| Best Choice |
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EnduraSeal Semi Gloss Concrete Driveway Sealer | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Premium Pick |
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Foundation Armor Concrete Driveway Sealer | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Best Value |
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Quikrete Concrete Driveway Sealer | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
- 1. EnduraSeal Semi Gloss Concrete Driveway Sealer
- 2. Foundation Armor Concrete Driveway Sealer
- 3. Black Diamond Stoneworks Natural Concrete Driveway Sealer
- 4. Concrete Sealers USA Multi-Surface Concrete Driveway Sealer
- 5. Quikrete Concrete Driveway Sealer
- 6. Rainguard International Micro Concrete Driveway Sealer
- 7. DryWay Water Repellent Concrete Driveway Sealer
- 8. Lithi-Tek Ultra Penetrating Concrete Driveway Sealer
- 9. ToughCrete Concrete Driveway Sealer
- 10. uSEAL Hot Liquefied Rubber Concrete Driveway Sealer
So, you’ve tackled the first big job and created your perfect concrete driveway. Perhaps it’s finished and you’re totally happy with it’s sleek and professional appearance. Now the only other thing left to do is to make it fully functional. It’s definitely time to seal that concrete!
Concrete is a versatile material that is used for construction all over the world. Not only is it inexpensive but it’s also robust and strong. The only problem is that it’s also porous, which means it likes to suck up liquid or any material that it comes in contact with. This is why sealing concrete is essential.
To prevent your concrete driveway from expanding and cracking you will need to use a concrete sealant to protect it from moisture. There are lots of different products on the market so we’ve taken the task to look at the best and review them for you.
Below is our list of favourite concrete driveway sealants. Take a look to see which is best for your budget and needs.
The Best Concrete Driveway Sealer
This high-performance stamped concrete sealer does what it says on the tin. If you’re looking for a strong sealant which will leave a semi-gloss wet look on your driveway then this is a good option for you. We like that it’s easy to use too and creates a nice even coat if you apply thin layers and allow to dry for days between.
The EnduraSeal is made from 100% acrylic and won’t turn yellow as it ages like many of the other concrete floor sealers out there on the market. It’s very durable and offers good value for money too
- Non-Yellowing Formula
- Durable
- Semi-Gloss Wet Look
- Brand EnduraSeal
- Weight 5 Gallons
This penetrating floor sealer is a high solid solvent based wet look/satin acrylic product that is also breathable. It’s a long lasting formula which is super durable too. If you’re looking for the best concrete sealer then you might have just found it with this product as it protects concrete from UV rays and hot and cold temperatures. Not only does it protect but it also leaves a satin shine that will bring out color in dulled substrates and can last up to five years before a recoat is required.
The Armor AR350 can be applied to a number of different concrete surfaces including: pavers, aggregate, concrete bricks and natural stone. It’s suitable for use both inside and outside and can be applied using a pump sprayer or roller. This is the perfect product for garage floors, pool decks, warehouses or driveways.
- Penetrating Concrete Sealant
- Suitable For Inside & Outside Use
- Semi-Gloss Wet Look
- Brightens Dulled Substrates
- Brand Foundation Armor
- Weight 5 Gallons
This water-based driveway sealer creates a gloss finish that will not significantly darken most surfaces after drying. The Black Diamond Stoneworks Sealer is easy to use with a spray, brush or roller and can be used for both interior and exterior surfaces. This concrete sealer can be used to treat pavers, stone, slate, concrete and brick and is perfect for driveways and garage floors.
It works by providing a resistant seal that will offer protection against chemicals, water and UV rays. This product has been made in the USA and the manufacturers are that happy that you will love their product that they are offering a money back guarantee. You literally have nothing to lose by trying out this product on your driveway as this is a trial-sized bottle that you can test before you commit to a larger package!
- Water Based Concrete Sealant
- Suitable For Inside & Outside Use
- Wet Look
- Won’t Darken Most Surfaces
- Brand Black Diamond Stoneworks
- Model W-L Trial
- Weight 4Fl Oz
It can be a daunting task searching for the best concrete driveway sealer as there are so many on the market. But rest assured that we have done our homework and you will need to look no further than this list. We found this multi-surface penetrating sealer to be one of the best out there.
This product provides a chemically reactive, deep penetrating siliconate sealer that works by fusing porous substrates such as concrete, brick, stone, aggregate and mortar to protect against scaling, salt, moisture, corrosion, UV damage, chemicals and extreme temperatures.
- Can Be Used Almost Everywhere
- Protects Against Stains & Mold
- Non-Yellowing Formula
- Brand Concrete Sealers USA
- Model PS1015G
- Weight 5 Gallon
This latex emulsion has been specifically designed to be used to fill cracks in concrete surfaces, so it’s absolutely perfect for sidewalks, patios and driveways. It’s super easy to use as it’s a pre-mixed solution with no mixing required. What we liked about this product, was that it pours out and blends with the natural colour of the cement and so it’s fairly invisible as it dries to a dark grey color.
- Repairs Concrete Cracks
- Blends In With Cement Color
- Highly Durable
- Brand Quikrete
- Model 864000
- Weight 2lbs
We always like a guarantee with the products we choose and the Rain Guard cement sealer certainly delivers on this front, offering an amazing 10 year satisfaction guaranteed warranty. This is a deep penetrating sealant that is 100% breathable and water repellent. If you’re looking for a penetrating concrete sealer that will not leave a trace, then this is your perfect product.
This solution does not alter the appearance of the concrete surface in any way and won’t leave a film or sheen. It’s also non-yellowing. What it does do is create an invisible protective layer that is stain resistant to oil, gas and antifreeze. It’s protects against salt water and rain and is perfect for protection against mold and mildew.
- Invisible Deep Penetrating Concrete Sealer
- Maade From Best Chemicals On The Market
- Satisfaction Guaranteed
- Brand Rainguard International
- Model CR-0701
- Weight 1 Gallon
This concrete driveway sealer has been made to last. In fact, the manufacturers are confident that this will protect your driveways for years and is most unlike other cement sealers on the market that need a top-up every year or so. The DryWay concrete sealer is perfect for use on driveways and sidewalks and protects surfaces against water, mold and corrosion.
This is a tough penetrating sealer made from a water-based solution containing siloxanes and silanes which create a protective layer for your masonry, shed or driveway. Spills can be wiped away easily once you’ve added this to the surface as the formula penetrates deep into the concrete whilst still allowing it to breathe and dry out.
- Water-Based Solution Offering Strong Protection
- Perfect For Driveways, Sidewalks & Masonry
- Long Lasting Results
- Brand DryWay
- Model 205
- Weight 5 Gallon
This product is multi-purpose; not only will it seal concrete surfaces but it also makes concrete 50% stronger too. The Lithi-Tek Ultra Concrete Sealer is an industrial-grade product that is perfect for basement floors, driveways, patios, garages and concrete walls. It isn’t for use with polished concrete, bricks and concrete blocks. The way this product works is that it forms a protective layer that seals the surface against abrasions, moisture, mold and mildew.
This is a tough acting product that forms a strong seal for your driveway and a little really does go a long way as it’s sold as a concentrated formula.
- Makes Concrete Up To 50% Stronger
- Perfect For Use With Driveways, Patios & Garages
- Long Lasting Results
- Brand Lithi-Tek
- Model 9500
- Weight 1 Gallon
This concrete sealer has a reputation of being one of the best products of its kind on the market. If you’re looking for the best concrete sealant then we’re confident that you’ll be happy with this.
As this is a deep penetrating sealer, the product will give you around 10 years protection against water, salt damage and deterioration. This of course makes it perfect for driveways, sidewalks, garage floors, patios and various other concrete surfaces that need protection. Purchasing a product such as this is an intelligent investment as it allows your floors and driveways to last longer. You can even use this sealer on your paver, cinder block, chimney, and outdoor fireplace. We were impressed to discover that this product had a 10 year guarantee. That’s a long time to test a product! If you’re unsure about this sealer after a period of time then you can feel safe knowing that you will be issued with a full refund.
- Deep Penetrating Sealant
- Can Be Used Inside & Outside
- 10 Year Satisfaction Guarantee
- Brand ToughCrete
- Model CECOMINOD072153
- Weight 9lbs
This product is quite different from the others that we have in this list as this is actually made from rubber. The uSEAL product was originally formulated as a long lasting weather-resistant repair for airports and highways before they decided to bring this product to the mass market and make it available as a DIY product. There are many benefits to rubber but the main purpose of hot liquified rubber is that it stays flexible and bonds to cracks in the wall, concrete and pavements. It actually claims to be the only concrete sealer on the market that can fill hairline cracks and give you the same results as a professional – and that’s quite a claim! The product can be used to fill any size cracks and the rubber heats up in 20 minutes or less. When ready, the rubber will provide a weatherproof, temperature-resistant seal that will protect against the elements.
- Hot Liquified Rubber
- Expands & Contracts To Ensure Watertight Seal
- Used In Airports & Highways
- Brand uSEAL
- Model 68118
- Weight 3.5lbs
Concrete Driveway Sealer Buying Guide & FAQ
When taking on a big job such as a concrete driveway it’s important to know how best to treat the concrete afterwards. Once you’ve spent your hard earned dollars on top quality concrete pavers it would be then foolish to leave them unsealed! Concrete is a strong material but it’s also super porous and loves to absorb water and expand. The problem with porous materials is that when you leave them untreated they tend to expand and crack, therefore reducing the lifetime of your driveway. Below we will look at what you should consider when buying a concrete driveway sealer and will look at how it works and also how it differs from Epoxy.
What to Consider When Buying a Concrete Driveway Sealer
There are a few things to consider when buying a concrete sealer for your driveway:
Budget – are you willing to spend and how much are you willing to compromise in order to save a few bucks? You don’t have to spend a fortune on a good quality concrete driveway sealer but it makes no sense to buy the cheapest on the market just to save money. The list above covers most budgets and we’re sure you will find something suitable that you can afford.
Performance – Is the concrete sealer produced by a reputable company? Take a look at the reviews – are people happy with the performance? Before buying a product check to see if you can buy a sample size first. If this isn’t possible then make sure you read the full product description first to ensure that this product is suitable for your concrete needs. What do you need it to do? Is it suitable for indoor and outdoor areas?
Appearance – while it’s important to buy a concrete driveway sealant that suits your budget and will perform well under pressure it’s also essential that you check to see how the product looks before adding it to a large area. Concrete sealants tend to differ when it comes to appearance as some are almost invisible whereas others leave a ‘wet look’ sheen across your driveway. Also read the product description to see if the product will darken your concrete driveway as often these products darken a few shades once dry.
Ease – how do you apply the product? Check to see if the concrete sealant needs to be painted on or if you can spray it into the surface. Also make sure you check how long it will take to dry as there’s nothing worse than walking on a freshly coated concrete driveway and leaving sticky footprints!
Why You Should Use a Concrete Driveway Sealer
There are many reasons why using a concrete driveway sealer is a sensible option. Firstly, as concrete is porous and not always waterproof then it makes sense to add a concrete sealer to prevent moisture getting deep into the concrete. Adding a concrete sealer to your driveway means that you will greatly extend the life of the driveway and so you should think of it like a good, sensible investment.
A good quality concrete driveway sealer will also improve the appearance of your concrete driveway and can also change the appearance, giving it a smooth ‘wet look’ sheen. The sealer can really enhance the colour of the concrete and add depth to the appearance.
Applying a concrete driveway sealer doesn’t have to be expensive and you won’t need special equipment to use it either. It’s a relatively simple job which most people will be able to do with ease.
Not only will adding a concrete sealer give your driveway more durability but it will also inhibit the growth of mold. Because concrete is porous and loves to suck up moisture it means that the moisture can settle quite deep inside the material and when it doesn’t get the chance to dry properly then mold can form. Concrete sealers add a protective layer or deep penetrating concrete sealers work deeper into the material to protect against moisture and therefore the growth of mold.
What’s The Difference Between Concrete Sealer and Epoxy?
There are many different types of concrete driveway sealants on the market. The most common concrete sealer is made from an acrylic-resin base which is blended with various other materials such as epoxy, polyurethane or silicone. These normally offer the best value for money and can greatly improve the durability of your concrete driveway and provide protection against water.
The quality of acrylic can differ as some are thought to be more effective than others. Styrene acrylic might be a cheaper option but can turn yellow when exposed to direct sunlight – so if you want to avoid this (for concrete driveways for example) then look for non-yellowing concrete sealants. Always look for pure acrylic resin for the best quality.
You will also see many ‘penetrating’ concrete sealants on the market. These are generally made from epoxy or polyurethane and can cost more than the other types as they are made from specially formulated resins using silanes, siloxanes and silicones that penetrate deep into the concrete and form a waterproof barrier.
Concrete Driveway Sealer FAQ:
The main purpose of a concrete driveway sealer is to form a protective layer on the surface of the concrete. If you use a penetrating concrete sealer then the product will penetrate deep into the material to form a protective barrier. Concrete is porous and loves to hold moisture. The problem with moisture is that when it isn’t allowed to dry properly then mold and mildew can form and shorten the life of your concrete driveway. Using a concrete sealant will prevent the formation of mold and mildew and therefore increase the life of your driveway. Another benefit to using a concrete sealer is that it will make your driveway more durable. When concrete is exposed to extreme weather such as direct sunlight, wind and rain then damage can occur such as cracking and scaling. Using a sealer can prevent this from happening and therefore save you a lot of time and energy in the future. It is thought that actually using a high quality concrete sealer can actually extend the life of your driveway by up to 30 years. Now that’s a worthy investment! A concrete sealer will also enhance the appearance of your driveway and can greatly enhance the colours in the stone as well as adding a gloss to the surface.
The best thing about concrete driveway sealers is that it’s very easy to apply. There are several ways to add concrete sealant to your driveway and generally speaking you shouldn’t need special equipment or skills to do it yourself. The most commonly used methods are with a roller or a sprayer. When deciding which penetrating concrete sealer is best for you, be sure to check the guidelines as it will tell you the best way to apply the concrete sealer to your driveway. It’s thought that as a general rule of thumb, water-based sealers are best applied with a roller and solvent-based sealers are best applied with a sprayer – because of the texture of the product. It should say on the product how many square metres the product will cover, so be sure to measure the area first and buy a little extra just to be safe. Always apply thin coats and apply twice as one thick coat can not only take too long to dry but could also form uneven thick areas which are unsightly.
There are many different factors to take into consideration when it comes to concrete sealers and how long they will last. A concrete sealants’ longevity will depend on the quality of concrete driveway sealer used and how many layers have been added to the concrete. Concrete sealers are made from a variety of different materials but generally speaking, a sealer containing silicate will last the longest as the material cannot physically break down. Acrylic based concrete sealers will generally last around a year before a new coat will need to be added whereas a concrete sealer containing silane siloxane can last between 6 months and 10 years depending on the quality of the product. Epoxy coatings will generally last between 5-10 years before they need a re-coat and it’s the same for urethane coatings too. Related Posts: Best Garage Door Insulation Kit and Best Garage Shelving
This is largely dependant on the type of sealer that you use for your driveway and the type of concrete that needs to be sealed. Generally speaking the epoxy based concrete driveway sealers tend to provide a more slippery surface when wet. The reason that they can make concrete slippery is because they form a thicker layer on the surface. If you’re looking for a concrete sealer which won’t become slippery when wet, then look for concrete sealers that allow you to mix in a non-slip additive or avoid epoxy-based products.
Our Top Pick
We had a hard job looking at all of the top quality concrete sealers on the market and finding the best but we eventually found that the EnduraSeal 100% Acrylic Wet Look Semi Gloss Concrete Sealer Solvent was our favourite. This is a high-performance product that will absolutely not let you down when it comes to concrete protection. If you’re looking for a concrete sealer that will enhance the appearance of your concrete driveway and add a semi-gloss sheen then this is the product for you. It’s made from 100% acrylic and won’t turn yellow as it ages like many of the other concrete floor sealers out there on the market. It’s very durable and offers good value for money too.
This sealer solvent is made for use on colored, stained and exposed aggregate. It will also be able to protect pavers, terrazzo and stones.
Related Posts: Best Snow Shovels, Leaf Blowers and Push BroomsSources:
- What to Know About Sealing Concrete Driveways – The Spruce
