Concrete sealers are not one product. The two families behave so differently that choosing the wrong one is the usual reason a homeowner is disappointed.
Film-forming sealers
These lay a visible layer on the slab: acrylics, polyurethanes, epoxies. They give a wet look or a gloss, and they can be very hard-wearing in the right place.
The catch is the film itself. It can peel, white out under moisture, and become slippery when wet. Once it fails, removing it is a job of its own.
Penetrating treatments
Penetrating products soak into the pores and line them rather than covering the surface. Nothing sits on top, so there is no film to peel and the slab still looks like concrete.
Because they work inside the material, they also keep the slab breathable: moisture that gets in can still get out.
How to choose
Decorative concrete and garage floors often want a film. Driveways, patios and walkways that see salt, sun and foot traffic usually do better with a penetrating treatment that keeps grip and lets the slab breathe.
Ask what the product is meant to resist, and what happens when it reaches the end of its life.
Application is half the result
The slab needs to be clean, dry and, on new concrete, cured. Applying to a damp or dirty surface traps moisture and stops the product reaching the pores.
Coverage rates are not suggestions. A thin coat that looks even is worth more than a heavy one that pools and dries patchy.
Source
Written for Dr. Armor. The original GoNano article this guide draws on: Concrete sealant: the ultimate guide to a durable finish
Questions
Common questions, answered in full
- How long does roof rejuvenation last?Coverage runs from 3 to 20 years, and the roof’s condition score decides which.
- Can you treat a roof that is leaking?No. A leak is a repair job and has to be fixed before any treatment.
- What does the warranty cover?Peeling, curling or warping caused by the treatment, and water getting through.