Penetrating concrete sealers are concrete sealers that work entirely below the surface and won’t change the look or color of the concrete. Penetrating sealers won’t leave behind a visible surface film, and the surface of the concrete will look exactly as it did before being sealed. If you are looking for a wet look, low gloss, or high gloss finish, refer to Acrylic Sealer Reviews.
The two most common types of penetrating concrete sealers are concrete densifiers and concrete water repellent sealers.
| Silicate Concrete Sealers | Silane Siloxane Concrete Sealers |
| Won’t change the look of the concrete | Won’t change the look of the concrete |
| Works entirely below the surface | Works entirely below the surface |
| Lasts forever | Lasts 7-10 years |
| Increase strength of concrete | Repels surface water |
| Reduces dusting and spalling | Reduces staining and deterioration |
| Can be used on interior/exterior concrete | Can be used on interior/exterior concrete |
Penetrating Concrete Densifier Sealers
Concrete densifiers are sealers that penetrate into the concrete where they chemically react below the surface to form a permanent crystalline barrier within the pores. The barrier, once cured, will increase the strength and density of the concrete.
The two most used types of concrete densifiers are lithium silicate sealers and sodium silicate sealers. Both types of concrete densifiers create the same chemical reaction and form the same crystalline barrier within the pores. The difference between the two is that lithium silicate sealers have a smaller molecule and penetrate easier through dense concrete, while sodium silicate sealers have a larger molecule and penetrate easier into porous concrete. Other than that, they are both great densifiers to use.
Concrete densifiers are great to use on weak concrete, or concrete experiencing deterioration caused by surface abrasion. If you are experiencing issues with concrete dusting, or deterioration caused by surface abrasion, then a concrete densifier is a great sealer to use.
Best Sodium Silicate Densifiers:
- Armor S2000 Concrete Sealer Review (concentrated)
- RadonSeal Concrete Sealer Review (pre-diluted)
- Stone Technolgies X-1 Concrete Sealer Review (pre-diluted)
- Ashford Formula Concrete Sealer Review (pre-diluted)
Best Lithium Silicate Densifiers:
- Armor L3000 Concrete Sealer Review (concentrated)
- PS103 Concrete Sealer Review (pre-diluted)
- Lion Hard Concrete Sealer Review (pre-diluted)
Penetrating Concrete Water Repellent Sealers
Water repellent sealers are sealers that penetrate into the concrete where they chemically react below the surface to form a hydrophobic barrier within the pores. The barrier, once cured, will cause water and other liquids to bead off the surface.
The two most common types of water repellent sealers are Siliconate water repellent sealers and Silane-Siloxane water repellent sealers. Both types of sealers are great sealers for concrete, and they both bead water. The difference however is what they can be applied to. Siliconate water repellent sealers are great for white or light concrete that is very porous, while Silane-Siloxane water repellent sealers are great to use on all types of concrete and masonry.
| Silane-Siloxane Sealer | Siliconate Sealer |
| Can be used on all concrete and masonry | Can be used on light or white concrete |
| Won’t change look or color of the concrete | Can leave a visible white residue |
| Lasts 7-10 years | Lasts 7-10 years |
| Water beads after 72 hours | Water beads immediately |
| Requires 2 coats | Requires 1 coat |
| Commercial and residential uses | Residential uses |
Best Siliconate Water Repellent Sealers:
- Armor SC25 Water Repellent Sealer (average 5 star review)
- PS101 Water Repellent Sealer (average 4.8 star review)
Best Silane Siloxane Water Repellent Sealers:
- Armor SX5000 Concrete Sealer Review (average 4.8 star review)
- Siloxane PD Concrete Sealer Review (average 4.5 star review)
- DryWay Water Repellent Concrete Sealer Review (average 3.8 star review)
