Concrete Sealer Types

admin July 23, 2012 Concrete Sealers Information
Long Lasting Sealers for Concrete

Concrete sealers can be broken down into three main categories:

  • Silicate Densifiers:  Silicate sealers are chemically reactive sealers that increase the strength and density of the concrete in order to reduce dusting and deterioration caused by surface abrasion. Read Silicate Concrete Sealer Reviews.
  • Water Repellent Sealers: Water repellent sealers are chemically reactive sealers that reduce the absorption of water and other liquids on the surface in order to reduce deterioration and staining caused by water absorption and freeze-thaw cycles. Read Water Repellent Sealer Reviews.
  • Acrylic Sealers: Acrylic sealers bond to the surface or the concrete and leave behind a visible surface film that will both enhance and protect the surface of the concrete. Read Acrylic Sealer Reviews.

Some of the few differences between each type of concrete sealer include:

Silicate Concrete Sealers Silane Siloxane Concrete Sealers Acrylic Concrete Sealers
Won’t change the look of the concrete Won’t change the look of the concrete Enahnces with a wet look or gloss
Works entirely below the surface Works entirely below the surface Leaves a visible surface film
Lasts forever Lasts 7-10 years Lasts 1-5 years
Increase strength of concrete Repels surface water Protects surface against staining
Reduces dusting and spalling Reduces staining and deterioration Stops dusting, staining, deterioration
Can be used on interior/exterior concrete Can be used on interior/exterior concrete Can be used on interior/exterior concrete

Aside from the differences mentioned above, each type of sealer is designed to work on specific types of concrete surfaces:

Silicate Sealers Silane Siloxane Sealers Acrylic Sealers
Red Clay Brick X
Brick Pavers X X
Natural Stone X
Poured Concrete X X X
Stamped Concrete X X
Flagstone X
Slate X
Granite X

Silicate Concrete Sealers

The two main types of silicate concrete sealers are sodium and lithium silicate sealers. Sodium silicate sealers have a larger molecule size and are commonly used on porous concrete while lithium silicate sealers have a smaller molecule size and are commonly used on dense concrete. Both types of silicate concrete sealers spark the same chemical reaction in the concrete.

Silicate Sealer Uses

  • Sodium silicate concrete sealers increase the strength and density of the concrete in order to reduce concrete dusting and deterioration caused by surface abrasion.
  • Sodium silicate concrete sealers will reduce the movement of sub-surface water and moisture through the pores.

Best Sodium Silicate Concrete Sealers

Best Lithium Silicate Concrete Sealers

Water Repellent Concrete Sealers

The two main types of water repellent sealers are siliconate water repellent sealers and silane siloxane concrete sealers. Both types of water repellent sealers will reduce the absorption of water and other liquids on the surface in order to reduce damage, deterioration, and staining caused by water absorption. Siliconate water repellent sealers can leave behind a white surface residue to they are best when used on light or white concrete. Silane Siloxane water repellent sealers are a bit more industrial, and can be used on virtually all types of concrete and masonry.

Best Silane Siloxane Water Repellents:

Best Siliconate Water Repellents:

Acrylic Concrete Sealers

Acrylic concrete sealers are designed to enhance and protect concrete by leaving behind a visible, protective surface film. Acrylic concrete sealers will leave behind a wet look, low gloss, or high gloss finish. They can often be applied in clear or color finishes.

Acrylic sealers are available in acrylic lacquer and acrylic co-polymer formulas. Acrylic lacquer sealers are commonly used on cured concrete and acrylic c-polymers are used on unsealed concrete. Acrylic latex sealers are often brought up, but they are NOT acrylic sealers. The latex in the acrylic sealer is not breathable and acrylic latex sealers function more like a paint. Acrylic lacquer sealers and acrylic co-polymer sealers are the only true types of acrylic sealers.

Acrylic sealers are available in water and solvent based solutions. There are a few differences between the two types. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, but they differ greatly in appearance, life, and maintenance.

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

Water based acrylic sealer reviews:

Solvent based acrylic sealer reviews:

 
,

Author: admin

2 thoughts on “Concrete Sealer Types”

  1. Tanya gave me a great deal on the Armor SX5000 and I told her I would give her a good review. I live in Florida and have to power wash my driveway twice a year. Since I have used the SX5000, I haven't had to power wash it one. I hosed it down but other than that, my driveway stays looking very clean. I haven't had any issues with stains and the one area by the house that used to grow old hasn't grown any mold back. I am a huge supporter of this product and their customer service is fantastic. I researched products for 3 weeks and was not an easy customer. Tanya, you have the patience of an Angel! Thank you Foundation Armor!

  2. Great information, lots to digest. I would love to see a comparison of garage floor coatings. Thanks.

Comments are closed.