Decorative and colored concrete is becoming increasingly popular for driveways, patios, pool decks, and other outdoor surfaces. Unlike plain gray concrete, colored concrete is designed to be aesthetically pleasing and enhance the curb appeal of your home. However, colored concrete requires special care and maintenance to keep it looking vibrant and protected. Sealing your colored concrete is one of the most important things you can do to extend its life. But with so many concrete sealers on the market, how do you choose the right product?
Concrete sealers work by penetrating into the pores of the concrete to provide a protective barrier against damage from weather, chemicals, and normal wear and tear. However, some sealers are better suited for use on colored concrete than others. Acrylic sealers, for example, enhance color while offering good protection. Meanwhile, topical sealers that sit on the surface can actually fade or discolor colored concrete over time.
When shopping for a colored concrete sealer, you want to choose a product that balances protection and aesthetic appeal. The sealer should repel water, salt, and other corrosive chemicals while allowing the concrete’s pigments to show through. Reviewing application requirements, durability, potential side effects, and customer reviews will help you pick the ideal sealer for maintaining the beauty of your decorative concrete.
Key Considerations
Here are some of the top factors to keep in mind when choosing a sealer for colored concrete:
Penetrating vs. Topical Sealers
Penetrating sealers are preferred for colored concrete because they sink into the concrete to bind to the pores. This allows the sealer to protect the concrete without sitting on the surface. Topical coatings and sealers may alter the concrete’s appearance.
Protection Against Moisture and Chemicals
The sealer should protect against water, chloride salt, and chemical damage. Wet conditions can cause colored concrete to fade, stain, or promote mildew growth. Salts from deicers are also extremely damaging.
Enhances Color
The best concrete sealer will enhance the vibrancy of colored concrete while allowing the color to show through. Some lower quality sealers can actually discolor or yellow the concrete over time.
Breathability
The sealer should allow water vapor from the concrete to pass through. Trapped moisture can cause major issues with colored concrete. Breathable sealers prevent moisture problems.
Reapplication Needs
Consider how often the sealer will need to be reapplied, especially in high traffic areas. Some products last 1-3 years while more advanced hybrid sealers can last 5-7 years or longer before needing renewal.
Ease of Application
Look for a concrete sealer designed for simple DIY application with a sprayer, roller, or brush. This includes proper dilution rates and drying time between coats.
Reviews of the Best Concrete Sealers for Colored Concrete
To help narrow down the options, here are reviews of 5 of the top-rated concrete sealers for enhancing and protecting colored concrete surfaces:
1. EnduraSeal Acrylic Sealer
EnduraSeal Acrylic Sealer is a water-based acrylic sealer made by DIY-friendly brand Behr. What makes it ideal for colored concrete is its deep penetrating acrylic formula designed to enhance and protect pigmented concrete surfaces.
Application is simple with a sprayer, roller, or brush. EnduraSeal dries transparent to showcase concrete’s color while preventing moisture and salt damage. It lasts 2-3 years before needing reapplication.
2. Rainguard Microseal
Rainguard Microseal uses nanotechnology to create an extremely durable and long-lasting concrete sealer. As a penetrating sealer, it bonds deep within the concrete to provide superior moisture, chemical, and stain protection.
It stands up to traffic and lasts 5-7 years before needing renewal. Easy to apply with a sprayer or roller. Excellent enhancement of colored concrete.
3. Ghostshield Lithi-Tek LS 9500
Ghostshield Lithi-Tek LS 9500 utilizes cutting-edge lithium silicate technology to provide the ultimate protection for colored concrete while making colors pop. Its penetrating reactive formula fuses into the concrete for long-term water, salt, freeze-thaw, and chemical resistance.
Lasts 5-10 years before reapplying. Enhances color vibrancy and efflorescence resistance. Application requires backrolling.
4. Foundation Armor AR350
Foundation Armor AR350 is a solvent-based silicone sealer known for its super hydrophobic water repelling abilities. It protects against moisture damage, deicer chemicals, salts, and fading of colored concrete.
Its deep penetration seals and enriches color with a wet look finish. Lasts 3-5 years with proper recoat intervals. Low odor formula.
5. Seal ‘n Lock Aqua Glaze
Seal ‘n Lock Aqua Glaze is a water-based acrylic sealer and finish coating ideal for enhancing colored concrete. It leaves a high-gloss protective finish that intensifies decorative concrete’s vibrancy.
Good protection against moisture, stains, and UV damage. Lasts 1-3 years before reapplying. Easy to apply with a roller or sprayer.
Application Tips
Once you’ve selected the right sealer, proper application is also key to getting the most longevity and enhancement from your colored concrete sealer. Here are some top tips for applying decorative concrete sealers:
– Read all manufacturer guidelines for application, dry time, and recoat intervals. This prevents issues like trapping moisture or inadequate curing.
– Thoroughly clean and prepare the concrete first to remove any dirt, oils, or existing sealers that could interfere with penetration.
– Apply during dry conditions when no rain or heavy dew is forecast for 24-48 hours so the sealer can fully cure.
– Use a high quality roller with a proper nap size or pump sprayer for even coverage across the concrete.
– Maintain a wet edge during application to prevent lap marks and visible sealer lines. Work in sections.
– Allow proper dry time between coats if applying 2 or more coats. This ensures proper penetration and curing.
– Avoid heavy traffic or furniture on the sealed surface for 1-2 weeks to allow for a full cure.
– Reseal colored concrete at the manufacturer’s recommended interval to maintain its newly sealed appearance.
Conclusion
Sealing your colored concrete is crucial for keeping it looking pristine and preventing costly repairs and frequent restoration. With so many concrete sealers available, focus on finding a penetrating sealer that repels moisture, enhances color vibrancy, and lasts for years before needing reapplication. Popular options include EnduraSeal, Rainguard Microseal, Ghostshield Lithi-Tek 9500, Foundation Armor AR350, and Seal ‘n Lock Aqua Glaze. Following proper application guidelines ensures you achieve maximum performance from your concrete sealer. With the right sealing, your decorative colored concrete can maintain its eye-catching curb appeal for many years to come.