Look at your driveway or patio. Does it look dull, cracked, or stained? Concrete surfaces face harsh weather all year. Rain, sun, and winter salt attack them constantly. This wear and tear can make your beautiful concrete look old fast. Choosing the right exterior concrete sealer feels overwhelming. You see terms like “acrylic,” “silane,” and “epoxy,” and it’s easy to get confused. Which one actually protects your investment best?
Don’t let the confusion lead to using the wrong product! Using the wrong sealer can mean wasted money and poor protection. This post cuts through the confusing jargon. We will explain exactly what each type of sealer does and who it works best for. By the end, you will know how to pick the perfect shield for your concrete.
Ready to stop worrying about stains and cracks? Keep reading to unlock the secrets of exterior concrete sealing and keep your surfaces looking brand new for years to come.
Top Exterior Concrete Sealer Recommendations
- Siloxa-Tek 8500 is a water-based, silane/siloxane engineered to reduce water and moisture intrusion. Will not change the aesthetics, leaving your concrete, pavers, brick and stone with its original natural appearance. This low VOC formula is 100% breathable and non film forming (meaning it will never peel flake or delaminate).
- Siloxa-Tek 8500 is D.O.T (Department of Transportation) approved and resists surface damage caused by chlorides and deicing salts. It mitigates cracking, spalling and pitting and protects against surface degradation from freeze thaw damage.
- Siloxa-Tek 8500 is a supercharged penetrating sealer with 6x higher actives than any other water based concrete sealer on the market for long lasting protection that actually last. Resists wind driven rain.
- ALL-WEATHER PERFORMANCE FOR OUTDOOR SURFACES: Engineered to withstand rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles, this concrete sealer outdoor ensures long-lasting protection for exterior areas. Whether you need a driveway sealer, brick sealer exterior, or paver sealer, its advanced formula resists peeling, fading, and water penetration.
- WATER RESISTANCE: Our Zero-VOC formulated penetrating concrete sealer forms a protective barrier on the concrete surface, preventing water and moisture from penetrating. Cement sealers are especially important in areas exposed to rain, snow or high humidity. By resisting water absorption, paver sealer help prevent issues such as cracking, spalling, and freeze-thaw damage.
- ENHANCES & PRESERVES SURFACE BEAUTY: Beyond protection, our concrete sealer enriches the natural color of concrete, stamped concrete, and bricks, giving your outdoor spaces a fresh, polished look. Use it as a brick sealer to prevent efflorescence or a paver sealer to maintain interlock integrity—all while keeping surfaces safe from oil, grease, and salt stains.
- Concrete patch filler seals cracks and holes in exterior or interior concrete and masonry surfaces
- Concrete sealer is ready to use – needs no mixing or additives making projects easy
- Flexible adhesive is low in odor, cleans up easy with water and provides a 24 hour return to service time
- WATERPROOFING STAIN – Bring out the beauty of your outdoors with Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Multi-Purpose Waterproof Stain. Proven to waterproof concrete, brick, exterior wood and other exterior surfaces.
- CLEAR STAIN – This outdoor wood stain and sealer provides a clear finish. It will hide the grain, but still allow the texture to show. It provides complete protection while adding enhancing the natural color.
- FADE RESISTANT FINISH – The advanced polymers in this outdoor wood and deck stain deliver fade-resistant color so it stays looking great year-round. The coating resists UV damage, so you can apply with confidence.
- CLEAR PROTECTION FOR CONCRETE: This clear penetrating concrete sealer provides invisible, non-glossy protection for driveways, sidewalks, and patios without changing color or appearance.
- WATER REPELLENT TECHNOLOGY: Advanced silane siloxane concrete sealer bonds with surfaces to repel water, causing moisture to bead and roll off while allowing concrete to breathe naturally.
- DURABLE OUTDOOR DEFENSE: Protect your driveway from pitting, cracking, ice melt salts, chloride ions, freeze-thaw cycles, and efflorescence stains with this long-lasting concrete sealant.
- EASY & QUICK APPLICATION:-Designed for effortless use, this sealer applies smoothly with basic DIY tools—no professional skills required. It dries quickly to form a reliable barrier, letting you complete your project faster and enjoy protected surfaces within hours.
- DEEP PENETRATION & WATER REPELLENCY:- Advanced silane/siloxane formula penetrates deep into concrete pores to block water absorption. Creates visible water-beading while preventing moisture, cracks, and surface damage for years of durable protection.
- LONG-LASTING DURABILITY:- Built to withstand traffic, cleaning, and extreme weather, this sealer keeps concrete looking newer for longer. Ideal for patios, driveways, and walkways—resists stains, salt, and wear without peeling or yellowing over time.
- PROFESSIONAL GRADE CONCRETE SEALER & PAVER SEALER: Enhance and protect your exterior concrete and pavers with the professional-grade Armor AR350 solvent-based low gloss wet look concrete sealer and paver sealer. This concrete sealer is designed for use on unsealed concrete and pavers, and concrete and pavers previously sealed with a solvent-based acrylic concrete sealer.
- DRAMATIC COLOR ENHANCEMENT: Formulated with high-quality US-manufactured resins, this concrete sealer is designed to darken and enhance concrete and paver surfaces. If you like what your concrete and pavers look like when wet, you will love the dramatic color enhancement offered by this wet look concrete sealer.
- LONG LASTING PROTECTION: In addition to offering a wet look finish, this concrete sealer will provide a durable, long-lasting, non-yellowing, professional-grade low gloss finish designed to last for years in commercial and residential applications. This concrete sealer helps to protect concrete and pavers against damage caused by surface abrasion, foot and vehicle traffic, road salts, UV rays, water absorption, snow and ice, exposure to the elements, and more!
- An industrial-grade, water-based, proprietary sealer designed to densify, strengthen and waterproof concrete: increasing abrasion resistance while reducing moisture and vapor intrusion
- Prevents efflorescence
- Reduces hydrostatic pressure, water vapor transmission, moisture intrusion and ASR
Your Complete Guide to Buying Exterior Concrete Sealer
Protecting your concrete driveway, patio, or walkway is smart. A good sealer keeps out water, salt, and stains. This guide helps you pick the right exterior concrete sealer.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at what the sealer offers. These features make a big difference in how long your concrete lasts and how it looks.
Durability and Longevity
- Wear Resistance: How well does the sealer handle foot traffic and cars? Strong sealers last longer.
- UV Protection: Sunlight breaks down concrete. Good sealers block harmful UV rays to prevent yellowing or cracking.
- Expected Lifespan: Check the label. Some sealers last one year; others last five years or more. Longer lasting means less work for you.
Protection Qualities
- Water Repellency: The sealer must push water away. This stops freeze-thaw damage in cold climates.
- Stain Resistance: Oil, grease, and dirt should wipe off easily.
- Breathability: This is very important. A breathable sealer lets trapped moisture escape. If moisture cannot escape, the sealer can bubble or peel.
Finish and Appearance
- Sheen Level: Do you want a natural, matte look, or a shiny, wet look? Sealers come in matte, satin, or high-gloss finishes.
- Color Enhancement: Some sealers slightly deepen the color of the concrete, making it look richer.
Important Materials: Knowing What You Buy
Concrete sealers are made from a few main types of materials. Each material has pros and cons.
Acrylic Sealers
Acrylics are the most common and usually the cheapest. They are easy to apply. They offer good water resistance but wear down faster than other types. You often need to reapply acrylics often.
Urethane Sealers
Urethanes are very tough. They resist abrasion and chemicals well. They offer excellent protection for high-traffic areas like driveways. They cost more upfront.
Epoxy Sealers (Use with Caution Outdoors)
Epoxies create a very hard, thick surface. While great indoors, they often do not handle UV light well outdoors and can yellow quickly. Check the label carefully if considering epoxy for exterior use.
Penetrating Sealers (Silane/Siloxane)
These sealers soak deep into the concrete pores. They do not change the look of the surface much (usually a natural finish). They offer fantastic water protection and last a long time because they work from inside the concrete.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the final result depends on both the product and how you use it.
Quality Enhancers
- High Solids Content: Higher solids mean more actual sealer material is in the can, leading to a thicker, more durable film. Look for higher percentages on the label.
- Proper Surface Prep: A clean, dry, etched surface allows the sealer to stick firmly. Good preparation doubles the sealer’s life.
Quality Reducers
- Applying in Extreme Weather: Applying sealer when it is too hot, too cold, or too humid causes poor adhesion and bubbling. Read the temperature guidelines.
- Using the Wrong Type: Using an indoor-only sealer outside will cause it to fail quickly due to sun exposure.
- Over-Application: Applying too many thick coats traps moisture. This causes peeling and cloudiness. Thin, even coats are always better.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the sealed area. This guides your choice.
Driveways and Garages
These areas need high durability. Look for urethane or high-solids acrylics. They must resist tire marks and oil spills. A satin or semi-gloss finish often looks best here.
Patios and Pool Decks
Safety is key around pools. Look for sealers that offer a non-slip additive or a matte finish. Penetrating sealers are great here because they maintain the natural look while blocking water absorption.
Walkways and Sidewalks
These areas need good wear resistance against foot traffic. A standard, quality acrylic sealer usually works well. Focus on UV protection to keep the concrete from fading.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Exterior Concrete Sealer
Q: How long does exterior concrete sealer last?
A: It depends on the type. Acrylics might last 1–3 years. Urethanes and high-quality penetrating sealers can last 3–7 years.
Q: Do I need to clean my concrete before sealing?
A: Yes, absolutely! You must clean dirt, oil, and old sealer off first. Use a concrete cleaner or degreaser. The sealer will not stick to a dirty surface.
Q: Can I apply sealer when the concrete is wet?
A: No. Most sealers require the concrete to be completely dry. Check the manufacturer’s instructions, but usually, you wait 24 to 48 hours after washing.
Q: Will sealer make my concrete slippery?
A: Glossy sealers can make concrete slippery, especially when wet. Look for “non-skid” or “matte finish” sealers for areas like pool decks.
Q: What is the difference between a sealer and a coating?
A: A coating (like epoxy) sits on top of the concrete, forming a film. A sealer (especially penetrating types) soaks into the surface to block water from entering the pores.
Q: How many coats should I apply?
A: Most products require two thin, even coats. Applying one thick coat is usually worse than applying two thin ones.
Q: How long must I wait before driving on a sealed driveway?
A: You must let it cure fully. This typically takes 48 to 72 hours. Driving too soon will damage the fresh sealer.
Q: Can I apply sealer over existing colored concrete?
A: Yes, most modern sealers work fine over colored concrete. Some may slightly deepen or enhance the existing color.
Q: What causes sealer to turn white or cloudy?
A: This is called “blushing.” It usually happens when moisture gets trapped under the sealer during curing, often due to high humidity or applying the sealer too thickly.
Q: Is water-based or solvent-based sealer better?
A: Solvent-based sealers often penetrate better and look richer, but they have strong fumes. Water-based sealers are easier to clean up and have low odor, making them popular for DIY use.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!