Concrete water sealer sometimes gets a bad rap. After all, what should we expect from a product with “water” in the name? Surely something like that must be “watered down.” And perhaps it was in the past. But if it was ever true back then, it's simply not the case today. Thanks to advances in technology, water-based sealer is just as effective and has numerous benefits over solvent-based sealers.
And if you don't believe it, test it out yourself. Both water-based and solvent-based sealant will need to be replaced after a few years. So, you can always seal one area of your home with a concrete water sealer and another with a solvent-based one. See which one lasts longer. Compare the way they look. Don't take my word for it, discover the truth for yourself.
So, if water-based sealer is so great, why didn't we use it all along? Convenience. Conventional sealers simply made life easier. No need to deal with solvent spills and other messes that come from using a water-based product. But as we better understood the nature of concrete and what it needs to stay in top condition, we realized that the convenience of solvent-based sealers came with drawbacks.
Concrete water sealer offers all the benefits of earlier generations of Concrete Sealer without compromising on durability or color retention.
But if you'd rather save time and money, you can simply read the following top advantages to using a concrete water sealer.
Advantage #1: Safety
One of the first things you'll notice when comparing water-based sealant to solvent-based sealers is the lack of danger warnings and strong smells coming from the water sealer. This is because water-based sealant doesn't release harmful vapors into the air. As a result, it's far safer to apply, even indoors. And you don't have to worry about it hurting your pets or damaging the environment. In other words, concrete water sealers are healthier and safer at every level.
Concrete Water Sealer is safe for your family and the environment Concrete water sealer uses no toxic chemicals. Conventional solvent-based concrete sealers release VOCs, which can cause serious health problems such as asthma, nausea, headaches, fatigue, depression, liver damage, cancer and more. Concrete water sealer has minimal environmental impact. Concrete water sealer provides superior protection without compromising on health or the planet. The Paver Sealer Store offers numerous different variations on Concrete Water Sealer for use on exterior concrete surfaces.
Advantage #2: Simplicity
Water-based sealers are also easier to apply than solvent-based ones. Rather than needing a cumbersome roller that can leave an uneven and splotchy coat, water-based sealers can easily be used with a simple, plastic garden sprayer. Fill the sprayer up with your sealant, hold the nozzle about a foot away, and spray back and forth until you have a complete, even coat of sealer over the entirety of your concrete space. Nothing could be simpler.
Advantage #3: Natural Look
Solvent-based sealers tend to darken concrete far more than water-based ones. And while this may be an advantage if you're looking to starkly alter the look of your driveway or patio, if you actually like the way your concrete looks, you won't want to change it that drastically. Solvent-based sealers rarely give you that ability. Fortunately, you don't have to settle for a sealant that transforms the look of your concrete. Water-based sealer will give you a far more natural appearance.
Solvent-based sealers offer convenience but compromise on durability. Concrete water sealer offers the same quick-drying times and ease of application, but without sacrificing any of the protection offered by solvent-based concrete sealers. Concrete water sealer penetrates deeply to reinforce concrete against spills, stains, and other threats while resisting abrasion and weathering. Concrete water sealer contains no harsh chemicals, acids, or solvents and is completely free of VOCs.
Conventional solvent-based concrete sealers can change color dramatically when applied to colored concrete surfaces. Concrete water sealer provides a non-yellowing effect, which allows the color of your concrete to become its defining feature. Concrete water sealer is available in a wide range of colors to enhance different surfaces and bring out their full beauty. The Paver Sealer Store offers different variations on Concrete Water Sealer for use on exterior concrete or natural stone surfaces.
Drawbacks of Concrete Water Sealer?
With all of that said, water sealer is like anything else. It has advantages and disadvantages. However, we believe these pros far outweigh any cons. But to be fair, here are a handful of drawbacks that concrete water sealer has:
- When applied at low temperatures (below 50°F), it tends to work poorly.
- Since so much of it is made up of water, it freezes much more quickly than solvent based sealer. And if you allow it to freeze, it will become unusable.
- It will not provide a darker look if that's what you're hoping to achieve. You'll have to use a solvent based sealer to truly darken your concrete.
- If your sealed concrete is exposed to a lot of water, it can appear milky. However, once dry, it should return to normal.
That's pretty much it. Unless you're looking for a sealer that will leave your concrete looking noticeably darker, there's simply no reason to choose a solvent-based one. Water-based is the way to go every other time.
Here are the best concrete sealer options for your project. Or email us with nay questions.
