Penetrating concrete sealers are defined as sealers then penetrate through the surface of the concrete where they chemically react and reside in the pores. They won’t change the look or color of the concrete surface, and they won’t leave behind a slippery surface film. In an effort to make products easier to find, manufacturers have started to create some confusion as to what a penetrating sealer actually is, and which products are classified as penetration sealers or as coatings. We are here to explain what a penetrating concrete sealer is, how a penetrating sealer works, and which penetrating sealers are best to use for your concrete application.

Types of Penetrating Concrete Sealers

The three most common types of penetrating sealers are concrete densifiers, water repellent sealers, and acrylic sealers.

• Concrete Densifiers: Concrete densifiers are sodium silicate concrete sealers and lithium silicate concrete sealers. They penetrate into the surface of the concrete where they chemically react within the pores to form a hardened crystalline barrier. They increase the strength of the concrete by reducing the density. Concrete sealed with a concrete densifier is more resistant to dusting and deterioration caused by a weak concrete surface or surface abrasion.
• Water Repellent Sealers: Water repellent sealers are Silane Siloxane sealers (can be used on all types of concrete and masonry) and Siliconate sealers (can be used on light or white concrete). They penetrate into the surface of the concrete where they chemically react to form a water repellent barrier within the pores. They reduce the absorption of surface water and therefore reduce deterioration caused by water absorption such as cracking, spalling, pitting, staining, mold and mildew growth, and the formation of efflorescence.
• Acrylic Sealers: Acrylic sealers are called sealers, but they are actually coatings. They penetrate the surface in order to bond, but leave behind a visible surface film. This film, which will be a low or high gloss film, will enhance and protect the concrete surface.