“Surface Wetting” is what gives sealers the ability to create a wet look. The category of sealer most capable of creating a wet look is an acrylic based sealer.

The following picture was provided by Foundation Armor. The Armor AR350 Satin Sheen sealer was applied to new, broom finished concrete. The owner applied the Armor SX5000 first followed by the Armor AR350 5 days later. If you would prefer a high gloss, Foundation Armor also offers the AR500 and the AX25.

When shopping for an acrylic there are a few things to consider:

1. There are water and solvent based acrylics. Consider going with a solvent based over a water based because solvent based sealers are easy to maintain. When it is time to recoat, you can put down a coat of Xylene followed by a recoat with a solvent based acrylic. With water based, you would have to remove everything that was down and apply from scratch.
2. Make sure you look at pictures. Check the pictures that are on the listing to make sure you like the product. Not all high gloss acrylic look the same, and not all high gloss acrylics perform the same. Shop online and consider a professional grade product over one you would find at a Home Depot or Lowe’s.

When applying an acrylic, there are a few things that can be done to help with bonding and life:

1. Make sure the concrete is completely dry when applying the acrylic sealer. Dry concrete is ideal for penetration and bonding. If concrete is wet when an acrylic is applied, you may experience issues with delamination.
2. Do not apply too many coats. If you put more than 2 coats on, or apply too much of the acrylic, you will get a white milky haze over the surface. The solution is easy – Xylene or a Blush Repair product – but you can avoid the extra step.
3. Apply with a roller, not a sprayer. A sprayer should only be used if you are experienced with acrylics or have applied the product before. If you do not have experience with acrylics or sprayers, you may apply too thin of a coat which can result in premature delamination.