Choosing a Concrete Sealer | Part 2 - Sealing Concrete 

I have a poured concrete pad 8 x 12 on which I will place a pre-built storage shed, however I wanted to seal the pad first. As you note, there were so many products and product types out there it "made my head spin". I spent hours trying to figure out which product to use, and became increasingly more confused. It was clear, comprehensive, concise. Professionally delivered. Thank-you so much for this informative video. It is one of the best informational/instructional videos I have ever watched on RU-vid.

Wow. Thanks so much! Excellent video. Old house, and sealing the basement, garage floor, and new concrete walk outside. You saved me so much time and frustration....not just for myself, but for whoever lives in the home after I'm gone. Thanks!!

Excellent informational video for sealer products on RU-vid. Way to go man finally someone who can be straight up with facts so people DIY'ers can make a decision on what they want for their project. Thanks a bunch.

Super helpful and informative. Thanks for the upload, much appreciated!

Not boring at all! Exactly what I've been looking for. Thanks

Great video, great breakdown of products. Thank you for sharing.

Very good, thanks for sharing. I had to go out and look at what I'm using on a masonry wall. It's water based acrylic sealer from the local hardware store. I've used it before...seems to be good. When I think of sealer I think of that xylene based toxic chemical smelling stuff that everyone used when I was a kid. I don't want to smell that nasty stuff anymore.

👍🏻👍🏻Very helpful and thorough. You didn't waste a second in these videos. Thanks!

This video series are really helpful. Thanks a lot.

Enjoyed the video. Keep up the hard work. Be blessed

I have a step concrete on patio, driveway ans some steps. What sealer I cans use to be sure is not slippery in winter. Thank you for the video .

Excellent breakdown! Ty!

Very helpful video. Thank you!

Thanks! Exactly the info I needed.

Great breakdown!! Thanks! Will view many vids, but this is a great entry to 'what do I want?' Only thing I'd ask for is more in-depth on new/2-5 year/5+ year concrete. (since from all my research concrete never stops curing)

Which is the best sealor for plished concrete surface.Note-Lithium based sealor mentioned here is actually a densifier which actually densifies the concrete.Further polishing is done on that densified concrete and sealor is applied at the last stage.So which sealor will be suitable for that last top application over polished concrete?

Thank you. Very good

Great video. Learned something!

This was perfect 👌 Thank you! 👍

Good job, i know a lot more than before Thanks!

This video is so helpful. Thank you! I have vinyl tiles in my restaurant that need replacement. There is a beautiful concrete floor underneath. I am planning to stencil it with chalk paint and put a clear coat. Not sure what coating I should use that will last atleast a few years. Epoxy looks good but it will make the floor slippery with frequent water spills and all.

Quality review

Hi thank you for posting, very helpful! I have an outdoor kitchen / BBQ with a colored concrete countertop. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations on the type of sealer to use for this particular setting? Thanks again!

Great information. Thank you for doing this. We have a new home with a standard patio slab (poured and brushed). We added a 4’ wide extension and walkway about 3 months ago. The colors are slightly different. What would you recommend for possibly a stain to even things out and then seal. Durability is our most important concern. I have not seen any tinted siliconate water-based sealers. Thank you so much. We appreciate your help.

Excellent information. Thank you. Strange to see thumb down !!

Excellent content

Great video. Very informative and to the point. Can you recommend which sealer would be best for a suspended stamped concrete slab that is around 10 years old. It hasn't been sealed for a while because everything I've used has not had good long term performance. Based on your information, I'm thinking the penetrating Silanes may work best but I welcome your thoughts. Thanks

Very helpful Video series, what kind sealer do you recommend for outdoor brick staircase, thank you.

Thank you so much! Question - I’ve just built a house with fully exposed concrete in and out. Lovely and smooth concrete just near the sea. Some walls have been poured 3 months ago while others 4 weeks ago. What sealer should I use that will protect and harden but not alter the look in any way (don’t want the wet look!). Many thanks!

Great info! Thx

Thanks for such a clear and well-thought out video explanation. Can I ask for advice on my situation / application? I'd like to seal a large driveway, of which 520 sqm / 5564 square feet is "new" (32mpa poured 4 months ago) and 80 sqm / 856 square feet is ~30 years old (assume standard 20mpa concrete), comprised of slab under a drive-through carport (consistent / uniform grey surface) and 2 exposed sections with slightly different aggregates - rain and exposure has weathered them so the aggregate is prominent on the surface but they are in good condition and very usable hence not removed when new driveway was constructed. I'd like to seal all the driveway, and would prefer a sealant that can make the driveway look more uniform, preferably a dark charcoal grey. We get a fair bit of leaf staining and some animal droppings staining. My priorities are: 1) Achieve a uniform colour and look as much as possible so it's hard to determine old and new driveway sections. 2) Protect the driveway from staining from leaves / animal droppings. 3) Reduce water penetration so above staining remains surface only for easy pressure-cleaning or just waiting for next rainfall. 4) Be long-lasting so I'm not re-doing it in 5 years. 5) Protect concrete (we don't get frosts or snow) from erosion if possible, although I'll likely sell before I see the new driveway weather like the 30+ year old sections so this is less of a concern. 6) Maintain or increase traction from current unsealed state - kids love running on it and riding bikes / scooters so don't want to end up with a slippery surface. Thanks for any advice you can provide - from this video I am wondering if the Siliconates have dyes / colour additives that can be used, with different amounts for the different sections, to end up with a fairly uniform appearance, as it would achieve the other points well. FWIW I'm Down Under and our driveways are 100mm / 4" thick with 82 reo (8mm diameter steel in 200mm x 200mm grid mesh = 5/16" x 8" x 8" mesh in 8' x 20' sheets tied) usually 20mpa but I got a very cheap upgrade to 32mpa for the new section so took advantage.

How would putting chips in the epoxy help with traction? There's a top coat or two that goes on top of the epoxy to give it a nicer shiny appearance.

@toolboxdiy , what sealer is recommended for exposed aggregated concrete? Also, is there a tinting penetrating sealer you would recommended to add/change color?

Love it!

Winter are 2-3 months below freezing here and we use salt. What would you recommend for aggregate driveway and concrete walk ways around the house? Much appreciated.

Is there a wet look sealant? Or should I just use cooking oil ( ooops,I mean mineral oil)

Great video. What sealer would you recommend for a highrise condo unit with an interior polished concrete floor ?

Great info. what would you use if you wanted a polished concrete floor for a home, especially in the bathroom?

Hello... what is the best sealer for smooth concrete with water based dyes on top?

Hi , which sealer would you recommend for sealing a concrete water canal floor? With lot if sun exposure in tropical area. no ice .

What is a great dealer for new concrete to seal and give a wet look? Also what additive can be used, so sealer will have an anti slip to it? Thanks

Needs advice on which concrete sealer is best for our concrete patio please..

I primed and then painted the basement recently. Then I used Thompsons Watersealer. It has been sticky without totally drying though. What should I do? I'd like to preserve the paint if possible and definitely remove the stickiness. If I use epoxy over the sticky floor do you think it will adhere and remove the stickiness.

what would you recommend for a 1 year old garage floor to stop water from seeping up for underneath?

Great explanation! I'm going to do my pool deck that is about 10 years old but want to stain it also. I want to use a penetrating stain like you said but the question is do I still need to seal it after staining? I've read conflicting articles on this. I would think you would but then agin that is why I'm asking for your opinion. Again great job explaining!!

Can a penetrating sealer be used over the top of a high shine acrylic sealer? We are looking for options to fix a bad install job of a specchem acrylic sealer that was recently installed.

Hello. I am going to seal the concrete subfloor inside my home to reduce inside humidity. Which type of sealer would be best for that? I like the idea of reducing radon as well, but that's not my primary function. I don't care how it looks, as it will be covered by vinyl flooring.

Thanks

Hi mate What would you recommend to seal cement pot with? And will sealing prevent cracking? Or would it be better to ad an additive to the cement? Cheers

What would you recommend for sealing over probable asbestos black mastic on concrete slab? Home was built pre 1970.

Good video, far to many amateurs doing videos on stuff, filling the universe with junk. I'm doing a small project and I have been told from a friend that Weldbond glue mixed with water is good for sealing concrete, you know or is it true about this inexpensive alternative to all the other stuff.

QUESTION: If I put a high solvent high gloss concrete sealer in my basement... are the high VOC (carcinogen and other toxic materials) fumes STILL considered to be dangerous AFTER the floor dries? Or is it ONLY dangerous while applying and not dry yet? And if the answer is "Yes" these type of VOC sealers are still dangerous for indoor purposes even AFTER the floor dries... do you know of any "High-Gloss" water-based sealers that you would recommend for indoors/basements? Thanks again!

Any thoughts in what would be a good sealer for surcreate. We applied it indoors as a coating over a concrete floor. Thank you!

do you need to strip the residual sealer before applying the penetrating sealer?

very helpful

Pls. What material is best for concrete roof waterproofing. Either cementatious , acrilic, epoxy ? Need any sealer as primer? For best long run result? Pls. Reply

Can you make review of cilicone sealer you have used. I want to know how long they last in real life.

Is sealed concrete more slippery if you use the sealer you recommend for most homeowners?

dou have any suggestions for driveway sealers or paints type that can be used ?

Thanks. Any suggestions on Concrete piers which are cracked due to efflorescence

We have a new concrete patio and are wanting to get it sealed. It dusts really bad so we track the fine white dust in the house. We also do a lot of water activities and don’t want something that will make the concrete any more slippery than it already is. What option should we go with?

What would you recommend in a basement floor that’s is sweeting?

We have brushed concrete with an exposed aggregate ribbon surrounding. What type of sealer can be used on both surfaces without a slippery dangerous outcome. Thank you!

Hi.. can the penetrating sealers be applied on brick also?

Experts - for radon mitigation install , contractor made a hole in concrete wall and filled the gap around the pipe both inside and outside of concrete wall with Alex Plus Latex Caulk Plus Silicone . Is this good or should I get sealing around pipe with a better product?

What would you recommend to seal concrete garden statuary thsts been gray wash painted?

I plan on using some peal and stick on tile. Is it necessary to seal under this type of flooring?

Which penetrating sealer brand would you recommend for a two car garage which is two years old.

just bought a Newly built house all concrete is basically brand new not treated what do you recommend i use to keep its natural look.

I plan to surface-grind a newly poured sidewalk because the broom-finish is too rough. This will leave a smooth cement and aggregate surface. Will a Siliconate sealer work on both the cement and aggregates?

Does this information apply to cool decking around a swimming pool? Should I seal it just like any concrete or would that mess up the cooling surface? Thanks!

Can you recommend a water based Siliconate for northern freeze and thaw sidewalk please ( 5 years old , cracking, never sealed) and a sealer for a long slippery ramp during freezing temps. Fell and got busted up pretty bad. ( ramp 1 year old, never sealed). Please help. Thank you!

Hey Cindy and Mark! I hear you! We need the same thing in the US. We just don’t always do it. We live in Virginia by the Atlantic Ocean and it’s so beautiful here but still there are opportunist who will try your car or house! I love that style of house. It’s just like in Brazil and the Middle East. The Arabs designed the idea of a wall around their houses to protect their women and children. Then, they spread that style to Spain. Can I find that style in most cities in Mexico? I want a small pool and open patio inside as well.

Hi can you recommend a sealer that is non toxic non flammable. I'm making vessels for candles with rapid all cement and need a sealer that won't release toxic chemicals while candle is burning. Thanks

This was so helpful, thank you kindly.

Is it possible to tell what type of a sealer has been used prior ? Indoor use

You made a comment about newer methods of finishing concrete, like using a big power ride-on float. I just had a garage floor poured and they used one of these. Do I even need to seal it all? If so, which type do you recommend? Thanks!

Here in Northern California the weather in the summer gets to the 90s or triple digits. I want to protect my concrete driveway, what is a good sealer that will protect from high heat in the day and cold morning?

Are there stains that work well with penetrating sealers?

Thanks for this Vid. One question though. Can say, Acrylic or Polyurethane be put ontop of A Penetrating Sealer? Since they're not penetrating and just sits on top.

Whats the best sealer to use on fountains?

Can I use any of these on acid stained concrete? I’m looking for a matte sealer or very low sheen. This homeowner likes low sheen . And the slab is flawed . So the low sheen would look best . I just want to bring out the colors in the stain and not have the sheen . It’s a rental house . So it’ll have a lot of foot traffic. Thank you for the video 😊

I enjoyed the video! You gave me the exact information I needed to choose the sealer that I want to use in my basement. However, you did not mention any particular brands, nor did you mention a store where it can be purchased. I have been to three different Lowe's stores, Home Depot, Ace Hardware and Harbor Freight. When I told them that I wanted a sodium or lithium silicate concrete sealer, they looked at me like I had a tree sprouting out of my forehead. What brand do I get? Where is it sold?

Hi, I want to use a penetrating sealer for helping to water a rough basement floor before I cover it with self leveling cement do you have any tips do’s or don’t do’s use for this process please help

Seeking a recommendation on a sealer for old concrete in a home. I inherited a home with a cat urine problem on the concrete floor. I’ve tried everything to clean the urine. At this point need to seal the concrete to keep the smell form coming thru the luxury vinyl plank floor esp when the concrete pores open when it rains outside. What type of sealer is recommended?

I live in Columbus, Ohio and have a concrete driveway that is at least 20 years old but is in very good shape. My problem is when we have ice or wet snow that freezes it makes a very tight bond with the rough concrete(unlike blacktop sealed driveways). I want a sealer that keeps ice from bonding so tightly with the concrete that I cannot shovel the drive. What type of sealer do you recommend?

What is best to use on molded concrete? I have molded concrete around the foundation of my home and it's starting to crumble. Can I paint over the sealer with a waterproof paint?

I wish you could glaze concrete like you can ceramics. I'm just not so big on using plastic to seal everything which slowly leeches into the environment.

What kind of sealer do you recommend with low maintenance dont wanna seal every couple of years but i kinda want that wet look was leaning towards penetrating type idk ... i have a broom finish with color and brick ribbon ..reply is much appreciated ....🙏

thanks!! what sealer do you recommend for a large exposed aggregate driveway. We also have the issue with salted roads in the winter.

I'm getting ready to reno the basement. I'm researching the best sealer. Penetrating seems the best, idc about the look, as I'm putting an underlayment n vinyl plank floor on top.

I have an older home and the patio has has some paint on it and then 10 years of artificial turf. I'm now changing the turf and I want to seal the concrete, before getting new turf put on. What can I put on old concrete, that has had cracks treated with concrete silicon, still has paint on it and it has little holes in it. Also it has some adhesive that I can't get off. I can't possibly get all this off before the turf installer comes. What can I cover or seal this with???

I wish I knew what to use on the back concrete deck. It’s like stamped concrete and I want to pressure wash then put a coat of color. It’s on the south side and gets very hot.

what sealer do you use for pervious concrete driveway?

How long do the siliconate sealers last? How frequently would you need to reapply

What cleaner is best for removing 'Tire Marks'

Have you heard of Aquron CPT-2000?

Pls how can you share with me the chemicals use in producing the acrylic sealer? I am doing a project on it.

What would be the best sealer to go on top of stained concrete

Great info! What would you recommend for cinderblock basement walls that are damp