Concrete driveways, garage floors, pathways, and other structures are susceptible to damage from the elements. However, one or more layers of concrete coating can protect hard surfaces from scuffs, cracks, water damage, and other threats.
Sealers can help reduce or eliminate long-term damage from moisture, but finding the best concrete sealer for your needs depends on various factors. Overall, you can expect to spend between $30 and $75 per gallon for high-quality sealer, but some come in larger quantities and have a higher price point.
Read our guide below for our top picks, learn about which factors to look at when choosing a concrete sealer, and get answers to common questions.
Top 7 Concrete Sealers
- TotalBoat Concrete Coating: Best Overall
- Foundation Armor Concrete Sealer: Best Acrylic Sealer
- Ghostshield Siloxa-Tek Concrete Sealer: Best Penetrating Sealer
- Black Diamond Stoneworks Stone Sealer: Best Glossy Sealer
- RadonSeal Concrete Sealer: Best Sealer for Basements
- Eco-Tuff Clear Coat Concrete Sealer: Most Eco-Friendly Sealer
- MasonryDefender Penetrating Concrete Sealer: Best Value Sealer
Compare Top Concrete Sealers
| Product | Formula | Quantity | Application | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
TotalBoat Concrete CoatingCheck Price | Epoxy | One gallon | Two-part application | 12.8 square feet |
Foundation Armor Concrete SealerCheck Price | Arcylic-based | Five gallons | Pre-mixed | 175 square feet per coat per gallon |
Ghostshield Siloxa-Tek Concrete SealerCheck Price | Water-based | One gallon | Pre-mixed | 250 square feet per coat per gallon |
Black Diamond Stoneworks Stone SealerCheck Price | Acrylic-based | One quart | Pre-mixed | 600 square feet |
RadonSeal Concrete SealerCheck Price | Water-based | Five gallons | Pre-mixed | 250 square feet per coat per gallon |
Eco-Tuff Clear Coat Concrete SealerCheck Price | Hybrid bio-polyurethane | One gallon | Multi-part application | 300-400 square feet per gallon |
MasonryDefender Penetrating Concrete SealerCheck Price | Water-based | One gallon | Pre-mixed | 90-150 square feet per gallon |
Best Overall
TotalBoat Concrete Coating
This epoxy resin provides a high-gloss, heat-resistant finish. Though it has a complicated two-part application process with separate resin and hardener, it’s versatile because it works on concrete, wood, stone, ceramic, metal, and other surfaces.
Pros and Cons of TotalBoat Concrete Coating
- Can withstand heat
- Produces a high-gloss finish
- Is compatible with concrete, ceramic, metal, stone, wood, and other materials
- Covers less square footage than other concrete
- Requires more steps to apply
What People Are Saying About The TotalBoat Concrete Coating
In our review-focused research, we learned that many customers were surprised at how thick this concrete sealer was, as this helped it better protect surfaces. Unfortunately, bubbling was an issue for many customers, and they found the application instructions confusing.
Best Acrylic Sealer
Foundation Armor Concrete Sealer
This acrylic concrete sealer is a viable solution to protect your concrete surfaces from freezing, thawing, scratching, scuffing, and other damage. It covers indoor or outdoor surfaces with a low-gloss finish. Though it requires multiple coats, it comes in a sizeable 5-gallon drum.
Pros and Cons of Foundation Armor Concrete Sealer
- Works on sealed and unsealed surfaces
- Has a non-yellowing formula
- Works for indoor and outdoor applications
- Comes in a heavy drum
- May be difficult to open
What People Are Saying About The Foundation Armor Concrete Sealer
Although the 5-gallon drum was challenging for some customers to open, our research indicated that many found it easy to apply the sealer using the recommended instructions. When applied correctly, water and other liquids beaded on the concrete rather than soaking into it. However, a few reviewers claimed that one application only lasted a few months.
Best Penetrating Sealer
Ghostshield Siloxa-Tek Concrete Sealer
For an environmentally friendly concrete sealer that contains a limited amount of volatile organic compounds, we recommend Ghostshield. Its water-based acrylic formula quickly breaks through the layers of your concrete surfaces, creating a lasting shield to protect against chemicals, cracks, and more. Plus, it won’t change the appearance of your concrete driveway or sidewalk.
Pros and Cons of Ghostshield Siloxa-Tek Concrete Sealer
- Is engineered to reduce water and moisture intrusion
- Penetrates concrete rapidly without changing its appearance
- Covers up to 250 square feet per coat
- Works best if you apply multiple coats
- Has a water-based formula that doesn’t last as long as thicker sealers
What People Are Saying About The Ghostshield Siloxa-Tek Concrete Sealer
According to our consumer-based research, customers found this penetrating concrete sealer to be easy to apply. They also said that it provided superior resistance to stains and other blemishes. However, a minority of reviewers said they experienced water leaks through cinder blocks and other gaps in their concrete features. Others stated that the provided instructions were unclear and incomplete.
Best Glossy Sealer
Black Diamond Stoneworks Stone Sealer
Those who like the wet look of freshly settled concrete will enjoy this high-gloss sealer. It works on exposed aggregate, stamped concrete, colored concrete, and other surfaces. We like that it’s available in a range of bottle sizes, including one quart and one gallon.
Pros and Cons of Black Diamond Stoneworks Stone Sealer
- Is suitable for concrete, slate, brick, and stone
- Has a minimal odor
- Gives surfaces a wet look without darkening them
- Can’t be applied to surfaces in direct sunlight
- Isn’t approved for polished granite or marble application
What People Are Saying About The Black Diamond Stoneworks Stone Sealer
Our team found reviews by numerous customers who were pleased with the value of this concrete sealer, stating that one bottle covered large surfaces in their entirety. Users were also pleased with its glossy shine and fast drying time. Alternatively, we learned that a few customers were dissatisfied, reporting that their concrete and stone surfaces only looked glossy for a few days. Others shared that the finish turned hazy after six months and stopped repelling oils and other liquids.
Best Sealer for Basements
RadonSeal Concrete Sealer
Radon gas is often a concern with basements because it seeps through the concrete floors as the soil underneath decays. If you’re already going through the trouble of sealing concrete basement floors, consider this penetrating sealer. Its formula contains a radon mitigation agent to protect against radon vapor and gas. It’s also non-toxic and non-flammable.
Pros and Cons of RadonSeal Concrete Sealer
- Doesn’t create a surface film
- Has a water-based formula that’s free from volatile organic compounds
- Is resistant to hydrostatic water pressure
- Is only available in a five-gallon bucket
- Doesn’t work as well on concrete that’s over 20 years old
What People Are Saying About The RadonSeal Concrete Sealer
Per our research into buyer reviews, customers praised this concrete sealer for its versatility, citing that the radon-mitigating and sealing qualities were ideal for renovating basements. Many were also pleased with the penetrating formula. Others believed that hiring a radon mitigation professional would prove more effective than using a concrete sealer, noting that some moisture was still seeping through even after applying multiple coats.
Most Eco-Friendly Sealer
Eco-Tuff Clear Coat Concrete Sealer
This sealer stands out from competitors due to its ingredients. It uses non-toxic, plant-based materials and is completely free of off-gassing and Red List chemicals (chemicals that are particularly harmful to humans). Additionally, this sealer is nearly completely odorless.
Pros and Cons of Eco-Tuff Clear Coat Concrete Sealer
- Provides excellent surface resistance from abrasion, water, UV, and more
- Is available in gloss, matte, or satin
- Can be applied with sprayers, trim pads, rollers, or a brush
- Requires multiple coats for best usage
- Requires up to an hour wait between applications
What People Are Saying About The Eco-Tuff Clear Coat Concrete Sealer
Our team found that customers who gave this product a positive review liked that it was easy to apply and a non-toxic formula. Others also were impressed with its odorless application. However, there were a few negative reviews that felt it was too thin, and others said it needed multiple coatings.
Best Value Sealer
MasonryDefender Penetrating Concrete Sealer
Concrete sealer can be pricey, so if you’re looking for a basic sealer that will provide excellent value on your patio, driveway, or sidewalk without breaking the bank, this is an excellent choice. This sealer provides a long-lasting, non-glossy coat that’s breathable and waterproof. One gallon can provide up to 150 square feet of coverage, and it utilizes a low-pressure sprayer that’s easy to apply.
Pros and Cons of MasonryDefender Penetrating Concrete Sealer
- Provides an invisible coat without altering appearance
- Is long-lasting and easy to apply
- Is backed by a three-year warranty
- Not designed for walkways or indoor use
- Some customers said it left stains
What People Are Saying About The MasonryDefender Penetrating Concrete Sealer
Our team noted that customers who liked this sealer said that it dried quickly and covered a large area. Others were impressed with its spraying application, noting how easy it was to use.
However, some reviewers felt it didn’t always protect against weather, and some said that it left stains.
Concrete Sealer Buying Guide
To keep the concrete features around your home in good condition for years to come, it’s important to seal them with the proper type of concrete sealer. If you’re unsure about which one to use, there are several factors you should take into consideration.
First, you’ll need to determine if an acrylic, epoxy, or penetrating sealer is best for your needs. From there, consider factors such as the amount of sealer in the package, the application and packaging type, the drying time, the life expectancy, and whether you need it for indoor or outdoor use. Read our buying guide below for more information about choosing the best concrete sealer.
Concrete Sealer Type
There are three main types of concrete sealing products:
Acrylic Sealer
Acrylic provides solid protection at a reasonably inexpensive price point. For increased durability, you can blend acrylic-based concrete sealers with epoxy, silicone, or polyurethane.
Try to look for virgin or pure acrylic rather than styrene acrylic. The latter is known to develop a yellow color under direct sunlight.
Epoxy Sealer
Also known as polyurethane sealers, epoxy concrete sealants cost more than acrylic ones. However, rather than providing a soft finish that lasts one to three years, a quality epoxy sealer can protect your concrete for five to 10 years. Though durable, they limit a surface’s permeability because they’re considerably thick. You can upgrade your garage floor with epoxy, but keep in mind many epoxies have two parts.
Penetrating Sealer
Specialty resins, such as silicones, siloxanes, and silanes, mix to create a sealer that penetrates deep beneath the surface of the concrete. This chemical barrier acts as a water repellent, preventing materials like oil, mildew, and other contaminants from damaging the concrete. We recommend penetrating sealers where stains are common, such as on a concrete driveway or garage floors.
Sealer Amount
Consider how much area you must cover and how many coats of sealer the job will require. The area a concrete sealer covers is typically measured in square feet. You can usually purchase concrete sealers in containers ranging from 1 quart to 5 gallons in size.
Packaging
Many sealers come in a bottle with a cap. On the other hand, heavy-duty, commercial-grade concrete sealers may come in a large bucket or barrel. Generally, smaller containers are easier to open and pour. You want to avoid accidentally spilling too much sealer in an area where it’s not needed.
Concrete Sealer Drying Time
Depending on the weather conditions, the average drying time for concrete sealers is about 2 hours. However, overcast weather or high humidity could extend the drying time to 3–4 hours.
Indoor Applications
Water-based sealers are the way to go for indoor concrete surfaces. This is because they don’t contain as many flammable, potent chemicals. However, you can still apply solvent-based acrylic sealers indoors if there’s proper ventilation.
Sealer Life Expectancy
The longevity of your concrete sealer is largely determined by how well it’s applied and maintained. Thick, premium sealers, such as epoxies and urethanes, generally outlast acrylic sealers by at least a few years.
Concrete Surface Maintenance Tips
Applying a high-quality concrete sealer is important, but it’s only one of the necessary steps to take when you’re caring for your driveway, patio, walkway, garage floor, and other concrete surfaces. Here are some other tips for cleaning and maintaining the concrete around your home:
- Use a pressure washer: Pressure washing gives you the satisfaction of seeing built-up grime wash away instantly. If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can rent one from a home improvement store or borrow one from a neighbor.
- Clean spills: Immediately address any food, oil, or other spills on your concrete surfaces. A good concrete sealer can only do so much, and the longer the spill sits on your concrete, the more likely it is to stain or seep in.
- Check for cracks: Regularly inspect your concrete for any cracking or deterioration.
- Sweep debris: Though sweeping may not seem like a big deal, it’s key to keeping your concrete looking as good as possible. When you’re doing yard work, make sure to sweep away any excess debris.
Concrete Sealer FAQs
Why should I seal my concrete?
Without sealant, new concrete is vulnerable to damage from water, salt, oil, sunlight, and more. While you don’t need to seal your concrete surfaces, they last longer when you do.
Is concrete sealer toxic?
Yes and no. Many modern concrete sealers are considered non-toxic, with no volatile organic compounds or a minimal amount.
However, all concrete sealers should be handled carefully because they contain other chemicals that could irritate your eyes, nose, skin, and throat.
How often should I reseal my concrete?
A thorough application of a soft, acrylic-based concrete sealer should last 1–3 years. Epoxy-based concrete sealers tend to last much longer, usually between 5–10 years. How much wear and tear your concrete areas are subjected to affects how frequently they must be resealed.
How do I know if I need to reseal my concrete?
Besides the passage of time itself, there are two telltale signs that it’s time to reseal your concrete:
- The surface of the sealer looks scratched, dull, dirty, or worn, or you notice abrasions or flaking.
- Water no longer beads on the surface of the concrete.
Who This Concrete Sealer Guide Is For
If you’re a first-time DIYer, a seasoned contractor, or somewhere in between, a concrete sealer will be an essential component of your toolkit. Our team considered a variety of concrete sealers, including an acrylic concrete sealer, a penetrating concrete sealer, and more.
Our Methodology
To provide our readers with the best concrete coating recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of sealers with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature-set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home improvement space, from ceiling fans and floor coating to doorbell cameras and garage door openers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.