The ever popular acrylic sealers dominate the market with claims of waterproofing, sealing, coating, and decorating. So what really is an acrylic concrete sealer good for? Acrylic sealers are topical solutions that are best known for giving a beautiful decorative high gloss shine or low sheen luster. Common applications include but are not limited to patios, driveways and pavers. The only problem with acrylic sealers is their longevity and their frequency to peel, flake and chip off.
When looking for a good acrylic sealer it is recommended to go with a water based version. Even though solvent based acrylics can last longer, they have a high VOC content, with noxious fumes that will not pass regulations in states like California. Water based versions are safer, and by reapplying them every 1-2 years they will last equally as long as their solvent based counterparts.
Good acrylics will also hold up to UV light without yellowing, fading or peeling from the suns heat. Good acrylics will not peel, flake or scratch and will even be able to hold up to salt, wind driven rain and they will be water repellent all while beautifying concrete. Common applications for acrylic sealers are usually exterior pavers, driveways and patios. Be careful not to use a high gloss variation on a pool deck since they can become extremely slippery.
Our Take: Acrylic sealers that last longer and hold up better than others on the market include Cryli-Tek 5500, Everclear VOX, and Decra-Seal WB
What makes a decorative concrete sealer standout amongst a crowded industry and multitude of products? Decorative concrete sealers for the sake of this article are acrylic top coats that will protect, enhance and beautify concrete. Acrylic concrete sealers have been the decorative choice for many years and can leave anywhere from a glossy finish to a satin shine finish. They come in solvent based varieties that are applied by nap roller or they come in water based versions that are applied by sprayer.
Decorative concrete sealers are ideal for patio pavers, pool decks, stamped concrete and driveways. Solvent based varieties usually leave a glossy finish which can cause concrete to become slippery when wet. Certain brands sell a non-slip additive that can be added to their sealers if a high gloss finish is desired with less risk of slippage. One of the most popular decorative sealers is a water based acrylic. They comply with VOC regulations so they can be used in all 50 states. They do not leave a slippery finish, they enhance the concrete while repelling water and they protect from the suns harmful UV rays.
Our Take: Choose a water based acrylic over a solvent based acrylic. Reputable acrylics we have found are Everclear VOX, Cryli-Tek 5500 and SC-42 WB
While the concrete sealer market is roughly divided into the two categories of penetrating versus surface sealers, how do you tell which surface sealer is right for your particular project. While there are not a lot of different types of surface sealers, it is important to be knowledgeable of the differences in order to choose the appropriate product.
Acrylic sealers are probably the most common type of sealer. Used for lightweight projects and surface touches, acrylic sealers are solutions comprised of large particles of acrylic sealant suspended in either water or some sort of solvent, depending on if you opt for a water- or solvent-based product. Once applied to the concrete surface, the large particles remain on the surface to be spread out evenly.
Acrylic sealers offer a general level of protection: nothing too comprehensive, but nothing to sneeze at either. An acrylic sealer is a great choice for decorative concrete that is more delicate that poured or stamped concrete, as well for surfaces that do not see a large amount of heavy traffic and risk of abrasions or spills. The better acrylic sealer products offer UV protection, slip resistance, and will resist the passage of water into the concrete. Instead of penetrating within the concrete to chemically react, an acrylic sealer will act more like a raincoat to block the entrance of water at the surface.
Epoxy sealers, on the other hand, are another extremely popular concrete surface sealer. These products are significantly stronger than acrylic sealers, featuring a high level of adhesion to the concrete substrate. Once applied to the substrate, epoxy sealers offer excellent wear and abrasion resistance, all while effectively protecting the surface of the concrete from extreme chemical spills.
Due to their inherent strength, especially compared to an acrylic sealer, epoxies are the sealer of choice for projects that do not require a penetrating sealer. As a surface sealer, their strength, reliability, and longevity cannot be beat. You will commonly find epoxy sealers in industrial warehouses, large retails stores, and even airports – all of these places feature a high level of traffic that can lead to disastrous wear. Epoxies, like acrylics, are surface-level concrete sealers that are the right choice for more in-depth projects requiring a more comprehensive level of protection, while acrylics are better for residential and lighter applications.
One of the most compelling reasons to use a concrete sealer is to help improve the aesthetics features of the slab, pavers, bricks or stone. Decorative concrete has become extremely popular and can be seen used in driveways and patios, interior and exterior floors, steps and walkways, pools and more. Now what is the best method of protecting all of these surfaces?
An acrylic concrete sealer would be you best option. Acrylic sealers come in water-based versions and solvent based versions. The biggest difference between the two is the VOC content, sheen and life of the product; meaning how often it lasts before needing to be reapplied. Solvent based acrylics tend to have higher VOC’s and solvent odors; however, they leave a higher gloss shine and last a few years longer than water based versions. Solvent-based sealers tend to be the strongest options when you are sealing an exterior substrate, or patio. When applying an acrylic sealer outdoors make sure that the manufacturer states their product is UV stable. If an acrylic is not UV stable and is used outdoors there are high risks of yellowing, peeling and flaking from the sun’s strong, harmful rays. Although solvent based sealers are great for exterior, decorative concrete be aware that they can make surfaces extremely slippery. They may add a beautiful high gloss finish, but if applied to a pool deck they could cause excessive slipperiness. Some manufacturers offer additives (to be used in conjunction with the sealer at the time of application) that help make the surface less slippery.
If you do not want a slippery high gloss surface you should consider a water based concrete sealer. They may need to be re-applied more frequently but they usually meet all VOC regulations and will offer a softer matte or satin sheen. Water based acrylic sealers usually last 1-3 years before needing to be re-applied compared to 2-5 years you would get from a solvent based concrete sealer.
Acrylic concrete sealers are one of the most common concrete sealers on the market today. Just be sure when you are shopping around that the sealer is a pure acrylic and not a blend of an acrylic and something else. Acrylic sealers are great for stamped decorative concrete patios, driveways and pavers and really do beautify and enhance concrete’s aesthetic appearance.
Our Take: We like Cryli-Tek 5500 with a nice low sheen that is non-yellowing and water based.
What are the best decorative concrete sealers?
Concrete primarily tends to be functional: strong, gray material that is dull while getting the job done. This is rarely a problem because we don’t really tend to care about what our foundations look like. Concrete doesn’t have to be this way, however, which leads people desiring something more visually appealing to turn to decorative concrete.
The current trend is for homeowners and contractors to try to liven up their otherwise drab concrete surfaces. Many people turn to pavers to get the tropical look they want, even in the frigid Northeast. Others try out concrete dyes, mixing and matching colors to create a vibrant visual atmosphere. Ultimately, though, it is important to protect this decorative concrete as you would (and should) with your regular concrete surfaces.
The materials you should use to protect decorative concrete will differ from those you would use when you don’t care about the surface color. Decorative concrete is typically more delicate than non-decorative – the material is NOT weaker, but you care more about the color and physical appearance of your surfaces, which means you need to go to greater lengths to protect that visual exterior.
Acrylic-based sealers tend to be a good idea when sealing decorative concrete. These sealers do not penetrate past the surface of the concrete, instead hardening over the surface to prevent water leakage and spills from marring the face of the material. Because they are not penetrative, they do not have the tangible benefits of a traditional penetrating sealer (such as locking out mold and mildew, as well as resisting efflorescence). However, the places in your home or business where you would use decorative concrete typically aren’t as threatened by these calamities as, say, a basement.
The acrylic-based sealer will not penetrate beneath the surface, but it will still provide excellent protection without damaging the physical appearance of your concrete. Penetrating sealers delve deep within the concrete to react chemically below the surface, which would ruin any sort of dye or intentional coloring already within the material. The large particles of acrylic-based sealers will ensure the substance remains atop the surface.
It is important, however, to purchase a high-quality sealing product when protecting your decorative concrete. A lesser-quality product could ruin the color quality you just spent so much time and effort perfecting.
Our Take: For a readily available, water based decorative acrylic sealer we like this one found at HomeDepot.com
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