Silane Siloxane sealers are suspended in either water or solvent based solutions. Both water based silane siloxane sealers and solvent based silane siloxane sealers offer the same benefits and expected life. The differences between the two only become important when it comes to resealing a surface, or resealing a previously sealed surface with a water repellent. For example:

• If you are applying a Silane Siloxane sealer over a surface previously sealed with a silicate sealer, you can use either water based silane siloxane sealer or a solvent based silane siloxane sealer without issue.
• If you are applying a water repellent sealer over a surface previously sealed with a water repellent sealer, you have a few things to consider. First, is the old water repellent sealer gone? If so, you can use a water based silane siloxane sealer or a solvent based silane siloxane sealer. If you aren’t sure, but the concrete is absorbing water when spilled onto the surface, then use a solvent based silane siloxane sealer. If there is still sealer in the pores, it will repel a water based solution but not a solvent based solution.
• If you plan to apply an acrylic sealer over a surface previously sealed with a water repellent sealer then you want to try and use a solvent based silane siloxane sealer and a solvent based acrylic sealer. In some cases, a water based silane siloxane sealer can be applied and then a solvent based acrylic, but it will never be ok to apply a water based acrylic sealer over a water repellent sealer because the sealer will repel the acrylic.

Solvent based silane siloxane sealers are said to penetrate better on a dense surface than water based acrylic sealers, but water based silane siloxane sealers have a slightly larger molecule and are said to seal a porous surface, like brick, better. Both water based silane siloxane sealers and solvent based silane siloxane sealers however will perform great on concrete, brick, or masonry surfaces. The difference between the two won’t be noticeable as the life and performance are practically the same on all applications.

Best Solvent Based Silane Siloxane Sealers

One of the top rated solvent based silane siloxane sealers available is the Armor SX5000. It is a high solids, DOT approved, water repellent sealer that can be used to seal everything from concrete driveways to concrete bridge decks. It can be applied with a roller or sprayer, and when properly applied can last for up to 7-10 years.

Benefits:

• Reduce damage and deterioration caused by water absorption on the surface.
• Reduce damage and deterioration caused by snow and ice.
• Reduce the formation of mold, mildew, and efflorescence.
• Reduce the movement of moisture through the concrete pores.
• Reduce staining caused by water from irrigation systems and pools.