It’s important to make an informed decision when selecting the best concrete sealer for your project. The choice of sealer can significantly influence the appearance, durability, and utility of your concrete surfaces.
Choosing the right sealer also affects safety, maintenance costs, and resale value. We’ll break down the different types of sealers, the pros and cons, and provide use cases so you can find the right product for your needs.
TYPES OF CONCRETE SEALERS
Concrete sealers are broadly categorized into two types: penetrating and topical.
- Penetrating sealers, such as silicates and silicones, absorb into the concrete to protect it from moisture and chemicals.
- Topical sealers, including acrylics, epoxy, and polyurethane, form a protective film on the surface that enhances the appearance and protects against wear and staining.
The choice between these types largely depends on the desired aesthetic and the specific environmental conditions in which the concrete is located.
The selection of the right sealer is especially critical for polished concrete to maintain its refined appearance and longevity. Polished concrete requires sealers that protect the surface from physical and chemical damage and enhance its natural gloss and color depth without compromising slip resistance.
While penetrating sealers are preferred for maintaining concrete’s natural look and feel, certain topical sealers are specifically designed to enhance and preserve the shine of polished surfaces without creating a slippery surface.
Expert tip: Penetrating sealers work best outdoors, while topical sealers are often better suited for indoors or, as mentioned, the aesthetic is important.
Visit our detailed guide for an overview of the three main types of sealers used to protect polished concrete floors. Each is tailored to different maintenance needs and aesthetic desires.
WHICH SEALER IS BEST FOR CONCRETE?
The best concrete sealer depends on your specific needs and the concrete’s exposure conditions.
- Topical sealers, like acrylic and epoxy, are excellent for adding a protective layer that enhances color and provides a gloss.
- Penetrating sealers are ideal for protecting against moisture and chemical intrusion, as they absorb into the concrete and create a barrier from within.
- Acrylic sealers are a favorable choice for projects in low-wear areas where aesthetics are a priority due to their ease of application and reapplication. They suit residential areas like driveways and patios.
- Epoxy or polyurethane-type sealers work best for high-traffic commercial areas where more durable sealers are needed. These tougher sealers are perfect for areas needing resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and stains.
Expert tip: If you want the best balance of price and performance, start with acrylic. If you need long-term heavy-duty protection, go with epoxy or polyurethane.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF A CONCRETE SEALER?
While concrete sealers provide valuable protection, they are not without drawbacks:
- Maintenance: Most sealers require reapplication over time. Acrylics may need refreshing every 1–3 years, while penetrating options last longer but still degrade.
- Slipperiness: Some topical sealers, especially high-gloss varieties, can create a slick surface when wet unless anti-slip additives are used.
- Cost: High-quality products with greater longevity come with higher upfront costs.
In addition, there are concerns about application and potential irritants:
- Application Demands: Many sealers require careful surface prep, correct temperature/humidity conditions, and multiple coats for best performance.
- Potential Odors and VOCs: Some solvent-based sealers release strong fumes that require proper ventilation, which can complicate indoor applications.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CONCRETE SEALER
Consider the following when choosing your sealer:
- Indoor vs. outdoor use
- Traffic level (low vs. high wear)
- Moisture or salt exposure
- Desired finish (matte vs. glossy)
For example, a homeowner using water-based epoxy for basement floor sealing will get durable protection with simple cleaning. But a contractor working on big parking structures should select silane or siloxane for their deep water resistance.
WHAT IS THE LONGEST-LASTING CONCRETE SEALER?
Epoxy and polyurethane sealers are among the top choices for longevity. These products form a durable, hard layer on the concrete surface that can resist abrasion, chemicals, and stains for many years, especially when properly maintained.
Additionally, penetrating sealers like silicate, silane, and siloxane offer invisible yet effective protection for exterior applications. These sealers are ideal for maintaining the natural look of concrete while guarding against moisture and freeze-thaw cycles.
For example, a siloxane penetrating sealer applied to a driveway in a cold climate can last 8–10 years before reapplication. Epoxy on an indoor shop floor may last just as long with proper care and no exposure to harsh chemicals.
CAN YOU PUT CONCRETE SEALER ON OLD CONCRETE?
Yes – applying sealer to old concrete is an effective way to extend its life and refresh its appearance.
To successfully seal old concrete:
- Clean the concrete thoroughly
- Remove any dirt, grease, or existing coatings
- Ensure the concrete is completely dry
- Repair cracks or chips with a suitable concrete patching compound
- Select a penetrating sealer for its deep absorption and robust protection
- Apply a topical sealer over the penetrating sealer to create a layer that preserves the underlying concrete.
Following these steps, you can effectively seal old concrete, enhancing its durability and appearance for many years.
FOOD-SAFE CONCRETE SEALER
- Choose FDA-compliant, water-based products with low VOCs.
- Look for resistance to oils, acids, and alcohol.
Choosing a food-safe concrete sealer is crucial in areas where food is prepared, such as kitchen countertops. These sealers are specifically formulated to be non-toxic and safe for contact with food. They protect the concrete from stains and scratches and ensure harmful chemicals cannot leach into food items.
Water-based sealers are often preferred for indoor use due to their lower VOC content and minimal odor.
HIGH-QUALITY CONCRETE SEALER
Higher solids equal better protection and longer life.
The mantra “you get what you pay for” is particularly true regarding concrete sealers. High-quality sealers may have a higher initial cost, but they can save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent reapplications and maintenance.
A high-quality sealer offers better protection against environmental elements and wear, ensuring that your concrete surfaces remain pristine for longer. When selecting a sealer, consider the product’s warranty and the manufacturer’s reputation.
As a rule of thumb, contractors often look at solids content (the percentage of actual film left behind after drying) as a marker of quality – the higher the solids, the more durable the sealer.
For example, a 25% solids acrylic may last one to two years, while a 40% solids acrylic can extend protection for three to four years.
If you’re considering sealing a polished concrete floor or have questions about the best sealer for your project, contact Runyon Surface Prep for expert advice and consultation.
HOW DO YOU PERMANENTLY SEAL CONCRETE?
No sealer is truly “permanent.”
For the best results, combine penetrating and topical sealers.
Penetrating sealers made from silicate materials form a chemical bond with the concrete, densifying and hardening the surface to provide protection that lasts more than ten years. The densification process minimizes water and chemical penetration into the slab structure by reducing its porosity.
For the best results, combine penetrating and topical sealers.
The application of multiple methods is a common practice among professional technicians. The combination of silicate densification followed by urethane coating application produces a dual-layered system that enhances internal slab strength while providing external protection.
The combined approach requires proper maintenance to achieve protection that lasts for many decades.
WHICH IS BETTER, OIL-BASED OR WATER-BASED CONCRETE SEALER?
The selection between oil-based and water-based sealers depends on the specific requirements of your project.
- Oil-based: deeper penetration, outdoor durability, VOC emissions.
- Water-based: low odor, eco-friendly, food-safe, easy cleanup.
Practical use cases make the differences clear. For example, the best choice for kitchen floor sealing involves a water-based indoor concrete sealer because it offers food-safe options and low odor. Oil-based outdoor concrete sealer works best for stamped patios to enhance color depth and resist heavy rain exposure.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Choosing the best concrete sealer depends on your surface, environment, and goals. From penetrating sealers that protect invisibly to high-gloss epoxies that enhance beauty and durability, every option has its place.
Whether you’re a professional contractor or a dedicated DIYer, taking time to match your project needs with the right sealer will ensure you get the most from your concrete investment. For guidance, product recommendations, or expert tips, contact Runyon Surface Prep.