We used a brush to apply the sealer, which was milky at first but cleared up as it dried. To determine how much sealer youll need for your concrete you need to know these things: For example, if the sealer you are using will cover 100 square feet per gallon and your patio is 200 square feet, you will need two gallons. They form a chemical barrier that shields against intrusion by moisture and chemicals such as ice melt products. It becomes less effective on rough or textured surfaces and with sealers that have a solids content above 35 percent. During the winter, trapped moisture can freeze and expand within the concrete, leading to cracks or other surface damage such as spalling or efflorescence. Very impressed with this product and will use it again. We left the paver to cure for 24 hours before starting our tests. Were proud to continually receive praise from customers by being100% Water-Based and contain no solvents. ASTM D 466 - Resistance to water flow and action. We ordered 2 more pails and after powerwashing and putting on Deco it's beading more and isn't showing wet look after it rains. Valparaiso, IN 46383. During the 3 weeks of testing, we frequently wiped down the paver, using various household floor cleaners, and the surface sheen did not dull in the slightest. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. After testing, we power-washed the paver and noticed a bit of dulling where the de-icing salts were applied. For example, if a paver wed treated with a sealer resisted oil and stains very well, we awarded it 4 points. high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer. If you dont want your concrete to look different, a clear concrete sealer that penetrates beyond the surface will not change its appearance. A sealed concrete countertop should not be used as a cutting board, however, since a sharp knife could scratch the surface. We took it outside and ran it through a battery of tests, including mud, grease, de-icing salts, and rubbed-in sand. Since then we've not had any issues with moisture and it's rained hard several times. They did not soak in. Exterior concrete sealer finishes must be UV resistant, waterproof, and durable. We couldnt have planned a better ice test! No stains or dulling were evident. Polyurethane and urethane clear concrete sealer has a service life of 4-8 years, provides almost twice the thickness of an acrylic concrete sealer, and offers excellent durability against chemicals, contaminants, and scuffing. It maintains the natural appearance of the concrete but doesnt provide high levels of protection against water erosion. Penetrating sealers include silanes, siloxanes, silicates and siliconates that penetrate into the concrete to form a chemical barrier. It soaked in so rapidly that using a brush would not have achieved the same uniform application. We only had 3 weeks, so we didnt pull any punches, exposing the sealers to extreme testing procedures to see how well they held up. This is an excellent product that we will be including in our MRO plan for our other facilities. Zach Bryant. Epoxy concrete sealers are the most durable, making them good for sealing garage floors and high-traffic retail environments. No, you should not apply concrete sealer over old sealer. Of note, spills, mud, and other contaminants are more easily cleaned from a sealed concrete surface. Its a popular choice for kitchen counters and high traffic areas like walkways. Treated surfaces resist pitting and cracking. bucket = 750sq/ft], Concrete = 175-200 sq.ft/gal [ 5 gal. KBS Coatings DiamondFinish Clear concrete sealer is an excellent choice for sealing concrete. Low VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) Meets all States Spec's. Contributions by Anne Balogh, Bob Harris, Bill Palmer, Chris Sullivan, and Bill York, See how we'll help you be found using geo targeting, Copyright 1999-2022 ConcreteNetwork.com - None of this site may be reproduced without written permission, An overview of the types of sealers and what to consider when shopping for the best sealer for your needs. Eagle Armor Seal Urethane Acrylic Concrete Sealer, TotalBoat Table Top Epoxy Resin 1 Gallon Kit, Seal-Once NANO + POLY Concrete and Masonry Sealer, EcoProCote Eco-Tuff Clearcoat Concrete Sealer, Foundation Armor SX5000 Water Based Concrete Sealer, Rocklinite Labs Tuff Duck Concrete Countertop Sealer, RAIN Guard Micro-Seal Penetrating Concrete Sealer. Cracks, delamination, and other structural problems develop much more easily in unsealed concrete. Applications: Foundation Walls (concrete, block, precast), Above & Below Grade, concrete buildings, sidewalks, patios, crawl spaces, pools, any porous concrete vertical or horizontal surfaces. It isOdorless and UV Resistant. They are easy to apply with a pressurized garden sprayer, a paint roller, or a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer. Our budget pick, MasonryDefender Penetrating Concrete Sealer, provides durable protection from the elements at a very reasonable price. Each of the fluids beaded up without soaking into the concrete. We did not perform the sand abrasion test since we knew that epoxy can be scratched. Get Foundation Armor AR350 on Amazon, at Walmart, or at Lowes. They can also be damaged by water erosion and extreme temperatures. The best way to apply most concrete sealers is with a HVLP or an airless sprayer. We extensively tested each concrete sealer and awarded points based on its performance. Existing concrete can be sealed or resealed at any time. On arrival, Deco 20 is ready to use. After allowing it to dry completely, we performed the water test, and the water beaded up on the surface. In addition to testing resistance to staining, we noted how well each sealers finish held up to freezing rain, ground-in sand, de-icing salts, mud, grease, and finally, power-washing. These products provide a vital layer of defense against the possibility of unsightly staining and scuffing on concrete surfaces like countertops and patio pavers. = 1000+ sq.ft]. Most are applied in a similar way, but always check the instructions on the specific sealer you are using before getting started. For the best results, choose water-based sealers with the longest intervals between maintenance applications so that you dont have to handle the product as often. We noted a bit of scuffing from the rubbed-on sand, but wed rubbed pretty aggressively and didnt put on multiple coats as recommended. No reemulsification. When it was brushed on the paver it was slightly milky but dried to a clear, non-shiny finish. Some manufacturers make sealers specifically formulated for older, more porous concrete. It resists the staining from chemicals, rust, petroleum products, and hard water that can affect unsealed concrete. Concrete Sealers - Sealer Selection Tips We were sealing a small 1-foot-by-1-foot concrete paver, so we used a brush to apply AR350 evenly to the surface. The best way to keep these elements from damaging your driveway, sidewalk, or patio is to apply a sealer that will keep them out. Keep reading for the answers to several frequently asked questions about choosing and applying concrete sealer. When the sealer dried, the surface was very even. It's anEco-Friendly material with the viscosity similar to water. However, there are cure and seal products available that can be applied as soon as the concrete is strong enough to support the weight of a person. Types of penetrating concrete sealers are silicate concrete sealer, silicone concrete sealer and silane concrete sealer. TotalBoats epoxy did not yellow in the time we tested it, but keep in mind that its not heat resistant, so its not the best choice for sealing a kitchen countertop; hot pans should not be set on it. The concrete sealers with the best reviews tend to be professional grade, not the type you can buy at your local home-improvement store. You dont want to run out before the job is complete. This product is a direct replacement for tar/bituminous systems for below-grade dampproof applications. Excellent adhesion. We didnt see any staining, although we did see a few tiny scuffs from the sand. Each type of sealer has qualities that help it excel in different applications, so the following information breaks down some of the most important characteristics of concrete sealers. Note the differences among these types described in detail in this article. Most are two-part products that must be mixed before application. A few bubbles formed on the surface, which is common when sealing porous concrete because air escapes and the bubbles are trapped in the epoxy. Then, we wiped down the countertop using several different household cleaners over the following weeks. If the concrete is unsealed, all it needs is a thorough cleaning before applying sealer. Apply very thin layers with a pump sprayer or a roller. The clear concrete sealer is UV stable making it an excellent performer for both indoor and outdoor uses. Another benefit of applying concrete sealer is that it protects the colors and ornamental details of stamped, tinted, and exposed aggregate concrete. DiamondFinish Clear is user friendly with a quick dry time and a low and compliant VOC formulation. (The Red List is a collection of harmful-to-humans chemicals and building materials assembled by the International Living Future Institute to create awareness and promote healthy alternatives in building construction.) In cold climates, silane or silane/siloxane blends are used because they hold up best against the abrasive effects of scraping and plowing. Epoxy sealant has a high gloss and brings out surface colors. This type of sealer is sometimes referred to as an impregnating concrete sealer. Copyright var date = new Date(); document.write(date.getFullYear()) KBS Coatings. The finish still looked fresh, and there were no signs of staining, dulling, or peeling. '//supportdesk.kbs-coatings.com/scripts/track.js', Protect glass, metal, or anything else on your concrete surface. Acrylic concrete sealers are also easy to use and generally more economical than other concrete sealers. Please join the KBS Community. Water still beaded on the surface and didnt soak in, making this sealer well suited for use on concrete where de-icing chemicals will not be used. of 1 full day for form oil to dissipate before applying), Precast: Commercial Buildings, Parking Garages, Water tanks. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Whats more, this specific paver happened to be sitting on the ground near a downspout, and when we got freezing rain, the water covered it and froze about an inch thick on top. All Rights Reserved. Water beaded up immediately on the surface of the paver. Ephrata, Pennsylvania 17522, Serving New Construction and Restoration Projects, Concrete: Driveways, Floor Slabs, Patios, Pool Areas, Sidewalks. Water based is often preferred as it is more durable than solvent based. Either water-based or solvent-based acrylic will provide a high degree of protection, but solvent-based usually lasts longer. Each surface lends itself to unique needs when it comes to a sealer. These durable sealers are often used for floors in high-traffic areas, such as garages and basements, or for concrete countertops. Decos first product, created in 1991, designed as a safe & easy to usemulti-purpose concrete sealer. Read on to learn what to look for when shopping for the best concrete sealers and find out how each of the following sealers earned a spot in this lineup. They form a thin, protective film that provides good protection from moisture and chloride penetration while still allowing water vapor to escape from the slab. You have the benefit of using an contractor grade sealer that will provide superior results. To choose the best sealer for your project, consider the following. Thats because we had an unsealed concrete countertop that we hadnt gotten around to finishing, so this presented the perfect opportunity to seal it and evaluate the product. SS-W-110 C Water Repellency On Masonry Test. An effective application method is to pour the mixture onto the surface, spread it evenly using a squeegee, then smooth it with a lint-free roller. If there is already a sealer present, it may need to be removed. The eco-friendly silane/siloxane blend bonds with the minerals for penetrating concrete and creating a long-lasting, invisible barrier against water penetration, staining, and chemical damage. Topical coatings sit on the surface theyre applied to and consistent moisture will cause them to eventually bubble, pop, or flake off. Epoxy provides a thick, extremely durable, glossy finish with either a clear coat or a variety of color options. Additionally, it helps reduce issues like brush marks and bubbling. This type of sealer is applied with a smooth, clear finish and offers a range of sheens from matte to glossy. It is always a good idea to have more sealer on hand than you think is necessary. Most manufacturers describe this quality as breathability and recognize that it is especially important when sealing outdoor surfaces. Epoxy, which requires thoroughly mixing resin and hardener before application, is spread with a notched squeegee and finished smooth with a lint-free roller. We double-checked the specifications and found that the manufacturer does not guarantee protection from chemicals. We also sprinkled sand on the surface and stepped on it to see if it would leave scuff marks. It can be applied to either unsealed concrete surfaces or those previously sealed with a solvent-based acrylic sealer. This type of sealer is highly water repellent and adds a glossy finish, and its available in clear or color tinted. To see which ones live up to the hype, we sealed both concrete pavers and a concrete countertop with popular products, then tested their performance against moisture, grease, dirt, and ice-melt chemicals. There are several variables to consider when choosing the right concrete sealer for a project. It darkens concrete and pavers to give them a wet look with a durable, low-gloss finish that brightens dull or faded surfaces. It is suitable for both interior and exterior applications, where it provides a non-yellowing, transparent, and durable finish. Here are approximate dry times for the various sealer types: Most concrete should be resealed every 1 to 3 years. DiamondFinish Clear is a 1K (one part requires no mixing) moisture cured high gloss urethane clear coat that is exceptionally tough. When working indoors, it's safest to apply a water-based sealer, because they dont contain harmful fumes from VOCs. If it remained stained even after power-washing, it received 0 points. Many are also environmentally friendly and qualify for LEED points. The coating doesnt offer UV protection so its not ideal for applications that are exposed to significant sunlight. Penetrating concrete sealer is popular for outdoor use, such as on sidewalks, as it doesnt have a glossy finish that can get slippery when wet. Wet look concrete sealers have the highest solids content, giving the concrete the glossy look some people desire. Make sure to wait until all the bleed water has evaporated from the surface of the concrete before applying a cure and seal. They dont peel, delaminate or wear away. Flexibility no cracking. This sealer doesnt alter the appearance of concrete and is often used on vertical surfaces to protect concrete against graffiti. Available in different sheen levels, acrylic concrete sealers can be used to enhance colored, exposed, or stamped concrete in either interior or exterior concrete surfaces. Seal-Once Nano + Poly Concrete and Masonry Sealer combines proprietary penetrating nanotechnology with polyurethane to provide durable, long-lasting protection. A penetrating sealer is used for a nearly invisible finish, while acrylic can provide a range of sheen options. Newer water-based sealers are less harsh and contain lower amounts of VOCs. Silicate concrete sealer increases hardness and density of concrete. By the time testing was done, the paver was pretty grimy, but it cleaned right up with the power washer. After power-washing, we found no traces of staining, scuffing, or dulling. Engine Paint Whats Important for Best Performance? Tuff Duck was the only concrete sealer we didnt test on a concrete paver. Acrylic sealers can dry within an hour and take between 36 and 48 hours to fully cure, making them a good choice for projects that need to be done quickly. We also tested with plain water, which beaded up nicely and didnt soak into the surface. After the Siloxa-Tek cured for 24 hours, we set it outdoors and subjected it to the elements, mud, grease, de-icing salts, and rubbed-in sand over the next 3 weeks. Outdoors a penetrating concrete sealer is usually better than a film-forming product for safety reasons, but also because the end result will last longer and looks more realistic and natural, especially when sealing stamped concrete. It resists peeling, flaking, cracking, and pitting. Sealing is the last, but most important, step when installing concrete countertops in a kitchen or bathroom. Get EcoProCote Eco-Tuff Clearcoat Sealer on Amazon. Plus, unsealed concrete can easily become host to moss and mold, which can further weaken it. Beyond just the type, there are other factors involved in making a decision about the best concrete sealer. Sealer Color: Colored concrete sealers are tinted to add color to plain concrete or augment the color of stained concrete. Softer acrylic sealers, which require a sacrificial floor wax, are more affordable and popular for residential concrete floors, including basements. If youd like to seal fresh concrete soon after pouring, select a sealer that contains a curing compound. MasonryDefender Penetrating Concrete Sealer is a water-based silane/siloxane blend that provides long-lasting, breathable, waterproof protection. On this page:Concrete Floor SealerExterior Concrete SealerConcrete Countertop SealersConcrete Sealer Reviews. Solvent-based sealers, including solvent-based acrylic, produce fumes called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be irritating and harmful to skin and eyes. Deco 20 Clear Sealer meets or exceeds the following ASTM tests. I bought and applied the deco 20 to my new construction walls. At this point, call an excavator or basement specialist - the issue is on the exterior part of the wall(s). We then put the sealed paver outside in harsh winter weather where it was subjected to freezing weather, ice, harsh UV rays, mud, grease, and chemical ice melt for 3 weeks. We brushed MasonryDefender on half of the paver and sprayed it on the other half. 0.04 grains/sq.ft./hour Water vapor permeability. We appreciate your technical help and fine product. Whether its a pattern-stamped pool deck or patio, an interlocking paver driveway, an acid-stained floor, or an exposed-aggregate walkway, a good sealer will keep it looking spectacular for many years to come while extending its service life. It is a breathable sealer that allows moisture to escape from the concrete while reducing moisture absorption through the surface by 95 percent. Tip: Choose a film-forming sealer if you want a wet look or high gloss finish that enhances the color of your concrete. They are typically breathable as well, allowing moisture vapor to escape. After a second Foundation Armor pick made our lineup, we can confidently say that we are now steadfast fans of this manufacturer. Film-forming sealers include acrylics, epoxies, and urethanes that form a coating on the surface of the concrete. Penetrating sealers are safer in icy and wet environmentsthey do not change the concretes surface texture, so they wont make it more slick. A waterproof concrete countertop sealer will prevent food stains as well as scratches. After 3 weeks, we power-washed the paver and allowed it to dry. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Any remaining product can be saved. Eco-Friendly: Water Based & Non-Hazardous, UV Resistant & Application requires only (1) coat (be sure concrete is dry). (function(d, src, c) { var t=d.scripts[d.scripts.length - 1],s=d.createElement('script');s.id='la_x2s6df8d';s.async=true;s.src=src;s.onload=s.onreadystatechange=function(){var rs=this.readyState;if(rs&&(rs!='complete')&&(rs!='loaded')){return;}c(this);};t.parentElement.insertBefore(s,t.nextSibling);})(document, Foundation Armor AR350 is a breathable, non-yellowing, solvent-based acrylic. Concrete sealer repels moisture that otherwise would lead to long-term damage. Sign up today for tips, trick, new products, and savings. A penetrating product offers nearly invisible protection, while a film-forming concrete sealer gives a smooth, durable finish. One is to protect the concrete and the other is to improve its appearance. DECO 20 clear sealer produces a highly effective breathable moisture barrier, by reducing water vapor transmission. When the liquids dried, we sprayed on an all-purpose cleaner and wiped them off, and there was no staining. Anyone ready to seal a concrete driveway, a floor, or countertops might be eager to find out how the following concrete sealers fared in our hands-on tests. With careful research and selecting high quality products you can achieve a finish that looks great and provides long-lasting protection. We only applied a single coat for testing purposes, but the manufacturer recommends two coats for the best protection. Get Tuff Duck Concrete Countertop Sealer on Amazon or at Walmart. This type of sealer performs so well it is the sealant of choice for high traffic areas such as concrete roadways. Top reasons for a good concrete sealer review: Decorative Concrete Institute in Temple, GA. Acrylic is best for decorative, high-gloss, and color-enhancing applications. Use this chart to quickly decide which sealer type you should buy for your project. Clear Concrete Sealer How to Choose the Best Type for Your Project. In our experience, topical coatings show efflorescence coming through them. After curing, the sealers were exposed to a host of everyday situations that they would most likely encounter in the real world. MasonryDefender Penetrating Concrete Sealer, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, The Most Affordable Ways to Fence in a Yard, 7 Awesome Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Your Backyard, The Dos and Don'ts for Landscaping Around Trees, Protects against chemicals, stains, mold and mildew, Compatible with wood, stone, metal, and ceramic, Requires multiple coats; 30 to 60 minutes between coats, Approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. If you want to be able to use your countertop immediately, you can opt for a fast-curing sealer. Sealing concrete is a fast process that can be completed in a single day. So we strained the sealer through a large coffee filter to remove the tiny bits that had obstructed the nozzle and were then able to use it in the sprayer. To remedy this, we used a small culinary torch to just slightly heat the epoxy, which popped the bubbles and left a flawless glass look. This product is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, lasting up to 3 years on outdoor concrete surfaces and up to 7 years indoors before a recoat is needed. We applied the sealers to concrete pavers and a concrete countertop in a temperature-controlled shop. Economical yet functional, wet concrete look. To see a demonstration of DiamondFinish Clears flexibility and durability see our video. It is significantly harder than acrylic, but it does not allow trapped moisture to escape from the concrete slab. Sometimes concrete sealers fail. The rain water beeds up and runs off. ASTM D 2939 Resistance to water solubility. It applies quickly and easily with a garden sprayer or a roller. These products cure in less than 24 hours to provide a natural-looking finish, providing excellent weather protection without making the surface slippery, changing the surface appearance, or leaving a sheen. We liked the eco-friendly aspects of Seal-Once, which is safe around children and pets when completely cured. (Note: if you wish to have the exterior of your foundation wall(s) protected by a waterproof material check out our Deco Seal). CRAWL SPACES & DAMP INTERIOR BASEMENT WALLS: Deco 20 can be applied to walls that are continually damp or become damp after heavy rains or storms. Applicable by: Garden or Airless sprayer ( >100psi ), Poured Concrete (must wait a min. Sealer can enhance the color and beauty of stained, stamped, exposed aggregate, and other ornamental concrete treatments.