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Last Updated on August 9, 2024 by Heenan
When it’s about choosing the best-stamped concrete sealer, the first question that comes to anyone’s mind is – should I go for the water-based stamped concrete sealers or the solvent-based stamped concrete sealers?
If you ask me to answer the question, I will surely keep the solvent-based stamped concrete sealers ahead of the water-based sealer.
Here is why.
Water-based stamped concrete sealers don’t form a continuous film. Consequently, it lets the liquids go through the stamped concrete surfaces, which is something you don’t expect.
It’s because that makes it fail to make a shielding wear coat.
On the other hand, solvent-based stamped concrete sealers with high-quality resin make a continuous protective film that protects the stamped concrete surfaces from wearing, hazing, scratching, etc.
No matter which type of sealer you choose, it’s quite an overwhelming task to pick the best one as the market is saturated with many brands and models.
Let me solve the puzzle.
In this article, I will review the three best concrete sealers for stamped concrete, mentioning their upsides and downsides.
Without any further ado, let’s begin.
Top 3 Best Stamped Concrete Sealer Reviews
#1. Foundation Armor AR350 reviews
Pros
- It’s pretty straightforward to apply with a sprayer or roller.
- An easy-to-understand instruction manual is included.
- AR350 shines in providing excellent protection.
- Its ability to penetrate the stamped concrete surfaces is worth noting and seems durable.
- The coverage per gallon per coat is quite substantial.
- It gives enough shine to make the stamped concrete surfaces stand out.
- Not harmful to the environment and humans.
- Quick-drying time.
- You can apply it on the stamped concrete surfaces previously sealed with an acrylic solvent-based sealer.
- Non-yellowing contains low VOC, is breathable, and is UV resistant.
- The price is quite acceptable.
Cons
- Slightly strong fumes.
- If the stamped concrete surfaces are smooth, you should add an anti-slip additive to get an extra grip.
- Not ideal for clay brick, flagstone, slate, or other natural stones.
The Armor AR350 solvent-based acrylic sealer is quite an expert in protecting stamped concrete surfaces.
While this sealer enhances the color, it doesn’t give a high gloss. So, if you are looking for a high gloss solution, choose some other stamped concrete acrylic sealers.
However, if you are looking for a wet look, this one is one of the best bets for you as it darkens the stamped concrete surfaces so that it gives a wet look.
It covers about 175 square feet per gallon per coat, which is quite standard. The coverage varies on the porosity of the stamped concrete surfaces, though.
Pro Tip: Search “Mike Day concrete sealing” on YouTube. You will see a handful of video tutorials on applying stamped concrete acrylic sealers.
Verdict
Overall, this Foundation Armor AR350 solvent-based sealer does what it’s supposed to provide excellent protection to the stamped concrete surfaces. The price shouldn’t hurt your pocket too.
Moreover, Foundation Armor is a US-based company, so it knows what it takes to make the USA law-compatible sealer.
#2. Foundation Armor AR500 Sealer Review
Pros
- Easy to apply. Best with a roller.
- An easy-to-follow instruction manual comes with the package.
- It gives quite extensive coverage, even if it’s a porous surface.
- Relatively quick drying time.
- It brings back the stamped concrete surface color and gives a wet look with a high gloss finish.
- AR500 starts working right after applying it on the stamped concrete surfaces.
- It withstands motor oil spills.
- This best sealer performs well, irrespective of the weather conditions.
- Non-yellowing boasts low VOC, is breathable, and UV-resistant.
- It’s quite reasonably priced.
Cons
- It’s slippery when wet. Use this Foundation Armor non-slip additive to get rid of this problem.
- Smells a bit strong. However, the smell doesn’t stay too long.
- Gasoline can blemish the stamped concrete surfaces that are sealed with this sealer.
Armor AR500 is one of the quality solvent-based acrylic stamped concrete acrylic sealers that give a high gloss finish with an improved bonding.
It gives coverage of 175 square feet per gallon per coat for a porous surface and 200-250 square feet per gallon per coat for a smooth surface.
If you plan to seal your motor garage with this sealer, remember that gasoline could soften the sealed stamped concrete surfaces. Motor oil spills won’t cause any issues, though.
Pro Tip: Give the stamped concrete surfaces at least 24 hours of drying time after cleaning it for the first time before applying the stamped concrete sealers.
It’s best to apply AR500 in the early evening or late afternoon so that the concrete surfaces get enough sunlight for drying before you apply the best sealer.
Verdict
If you are looking for a high gloss look after sealing concrete surfaces without spending too much, this one is probably the best sealer you should get your eye in.
I think it’s a way better decision to use this sealer instead of those pricey epoxy coatings considering the price, performance, and durability.
#3. Masonry Defender Water-Based Stamped Concrete Sealers Review
Pros
- Non-yellowing, Non-toxic, and entirely safe for the environment, humans, and pets.
- Easy to apply, best with a nap roller.
- Quick-drying time.
- You can apply it over the previously sealed concrete surfaces, which will work like a charm.
- It can protect the concrete from dimming, UV, spills, stains, etc.
- This sealer shines in performing equally on both interior and exterior concrete surfaces.
- It covers a large area.
- The rainwater beads on the surface remarkably to ensure the sealer’s existence.
- It’s relatively easy on the wallet compared to the other items I’ve listed here.
Cons
- Although it’s not that slippery, it’s not entirely slip-resistant either.
- As it’s a water-based sealer, it doesn’t work too well, similar to other solvent-based stamped concrete sealers on the concrete.
This Masonry Defender stamped concrete sealer is a water-based sealer that gives a semi-gloss look once it dries.
This sealer works second to none when it comes to resealing concrete surfaces.
It covers about 400 square feet per gallon per coat, which I believe is quite broad compared to the other options on my list.
As it’s not entirely slip-resistant, so, better to mix some anti-slip additive with the stamped concrete sealers before applying it on concrete surfaces around the pool deck.
Pro Tip: When applying on any exterior concrete surface, clean the surface properly with the MasonryDefender all-purpose concrete cleaner before applying this sealer.
Verdict
Considering the price, performance, and coverage, you should try this best sealer.
With that said, remember, this one is a water-based sealer. I always prefer solvent-based stamped concrete sealers to water-based ones when it’s about getting the best results on a stamped concrete surface.
Nonetheless, you will want to apply a water-based sealer instead of a solvent-based sealer when getting a rapid drying time is your topmost concern.
Stamped Concrete Sealer Buying Guide
To choose the right sealer for the stamped concrete surfaces, you must consider the following parameters –
Solvent Based Vs. Water-Based
When it’s about sealing stamped concrete surfaces, it’s wise to choose solvent-based stamped concrete sealers instead of water-based stamped concrete sealers.
The stamped concrete sealers must provide a continuous film to prevent liquids from going through the concrete surface.
Usually, a water-based sealer lacks the performance to make this sort of wear coating. But the solvent-based stamped concrete sealers excel in performing a quality wear coat.
On top of that, you can’t fix a surface sealed with a water-based sealer. You must remove the old sealer and apply a new sealer for resealing or fixing.
However, if you are looking to get rapid drying time, then the solvent-based sealer is the one you should get your eye in.
Environment Friendly
Water-based stamped concrete sealers are more environmentally friendly than solvent-based sealers.
But as everyone likes to apply a solvent-based sealer for the concrete surface, it must be made so that it doesn’t harm the environment, humans, and pets.
The VOC level must be low to ensure environment-friendliness. All the above items I’ve listed here feature a low VOC level.
Gloss Type and Look
Some stamped concrete sealers provide high gloss; some provide low gloss. Some stamped concrete sealers provide a wet look, and some don’t.
Choose the right one based on your preference.
Coverage
If the sealer doesn’t give broad coverage, then it’s not a cost-effective solution.
The coverage varies depending on the porosity of the surface, though. The standard coverage for a porous surface is about 175 square feet per gallon per coat, and 200-250 square feet per gallon per coat for a smooth surface.
Ease of Application
No matter if it’s a solvent-based sealer or water-based sealer, it must be easy to apply.
Typically you will want to use a roller to apply the solvent-based sealer and sprayer to the water-based sealer.
The company should provide an easy-to-understand instruction manual with every delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question#1. How to remove concrete sealer from stamped concrete?
Answer: Removing the concrete sealers from stamped concrete is a bit tricky and tiresome. However, it’s not an impossible task by any means.
The top challenge in removing the stamped concrete sealers is keeping the concrete’s color as it is while completing the process.
That is why you won’t want to go for any mechanical solution to remove the stamped concrete sealers. Applying chemical solutions is the way to achieve the best results.
It’s essential to identify the previously applied sealer type. Identify if it was the solvent-based sealer or the water-based sealer.
If the previous sealer was water-based, then first try pressure washing to remove it instead of chemical application or acid etching. Pressure washing is enough if it’s an old surface.
If pressure washing doesn’t work, then you can try acid etching. Or else you apply high-quality chemical strippers like “Aqua Mix Sealer and Coating Remover.”
On the other hand, if the previous sealer were solvent-based, you would have to use a solvent-based stripper to remove the old sealing.
The good thing is you don’t necessarily remove the old sealing if a solvent-based sealer seals the surface. You remove the old flaking and peeling and reseal the surface with a new sealer; you are done in most cases.
Question#2. How long does it take for concrete sealers to dry?
Answer: The Silicate stamped concrete sealers start to dry within half an hour, and you can allow foot traffic within a few hours of applying the sealer.
The Silane Siloxane water-based sealer also starts to dry within half an hour. However, it would be best if you gave it at least 36-48 hours before you allow any vehicle traffic and 24 hours before allowing foot traffic.
The Silicone water-based sealer also starts drying within half an hour but works under the surface for at least 24 hours to dry thoroughly. That’s why you shouldn’t allow any traffic before 36 hours.
The Acrylic sealer takes 4-12 hours to dry, but you should give it at least 48 hours to allow any vehicle traffic.
The epoxy coating and the Urethane coating take 10-12 hours to dry to allow foot traffic, and you should give it at least 48 hours before allowing any vehicle traffic.
Question #3. When to apply concrete sealers?
Answer: Applying stamped concrete sealers on a dry surface is vital. On the other hand, washing the surface before applying the sealer is also essential.
So, wash the surface first and apply the early sealer evening or late afternoon to get enough sunlight to dry throughout the day.
Question#4. How to remove acrylic sealer from concrete?
Answer: To strip all the old stamped concrete sealers, use a Brickform Strip-it stripper. Apply this stripper to the surface. Cover the surface with plastic to let the stripper work properly. Before the surface completely dries out, remove the plastic.
Continue to apply the stripper to keep things wet. Use a floor scrubber (attach a Zim grit striping brush with it) to strip out the old sealer.
Next, use a broom to properly gather the stripped-out sealer and garbage them. Keep the surface wet with water during this process.
Continue the process until you finish removing all the old acrylic-stamped concrete sealers.
Final Words
So, this is it!
In this article, I’ve reviewed the three best stamped concrete sealers mentioning all the items’ highs and lows.
If you are looking for solvent-based stamped concrete sealers, go for either AR350 or AR500.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a water-based sealer, then Masonry defender stamped concrete sealer is the best bet for you.
Now it’s your turn!
