Concrete sealers are used to protect driveways, garage floors, countertops and other concrete floors from damage.
Some sealers also offer the added benefit of making the concrete look better by adding a glossy finish.
There are a wide variety of sealers on the market, and choosing the right one is important to get the best protection and benefits.
Here are six questions to ask yourself to help you pick the right concrete sealer.
1.
For what application will you be using your concrete sealer? First, you want to understand how the different concrete sealers are used in different applications.
A garage floor epoxy sealer may not be ideal for your driveway.
Or a concrete driveway sealer may not give you the glossy finish you want for your concrete countertop.
By sticking with the appropriate sealer for your specific application, you will lessen the chance of choosing the wrong one for the job.
2.
Will your sealer be used outdoors or indoors? Another point to consider is whether your sealer will be used outdoors or indoors.
The reason why this is important is because certain types of sealers are more resistant to UV radiation compared to other sealers.
UV radiation from the sun can cause an unattractive yellowing of non-UV resistant sealers.
If your sealer will be exposed to the outdoor sun, then pick either a penetrating concrete sealer or an epoxy or urethane topical sealer.
Acrylic sealers are non UV resistant.
While, this doesn't mean you can't use an acrylic sealer outdoors, just keep in mind that it will turn yellow and require re-applications to keep it looking good.
3.
Do you want a glossy finish on your concrete? Depending on what type of sealer you choose, you will get a range of glossy finishes.
From no gloss all the way to a super high "wet" gloss.
Also remember, a super glossy coating may also be slippery.
Not a good idea for high traffic areas, unless an anti-slip material is applied.
In general, penetrating concrete sealers do not give a glossy coating since they work under the surface of the concrete.
Acrylic sealers can give a matte to a mid gloss surface while urethanes and epoxy sealers will give a higher gloss finish.
4.
How important is ease of application and maintenance? Acrylic and penetrating sealers are relatively easy to apply as compared with epoxy sealers.
Epoxies often need to be mixed together prior to application and applied within a certain time frame.
Also they often cannot be applied using a sprayer, which can make things faster.
Keep in mind, acrylics generally aren't as long lasting as penetrating and epoxy sealers so will require reapplication to keep their benefits.
5.
How important is cost? When it comes to cost, acrylic sealers are the most inexpensive.
Because of their ease of use an cost factor are an attractive choice for many.
6.
Do you need moisture to escape? Certain sealers are non-porous and can trap moisture underneath the concrete.
Trapped moisture will cause discoloration and produce a white hazy film.
If your application requires moisture to pass through the concrete, then make sure you choose a sealer that is "breathable".
In general, acrylics and penetrating sealers are breathable while epoxies and some urethanes may not be.
Keep these questions in mind when you are choosing a concrete sealer.
There are many sealers out there, but these questions will help narrow down your choices and help you pick the right concrete sealer for your job.