Which One of These Concrete Sealers is Best for You?

There are a variety of concrete sealers available on the market today. Choosing the right sealer for your job is an important aspect of decorative concrete. You will need to know which product is best for the application that you are working on.

Generally speaking, the type of sealer that you will use is more determined by the location of the decorative concrete project than the type of decorative concrete. For example, if your job is outside, you will typically use a solvent based sealer. If you are working on an interior project, then a water based sealer should usually be used. The exception to the rule is when your decorative concrete is a countertop in which case a FDA approved countertop sealer is best.

A solvent based concrete sealer is usually best for outdoor applications. It can be used on stamped concrete, spray deck concrete, stained concrete, stone, brick, pavers or plain broom finished concrete. Solvent based sealers are typically a flammable material and have a bad odor. That is why they are best used outside. They are a perfect product to waterproof, protect and extend the life of your concrete.

Water based sealers are used for interior application. They are used inside because they are not flammable and the do not stink. Water based sealers usually do not provide a high gloss finish unless you use a floor wax after the sealer is applied and cured. They work great on stamped concrete, stained concrete, stone or brick fireplaces and even broom or slick finished concrete.

Both solvent based and water based sealers tend to leave surfaces slippery when wet. A skid resistant additive can be mixed into both types of sealer in order to acheive a skid resistant surface. This is especially important for pool decks, hot tub surrounds, walkways, bathrooms and shower floors. This product adds "bite" to the surface, but will not irritate or scratch bare feet.

Concrete countertops will require a different type of sealer. You will need to have a FDA approved concrete countertop sealer . This urethane sealer is FDA approved and can be used for residential or commercial countertops or anywhere that a FDA approved sealer is required. It can be applied with a sprayer, roller or brush.

We offer the highest quality concrete sealers on the market and can help you choose the best sealer for you decorative concrete application.

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