There are two different interpretations of what “wet look” means. The first interpretation is that a wet look sealer is simply a high gloss sealer, and the second interpretation is that a wet look sealer darkens the surface of the concrete to make it look wet. The type of wet look you are trying to achieve will determine which type of wet look sealer is best.
Wet Look (makes concrete look wet): If you want a wet look sealer that makes the surface look wet, like the photo mentioned above), then you want a solvent based acrylic lacquer sealer. Solvent based acrylic lacquer sealers contain resins that will darken the surface of the concrete to make it look wet. They will also add a low gloss/satin to high gloss shine.
- Eagle High Gloss Sealer (average 4.6 star review)
- Armor AR350 Wet Look Sealer (featured in photo above) (average 4.8 star review)
- Armor AR500 High Gloss Sealer (average 4.9 star review)
- Enduraseal SB Acrylic Sealer (average 4.5 star review)
- Rust-Oleum Wet Look Sealer (average 4.2 star review)
Wet Look (doesn’t darken concrete but gives it a gloss): If you want a high gloss but don’t want to darken the surface of the concrete then you want a water based acrylic sealer. Water based acrylic sealers don’t typically darken the surface of the concrete, but they will leave a low to high gloss shine on the surface.
- Seal-Krete Clear Seal Acrylic Sealer (average 4 star review)
- Armor WB25 Acrylic Sealer (average 4.9 star review)
Types of Wet Look Sealers
There are many benefits to using a wet look sealer and often your experience with a sealer will come down to the type and quality of the sealer used.
Wet look sealers can be broken down into water based and solvent based acrylic sealers, acrylic lacquer and acrylic co-polymer sealers.
The differences between a water and solvent based acrylic sealer come down to appearance and maintenance, but other than that, they will both offer surface protection and enhancement.
| Water Based Acrylic Sealers | Solvent Based Acrylic Sealers |
| Won’t darken the concrete | Will darken the concrete |
| Repaired by screen sanding | Repaired with Xylene |
| Requires screen sanding before recoat | No prep required for recoat |
| Can’t add a non slip additive | Can add a non slip additive |
| No VOC | Low VOC |
When it comes to comparing acrylic lacquer sealers with acrylic co-polymer sealers, the primary difference is that acrylic lacquer sealers are used on cured concrete and acrylic co-polymers are primarily used on uncured concrete. Both types of solvent based acrylic sealers will seal and enhance the surface. Acrylic lacquer sealers are said to have more of an aggressive bond and darken the surface better than acrylic co-polymer sealers BUT acrylic co-polymers are more resistant to moisture because they contain styrene. They type of acrylic sealer isn’t as important as what the acrylic sealer is made of – the formula. Learn more about Acrylic Sealer Reviews.
I had a stamped concrete driveway installed earlier this year. It was a big project, about 2500 square feet. I was torn between the Foundation Armor ar350 or ar500. I ordered a couple of samples and ended up going with the ar500. I am very happy with the result. It looks great but I think the best part about it is how durable it is. I used other acrylics on my patio and had issues with peeling almost immediately after applying them. So far, with the ar500 not only was it easy to apply but I haven't had any issues at all with peeling. I am about to use their UTN60 on my garage. I am very impressed with their products.
I think I used the eagle coating, or some bird sealer. Seamed to work good but I am looking to try something a little different this time around. I have found a lot of cool pictures online about acid stained concrete. You guys should do an article about acid stained concrete. I might tackle that for a weekend project and try one of the other coatings you suggested. Thanks for the info.