Concrete’s toughest threats don’t stand a chance when armed with the right protective sealer.
While it may appear tough, your concrete faces constant attacks from water, chemicals, UV rays, and shifting temperatures. These threats can lead to cracks, stains, and surface damage without proper care.
In concrete maintenance, that proper care has a name – concrete sealing!
In this guide, we break down the specific strengths and best applications of each type of concrete sealer to help you choose the perfect match to protect your concrete from damage and keep it in great shape longer. First up, our sealer of choice!
Penetrating Sealers
Penetrating sealers work by soaking into the concrete, forming a breathable barrier that shields against water, chemicals, and stains while maintaining the surface’s natural appearance. This makes them particularly effective in outdoor environments.
Best Applications
These sealers are ideal for driveways, patios, pool decks, and sidewalks – areas that endure heavy exposure to moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and de-icing salts. For homeowners who prefer a natural finish, penetrating sealers preserve the original look of the concrete without adding shine or altering texture.
When to Choose Penetrating Sealers
- Outdoor Areas: Penetrating sealers excel in outdoor environments prone to water exposure. They prevent moisture from seeping in while allowing any trapped vapor to escape, reducing the risk of cracking and surface damage during freeze-thaw cycles.
And, because they don’t interfere with the texture or appearance of the concrete, they don’t become slippery when wet like some topical counterparts.
- “Natural” Appearance: If you’re looking for invisible protection that doesn’t change your concrete’s texture or color, penetrating sealers are the way to go.
- Low Maintenance Needs: These sealers often last up to 10+ years without reapplication, making them a low-maintenance solution with long-lasting protection.
Pro Tip: Concrete must be cleaned before a sealer is applied. The penetrating sealer itself doesn’t change the look of your concrete, but cleaning beforehand will brighten and refresh the appearance!
Acrylic Sealers
In contrast to penetrating sealers, topical acrylic sealers create a thin, protective layer on the surface, enhancing color and offering UV protection. They come in solvent-based formulas for a glossy, wet look or water-based versions for a more understated sheen.
Best Applications
Acrylic sealers are typically semi-translucent with some color tint to enhance the look of concrete, so they work well for decorative or stamped slabs. Their ability to bring out vibrant colors makes them a popular choice for aggregate concrete.
When to Choose Acrylic Sealers
- Light Traffic: Acrylic sealers may not hold up as well in high-traffic or heavily used spaces, and can become slippery when wet. If you’re sealing a pool deck or a similar wet area, consider adding a non-slip additive to avoid slippery surfaces.
- UV Resistance: Unlike topical sealers made with other compounds, 100% acrylic sealers do not break down with exposure to UV rays. This can help the sealer last longer in sunny regions.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: The color enhancement of acrylic sealers can help your concrete look its best.
Fully Opaque Sealers
Opaque concrete sealers, including epoxy and polyurea coatings, are known for their durability and chemical resistance, making them a top choice for heavy-duty applications. They form a thick, glossy layer that can withstand significant wear and tear.
Note: Some polyurethane concrete sealers are also available in fully opaque options.
Best Applications
These sealers are ideal for indoor settings such as garages, workshops, and commercial kitchens, where protection against spills, abrasions, grease, and heavy use is essential.
When to Use Opaque Sealers
- Indoor Use: While durable, epoxy and polyurea sealers are not recommended for outdoor use. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause yellowing and degradation, limiting their effectiveness in open spaces.
- Durability: If you need a sealer that can handle heavy machinery, chemicals, or oil spills, opaque floor coatings are your go-to. However, occasional touch-ups may be required to maintain their integrity.
- Fully Opaque: If you need to cover up visual differences from replacing sections of a basement or garage floor or heavy staining, epoxy or polyurea sealers can help blend those areas back into one uniform look.
Related Resource: How to Prep Garage Floors for Epoxy Coatings
Polyurethane Sealers
Topical polyurethane sealers offer durability and aesthetic flexibility. They provide excellent resistance to UV rays, chemicals, and abrasions, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
There are many polyurethane sealer varieties available, including transparent and fully opaque.
Best Applications
These sealers are highly effective on patios, walkways, and high-traffic areas. Thanks to their UV stability, they work especially well in sunny outdoor spaces. They can also be used indoors on concrete floors or kitchen countertops.
When to Use Polyurethane Sealers
- High Traffic: Polyurethane sealers can handle heavy traffic without compromising protection. For pool decks or wet areas, opt for a matte finish or include a non-slip additive to enhance safety.
- Appearance: Whether you want a subtle matte look or a striking glossy finish, polyurethane sealers offer versatile options to suit your design preferences and won’t yellow over time.
- Maintenance Needs: Polyurethane sealers last longer than acrylics and require less frequent reapplication. However, polyurethane sealers still require more frequent reapplication than penetrating sealers.
Related Resource: Penetrating vs. Topical Sealer – Which Is Right for You?
Tailor the Concrete Sealer to Your Needs
Choosing the right concrete sealer means considering your unique situation:
- If durability and low maintenance needs are key, penetrating sealers provide long-term protection without altering the appearance.
- For decorative concrete or a vibrant finish, acrylic sealers add flair while shielding against UV rays.
- Need heavy-duty indoor protection? Fully opaque sealers offer unmatched resistance to chemicals and wear.
- Want versatile, long-lasting protection? Polyurethane sealers shine in high-traffic areas, both indoors and out.
With the right sealer, you’re not just preserving your concrete – you’re extending its life and saving on repair or replacement costs down the road.
Request a free estimate with a member of the A-1 Concrete Leveling team near you for a concrete sealer solution tailored to your environment, traffic levels, and aesthetic goals!
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