Types of Concrete Sealer
A concrete sealer is essential in order to seal and maintain your concrete driveways and patios properly. However, there are several types of concrete sealers available on the market, and choosing the right one for your project may seem confusing and challenging. A concrete sealer is essential in order to seal and maintain your concrete driveways and patios properly. However, there are several types of concrete sealers available on the market, and choosing the right one for your project may seem confusing and challenging.
In order to be able to pick the best product for your requirements, you must first understand each option available to you. The many types of concrete sealer available include:
Penetrating Sealers
These sealers allow you to seal the pores of the concrete below the surface. They are perfect for driveways, pool decks, and other outdoor projects.
This type of sealer protects the concrete against harsh outdoor conditions, de-icing chemicals, chemical stains, and more. It is also anti-slip and prevents you from slipping on the concrete if it is cold or wet. At the same time, it also does not alter the appearance of the concrete, so you don’t need to worry about your outdoor spaces looking unattractive.
Film-Forming Sealers
These sealers block the penetration of water into the concrete. This is done as the sealer forms a barrier on the surface of the concrete. They are usually available in acrylic, polyurethane, and epoxy options and are most commonly used to seal driveways, pool decks, and other outdoor spaces.
This is a great option if you want to protect your space while also enhancing the aesthetic beauty. The sealer can produce a beautiful sheen on the concrete and enhance the color of the concrete.
Acrylic Sealers
Acrylic concrete sealers are available in two variants – water-based and solvent-based. Solvent-based acrylic sealers are longer lasting than their water0based counterparts.
In general, acrylic sealers are easy to apply and can be used both indoors and outdoors. However, they are most commonly used on driveways, pool decks, and other outdoor locations in and around the home.
These sealers are UV resistant and available in a variety of sheen levels. They are non-yellowing and protect against water, chloride, and more. When used on interior floors, they protect the surface while also enhancing the color of the concrete. One advantage is that these sealers dry fast, so you can get done with the job quickly.
Epoxy Sealers
Epoxy sealers are perfect for indoor usage. They are most often used on concrete countertops and other high usage concrete spaces, as well as on stained concrete and concrete overlays.
An epoxy concrete sealer allows for the creation of a hard, long-lasting finish. The epoxy finish is abrasion and water-resistant. The pigment is usually clear but is available in colored variants. It is available in either mid-level or sheen or high gloss options.
Most epoxy sealers are available in two components. These need to be mixed together, and once mixed, will dry quickly. This means that if you’re using an epoxy sealer during your concrete maintenance, you should ensure that you work fast.
Polyurethane Sealer
These sealers create a protective film that is resistant to be chemical damage and abrasion. They are available in water-based and solvent-based variants. This sealer can be used for both interior and exterior spaces.
These sealers are twice as thick as acrylic options and are available in a range of sheens. They are non-yellowing and offer a highly durable finish, making them a good option for high-traffic and high-use areas such as floors and countertops.
Final Thoughts:
These are just a few of the types of concrete sealers that are available for use when finishing and maintaining concrete spaces. If you have any questions about which concrete sealer is right for your needs, contact Xpedite Coatings at (713)365-0444 today. We’d love to answer any questions that you might have!
