Concrete Sealers

Concrete Sealer Buying Guide

Concrete sealers are not one size fits all. There are a few factors to keep in mind when selecting the best sealer for your project. To help you make that choice, we've made a handy buying guide on which concrete sealer to use. Choosing the right sealer for your concrete coloring project depends on three things: location, size, and desired sealer finish. Let's get into it!

Location

The location of your DIY project will largely determine which type of sealer to use. Different concrete sealers are better suited to address moisture, porosity, shine, and abrasion resistance - among other things. So, ask yourself a few questions:

1. Is your project outdoors?
2. Will your project be exposed to moisture?
3. Is your project in a high traffic area?
4. Will your project be exposed to heat and/or sunlight?

Once you’ve figured that part out, the next step is to measure the size of your concrete surface.

Size

Depending on where your concrete surface is located and how exposed the area is to traffic (not to mention other potential damage), you may want to consider multiple coats of sealer or protective wax. Almost all concrete sealer products specify the square footage per gallon per coat. This should help you easily determine how much sealer you'll need.

Finish

Last but certainly not least, the desired finish of your concrete staining project is an important part of the process. Sealers not only protect your concrete stain but can also highlight the color, shine, and ultimately add some extra aesthetics to your hard work. Some examples of these sealers are Direct Colors’ high gloss and satin sealer options. While this generally depends on the underlying material, a high gloss sealer can give your color a shiny, almost reflective look, while satin finish sealer provides a low sheen finish truer to the shade of the underlying material. Once you’ve determined those three things, it’s time to choose the perfect sealer for your specific project! Woo-hoo! The exciting part!

Concrete Sealers At a Glance

AcquaTint™ Tinted Sealer:

This low VOC, colored concrete sealer offers the protective benefits of sealers - with that added smidge of color! We recommend AcquaTint™ for indoor concrete surfaces that are smooth/machine troweled or lightly textured for best results. You can also get some pretty fantastic results on indoor brick pavers or stamped concrete.

AcquaSeal™ Water Based Sealer:

If your concrete project is indoors, smell and ventilation are going to be your biggest concerns. For that reason, we generally recommend a water based sealer for any indoor sealing project. These sealers are nearly odorless with low VOC, meaning that they are more environmentally friendly than other concrete sealers. The most well-known benefit of an acrylic sealer is its ability to "pop" the color of the underlying floor. Water based acrylic sealers are also much easier to maintain. Available in high gloss and satin finishes.

Acrylic Sealer Repair:

Intended for small areas less than 50 square feet, our sealer repair works to correct imperfections from applying solvent based acrylic sealers. If you’ve got bubbles or your acrylic sealer coating is too thick, this will help!

EasySeal™ Solvent Based Sealer:

This sealer is durable, non-slip, and highly resistant to UV rays. Extreme amounts of direct sunlight can yellow some concrete sealers. However, solvent based sealers are UV resistant, keeping your underlying concrete stain clear and vibrant. More importantly, these concrete sealers don't allow moisture to penetrate. For outdoor concrete surfaces, especially patios and pool decks, this feature is essential to the quality of your concrete stain and the longevity of your sealer. Available in high gloss and satin finishes.

EasyTint™ Tinted Sealer:

A stain and sealer in one, EasyTint™ cuts the time it takes to complete your project in half! Use it on indoor and outdoor surfaces that are machine troweled, smooth, or lightly textured. You can also use it on pavers or stamped concrete.

Non Slip Sealer Additive:

Add this finely ground anti slip additive to the final coat of your acrylic sealer for slip resistance. It’s ideal for pool decks, stairs, walkways, patios, and even garage floors.

Penetrating Concrete Sealer:

If you’re looking to seal a hot concrete surface, this is the product you’re looking for! This sealer is safe for up to 160℉ of heat resistance. It'll protect your underlying colorant and won’t melt as other sealants might. The only downside with this type of sealer is its clarity - the heat resistance aspect causes a bit of natural cloudiness. While you’ll still see the underlying coloring job, our water based Penetrating Concrete Sealer won't "pop" or highlight colors like other concrete sealers might.