With the extreme popularity of concrete sealers that enhance and add a wet look or high gloss shine to concrete, acrylics are the most popular and cost effective concrete sealers available. If an extreme gloss is wanted choose a solvent based variation, just make sure the VOC content is legal for your state. If a slightly less shiny finish is wanted, a matte, water based acrylic will be your best bet with low VOCs and ease of application. Solvent based sealers are usually rolled onto the surface with a nap roller, while water based sealers can be sprayer with a pump sprayer.
Best applications for acrylics include patios and pavers. Enhancing and protecting from rain, weathering and sun choose a high quality acrylic over a cheaper one. There is a reason they are more expensive, their higher percentage of solids, which aids in durability and longevity. Solvent based acrylics typically last longer than water based versions which need to be reapplied every 1-3 years, solvent based 2-5 years respectively.
Our Take: If you are looking for enhancements, wet looks or a matte finish acrylics are the way to go. Some of the longest lasting acrylics we have tried and that have stood the test of time are Cryli-Tek 5500 and Euclid’s Everclear.
The Siloxa-Tek 8500 manufactured by Kretetek Industries is an excellent example of a concrete sealer. The Siloxa-Tek solution is a special one that promises waterproofing protection. While many sealers offer this level of protection, which is such a huge benefit for people looking to protect their concrete, the Siloxa-Tek is of a different chemical make-up; it is, therefore, much better suited to locking out water.
The Siloxa-Tek is a silane/siloxane solution, which both penetrates within the concrete as well as giving it a level of surface protection. Because of this, water is locked out in two steps: from within and from without. The water will actually bead on the surface of concrete treated properly with the Siloxa-Tek 8500, so you can see the sealer in action. The sealer is water-based and VOC free, offering such benefits as preventing efflorescence and resisting stains, as would be expected of any high-quality sealer.
The Siloxa-Tek 8500, a DOT approved, water repellent impregnating sealer changes the surface tension of mineral substrates to produce a water repellent surface to keep water and aggressive water-soluble salts, such as chlorides and sulfates, out. Also the 8500 provides excellent resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, spalling, cracking and pitting. While the Siloxa-Tek 8500 is not suitable for every single concrete sealing project (such as for decorative concrete on a pool deck, for instance), it is one of the best choices for many of them especially driveways, sidewalks, roads and bridges. Readily available at HomeDepot.com this sealer is an excellent choice for most projects.
With the constant exposure to the elements, from rain, snow, salt and sun, driveways are continuously exposed and susceptible to damage. When looking for a concrete driveway sealer it is best to keep in mind where you live will effect the sealer you want to apply. If you live in the north, with snow and salt degradation major issues you want to look for a silane/siloxane blend sealer. Extremely durable solutions frequently used on municipality jobs, silane/siloxanes will help to prevent freeze-thaw damage and salt degradation. The higher percentage of solids of silane/siloxane the better the protection and the heftier the price. Make sure when purchasing a silane/siloxane you inquire about the percentage of solids and do not even bother with a less than 20% solids silane/siloxane.
If you are fortunate enough to live in a warmer climate where snow and salt degradation are not threats to your driveway and if your driveway is comprised of pavers or brick your best bet would be to use a high quality acrylic sealer. If you are looking for a decorative high gloss finish look for a solvent based variation and if you are looking for a matte finish look for a water based sealer. Make sure the acrylic is hot tire pickup resistant, non-yellowing and UV stable.
Our Take: Concrete Driveway sealers we like are Okon S-20 and Siloxa-Tek 8500 they are long lasting with a high percentage of solids.
Wet look sealers are usually solvent based acrylics that leave the surface with a high gloss, decorative finish. A lot of times they can also be used as a cure and seal or as a stand alone decorative product. It is important the sealer will not yellow and is still breathable to prevent moisture and delamination.
Most Important Features When Purchasing a Wet Look Sealer:
- Breathable formula that is non-yellowing and UV stable, VOC friendly in most states
- Protection from rain, sun, salt while adding a wet look and enhancing the look of colored concrete
- Non-scratch, non-scuff, long lasting with no risk of delamination
Most Popular Wet Look Sealer Brand Reviews:
Eagle Gloss Coat: Even though it is solvent based it provided a nice wet look finish to decorative concrete and pavers. We like that it can also be used on new concrete instead of waiting the usual 28 days for concrete to cure. Unfortunately 1 gallon only covers 100 square feet so multiple gallons are necessary to seal any substantial substrate.
Everclear: Excellent as a cure and seal, however it is not VOC friendly in all states with a whopping 681 g/L. Adequate coverage and a fast dry time along with an easy application make it a good choice.
Cryli-Tek 5505: We like that this sealer is solvent based and industrial grade holding up to weathering and beading water. Lasted longer than every other acrylic we tested on this list and provided a beautiful wet look enhancing decorative concrete. Did not delaminate or yellow and our concrete looked nice.
Decra-Seal: Fast drying with a high gloss finish but again extremely high VOC limit of almost 700 g/L!
Quikrete Acrylic: Can be used as a cure and seal to help retain water and leaves a finish that is not excessively glossy. Meets ASTM C 309 and covers about 200 sq. ft. per gallon.