A clear concrete sealer can be interpreted as two different things. Some people consider a clear concrete sealer to be a sealer that can be applied without changing the look or color of the concrete, and some people consider a clear concrete sealer to be a sealer that can be applied in clear, but also give the concrete a nice gloss finish. I will be going over both types of clear concrete sealers.
Clear Concrete Sealers – A Natural Look
If you like the look of your unsealed concrete and want to maintain an unsealed finish, then you want a penetrating concrete sealer. The two most common types of penetrating concrete sealers are silicate concrete sealers and silane siloxane concrete sealers.
Sililcate concrete sealers, also known as concrete densifiers, are used to increase the strength and density of the concrete. They chemically react to form a hardened crystalline barrier within the pores that can never be removed unless the concrete itself is removed. They are used to reduce concrete dusting and deterioration caused by surface abrasion. Two of the best silicate sealers are the Armor S2000 concrete sealer and the Armor L3000 concrete sealer.
Silane Siloxane concrete sealers, also known as water repellent sealers, are used to reduce damage and deterioration to the surface caused by water absorption. Aside from reducing cracking, spalling, and pitting, Silane Siloxane water repellent sealers will also help to reduce mold, mildew, and efflorescence. Silane Siloxane sealers can be applied alone, or to concrete previously sealed with a silicate concrete densifer. Silane Siloxane concrete sealers are the most popular type of clear concrete sealer.
You can’t tell that concrete has been sealed with a silicate sealer or a silane siloxane sealer simply by looking at it because both types of sealers won’t change the look or color of the concrete, and they won’t leave a film on the surface. They work entirely below the surface from within the pores.
Clear Concrete Sealers – A Gloss Finish
If you like the look of your concrete, but would prefer it have a wet look, low gloss, or high gloss finish then you can apply an acrylic concrete sealer. Acrylic concrete sealers can be applied in clear, but they will leave behind a visible surface film. Take for example the Armor AR350. The photo on the left is unsealed stamped concrete and the photo on the right is the same stamped concrete but with the AR350 sealer. You can still see the concrete below, but it is darker and has been enhanced with a low gloss.
Learn more about the Armor AR350.
