MasonryDefender Penetrating Concrete Sealer, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, The Most Affordable Ways to Fence in a Yard, 7 Awesome Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Your Backyard, The Dos and Don'ts for Landscaping Around Trees, Protects against chemicals, stains, mold and mildew, Compatible with wood, stone, metal, and ceramic, Requires multiple coats; 30 to 60 minutes between coats, Approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Get Eagle Armor Seal at The Home Depot andAmazon. No reemulsification. Stopping and starting sealer application can cause appearance and performance problems. Tested & Approved by ICC (International Code Council) to replace for bituminous/tar materials. Instead, the pavers remained inside and were treated to the same types of events they would typically encounterspills, stains, and all-purpose cleanersand then we awarded points based on their performance. Paintable - Breathable - Odorless - Dries Clear - NON Slip when wet or dry - No sheen or glossy look!! We left the paver to cure for 24 hours before starting our tests. Concrete is porous, which means air and water can pass through from one side to the other. This acrylic concrete sealer helps reduce damage and deterioration caused by surface abrasion, freeze-thaw cycles, and chemical exposure. After mixing, the sealer must be applied immediately before it hardens. For our testing purposes, we used a scale from 0 to 4, with 4 being the best. No stains were left behindpretty impressive! To choose the best sealer for your project, consider the following. Deco 20 separates itself from most sealers because they don't have the durability and ICC approval for foundation walls. Sealer can enhance the color and beauty of stained, stamped, exposed aggregate, and other ornamental concrete treatments. Get Foundation Armor AR350 on Amazon, at Walmart, or at Lowes. DECO 20 clear sealer produces a highly effective breathable moisture barrier, by reducing water vapor transmission. It resists the staining from chemicals, rust, petroleum products, and hard water that can affect unsealed concrete. (function(d, src, c) { var t=d.scripts[d.scripts.length - 1],s=d.createElement('script');s.id='la_x2s6df8d';s.async=true;s.src=src;s.onload=s.onreadystatechange=function(){var rs=this.readyState;if(rs&&(rs!='complete')&&(rs!='loaded')){return;}c(this);};t.parentElement.insertBefore(s,t.nextSibling);})(document, These durable sealers are often used for floors in high-traffic areas, such as garages and basements, or for concrete countertops. A damp wall(s) must be dry as possible before applying Deco 20. (Note: if you wish to have the exterior of your foundation wall(s) protected by a waterproof material check out our Deco Seal). All concrete sealers should be handled with caution. Some sealers even offer a tint for uniform color, similar to concrete paint. A waterproof concrete countertop sealer will prevent food stains as well as scratches. Deco 20 has been applied in over 2 million International applications and istheonly Clear Sealer approved by ICC for dampproofing foundation walls. Concrete sealers meant for indoor use were not tested outside. We were sealing a small 1-foot-by-1-foot concrete paver, so we used a brush to apply AR350 evenly to the surface. (The Red List is a collection of harmful-to-humans chemicals and building materials assembled by the International Living Future Institute to create awareness and promote healthy alternatives in building construction.) Engine Paint Whats Important for Best Performance? The AR350 came through with flying colors. We were told Deco 20 Clear was the best product. We allowed the fluids to dry in place, then used an all-purpose floor cleaner to wipe them up. Here are approximate dry times for the various sealer types: Most concrete should be resealed every 1 to 3 years. It provides a highly effective & breathable moisture barrier, dries clear, and is paintable. My brother in law is an electrical contractor. No stains or dulling were evident. We felt it wasnt a big drawback because the sealer kept the grease, mud, and de-icing salts from staining, and water still beaded up on the surface after the paver was cleaned and dried. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. They can also be applied with a lint-free paint-and-stain roller. At this point, call an excavator or basement specialist - the issue is on the exterior part of the wall(s). We sprayed the SX5000 on a clean, dry paver, and it quickly spread and saturated the surface. Sealer for driveways, parking structures, plazas, walkways & more. As a general rule, sealing concrete driveways should be done with penetrating sealers, indoor floors with acrylic sealers, and concrete countertops with either an epoxy sealer or a polyurethane sealer. Concrete Sealers - Sealer Selection Tips If the concrete is unsealed, all it needs is a thorough cleaning before applying sealer. If you are a contractor who applies sealer on a regular basis, take precautions to prevent breathing in an excessive amount of fumes. For extra protection and shine, some countertop installers will apply a food-safe finishing wax over the concrete sealer. Concrete sealer repels moisture that otherwise would lead to long-term damage. It works below the surface without changing the look or color of the concrete. To remedy this, we used a small culinary torch to just slightly heat the epoxy, which popped the bubbles and left a flawless glass look. When water no longer beads up on a penetrating sealed surface, typically after about 1 to 10 years, depending on quality, it is time to reseal. Though we were expecting a matte finish, we found the sheen attractive. A clear concrete sealer provides a protective barrier that stands between damaging elements and the concrete to help keep it from spalling, pitting and cracking. ASTM C 672 Freeze/Thaw 20 Day Cycle, Site Map | Designed by Tree Ring Digital | Proudly Made In The USA. Zach Bryant. Coverage rates will vary depending on the porosity of your concrete. Get Foundation Armor SX5000 on Amazon, at The Home Depot, and at Lowes. As epoxy is vulnerable to yellowing caused by UV light it is most popular for indoor applications. ICC (International Code Council) Classification: DECO Clear Penetrating Concrete Sealer (DECO 20) is: REPORTS (PDF's) - View on "Reports/Videos Tab", Block = 125-150 sq/ft/gal. daich solids When brushing it onto our paver, the liquid sealer looked a lot like milk, but within 30 minutes, the whiteness cleared up and we began to see a sheen. Sealing is the last, but most important, step when installing concrete countertops in a kitchen or bathroom. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Flexibility no cracking. The best way to keep these elements from damaging your driveway, sidewalk, or patio is to apply a sealer that will keep them out. Concrete Sealers and Coatings Good for the builder and good for the planet! While UV resistance is not required indoors, interior sealers must still be waterproof, although slab floors benefit from breathability. Solvent-based sealers, including solvent-based acrylic, produce fumes called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be irritating and harmful to skin and eyes. CRAWL SPACES & DAMP INTERIOR BASEMENT WALLS: Deco 20 can be applied to walls that are continually damp or become damp after heavy rains or storms. Were proud to continually receive praise from customers by being100% Water-Based and contain no solvents. Time: 04:34. Each of the fluids beaded up without soaking into the concrete. It also is important that they allow moisture to escape and that they do not become slippery in winter and wet weather. The trick to a successful epoxy coating is to stir slowly, which will make absolutely sure its well blended without incorporating air. The concrete sealers with the best reviews tend to be professional grade, not the type you can buy at your local home-improvement store. We tested TotalBoat epoxy on a concrete paver, but we didnt expose it to the outdoor elements because this product is only for indoor use despite the word boat in its title. Yes, concrete sealer does wear off over time. It does have a bit of an odor, however, and we had to open the windows in the shop to air out the smell during application to a concrete paver. high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer. - 0.04 grains/sq.ft./hour Water vapor permeability. Penetrating sealers seal the pores of concrete below the surface. So, recoating is required more frequently than other types of clear concrete sealers. Penetrating sealers include silanes, siloxanes, silicates and siliconates that penetrate into the concrete to form a chemical barrier. A sealed concrete countertop should not be used as a cutting board, however, since a sharp knife could scratch the surface. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. The morning after we sprayed it, we went outside and nothing, absolutely nothing was wet. In most cases the best way to apply concrete sealer is with a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) or airless sprayer. Water based is often preferred as it is more durable than solvent based. Indeed, the U.S. Department of Transportation approved and used the product in several states to protect roadways and bridges against water-absorption and freeze-thaw damage. It was like magic. Eagle Armor Seal is one of a handful of interior concrete sealers we tested. Epoxy provides a thick, extremely durable, glossy finish with either a clear coat or a variety of color options. Get air on the walls, set fans towards the wall, open windows until dry or best possible. Our tests showed that it isnt necessary to spend a lot of cash for a good quality concrete sealer. This product is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, lasting up to 3 years on outdoor concrete surfaces and up to 7 years indoors before a recoat is needed. Acrylic is best for decorative, high-gloss, and color-enhancing applications. We brushed MasonryDefender on half of the paver and sprayed it on the other half. Either water-based or solvent-based acrylic will provide a high degree of protection, but solvent-based usually lasts longer. Epoxy clear concrete sealer is much harder than acrylic concrete sealant and offers a thick and durable finish that is long lasting and abrasion resistant. All Rights Reserved. Rather than move the paver outdoors, we kept it indoors and exposed it to fairly heavy foot traffic after sprinkling it with sand and didnt notice any scuffing. SS-W-110 C Water Repellency On Masonry Test. Available in different sheen levels, acrylic concrete sealers can be used to enhance colored, exposed, or stamped concrete in either interior or exterior concrete surfaces. We noted a bit of scuffing from the rubbed-on sand, but wed rubbed pretty aggressively and didnt put on multiple coats as recommended. In 24 hours, it was completely dry, yet it retained a hint of sheen, giving it an attractive finish that gave depth and richness without changing the color of the concrete. We filled our sprayer, but it clogged after just a few spritzes. To see which ones live up to the hype, we sealed both concrete pavers and a concrete countertop with popular products, then tested their performance against moisture, grease, dirt, and ice-melt chemicals. If the sealer youre using requires two coats, you may have to wait a specified amount of time before applying the second coat. This type of sealer is applied with a smooth, clear finish and offers a range of sheens from matte to glossy. On arrival, Deco 20 is ready to use. Newer water-based sealers are less harsh and contain lower amounts of VOCs. A downside is that acrylic concrete sealer applies in thin coats is not durable. Concrete sealer prolongs the life of any concrete surface. '//supportdesk.kbs-coatings.com/scripts/track.js', After 24 hours, we sprayed on an all-purpose kitchen cleaner and wiped the dried-on liquids away. Epoxy concrete sealers are the most durable, making them good for sealing garage floors and high-traffic retail environments. Concrete sealer problems and their causes: In some cases, these problems can be fixed by applying a fresh coat of sealer to the concrete, other times the existing sealer may need to be stripped first to start fresh. Decos first product, created in 1991, designed as a safe & easy to usemulti-purpose concrete sealer. There are several variables to consider when choosing the right concrete sealer for a project. Eco-Friendly: Water Based & Non-Hazardous, UV Resistant & Application requires only (1) coat (be sure concrete is dry). After a second Foundation Armor pick made our lineup, we can confidently say that we are now steadfast fans of this manufacturer. We also tested with plain water, which beaded up nicely and didnt soak into the surface. Our high rating by ICC allows Deco 20 to be used for non-foundation wall projects. This sustainable, nontoxic sealer is plant-based, VOC-free, and contains no Red List chemicals. Read our Applicator Guidelines or your bucket for details. Epoxy sealant has a high gloss and brings out surface colors. By Mark Wolfe and Glenda Taylor | Updated May 18, 2022 11:52 AM. Sealed concrete resists dirt and stays cleaner than unsealed concrete. We used a brush to apply the sealer, which was milky at first but cleared up as it dried. Whether for a commercial or residential property, a basement or a garage, a concrete floor sealer is an easy and affordable way to ensure the surface will look its best and function well for years. Water beaded rather than soaking into the surface. Typically, older concrete is more porous and may require extra sealer. This type of sealer is sometimes referred to as a topical concrete sealer or a coating. Typical dry time (variables include humidity, air flow, etc) is 1-2hrs. If you dont want your concrete to look different, a clear concrete sealer that penetrates beyond the surface will not change its appearance. Many are also environmentally friendly and qualify for LEED points. Its a popular choice for kitchen counters and high traffic areas like walkways. 0.102 perms After testing, we power-washed the paver and noticed a bit of dulling where the de-icing salts were applied. Very impressed with this product and will use it again. DiamondFinish Clear is user friendly with a quick dry time and a low and compliant VOC formulation. This is an excellent product that we will be including in our MRO plan for our other facilities. Concrete countertops must be sealed to avoid staining. Low VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) Meets all States Spec's. Choosing the correct clear concrete sealer is a matter of determining what qualities it will need to have to best meet the requirements of the project. ASTM D 466 - Resistance to water flow and action. Water beaded up immediately on the surface of the paver. This is ideal for winter environments as water trapped in concrete can freeze and expand, thereby cracking the concrete. New & Existing Construction: Dampproofs and seals masonry block, pre-cast and poured concrete walls. After curing, the sealers were exposed to a host of everyday situations that they would most likely encounter in the real world. Our customers continually tell us they love the ease of use and the time saved with this product. Learn how chemical strippers work, how to choose the best one, and what precautions to take when using them. For more information on DiamondFinish Clear click HERE. A penetrating sealer is usually the best choice for high-traffic exterior concrete surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and patios. In addition to penetrating the concrete to coat its internal pores, Seal-Once Nano + Poly creates a durable surface coating that protects against UV fading, wear and tear, and water damage. Protection lasts for up to 10 years before needing to be reapplied. UV protectants keep the sealant from yellowing over time, making it a functional choice for outdoor applications as well as indoor use. The coating doesnt offer UV protection so its not ideal for applications that are exposed to significant sunlight. A penetrating product offers nearly invisible protection, while a film-forming concrete sealer gives a smooth, durable finish. Topical coatings sit on the surface theyre applied to and consistent moisture will cause them to eventually bubble, pop, or flake off. Concretes porous texture allows moisture intrusion that causes cracks during freeze-thaw cycles, requiring crack fillers to repair. We applied the sealers to concrete pavers and a concrete countertop in a temperature-controlled shop. Concrete sealers can be used on new and old concrete, whether indoors or outdoors. Foundation Armors SX5000 Water-Based Penetrating Concrete Sealer is a silane/siloxane blend with up to 10 times more active ingredients than the competition.