
Chris, try Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealer or Super Seal 30.
#1 CALIFORNIA #2 EXTERIOR #3 BOTH HORIZONAL AND VERTICAL #4 NO CHANGE IN APPEARANCE
#5CONCREATE TRIM, SILLS, FRAME, ARCH. DETAILS
Try Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellent.
Try Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellent.
1. What State do you live in? Illinois
2. Interior or Exterior concrete surface? Exterior
3. Vertical or Horizontal application? Not sure
4. Change or enhance appearance (gloss or wet look) or no change of appearance? no change
5. Type of surface examples: Driveway, Paver Patio, Brick Wall, etc. – New Concrete driveway and walkway with california finish and I want to prevent salt damage, cracking and potholes.
Try Super Seal-M or Masonry Saver Heavy Duty.
Thank you!
Try Super Seal-M or Masonry Saver Heavy Duty.
1. What State do you live in? California
2. Interior or Exterior concrete surface? Exterior
3. Vertical or Horizontal application? Horizontal
4. Change or enhance appearance (gloss or wet look) or no change of appearance: Wet look.
5. Type of surface: Decorative Stamped Concrete
Any suggestions on concrete sealer to use?
Try Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealer.
Thank you!
Try Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealer.
1. What State do you live in? Oregon
2. Interior or Exterior concrete surface? Exterior
3. Vertical or Horizontal application? Horizontal
4. Change or enhance appearance (gloss or wet look) or no change of appearance? Matte (natural) finish
5. Type of surface: Exposed aggregate 150' driveway and patios
Try Supreme Shield SB-600 if you want a wet look bu no gloss. For no change, try the Super Seal-M.