Penetrating Concrete Sealers – Durable Low Maintenance Penetrating Concrete Sealers for Concrete Driveways, Walkways and More

Industrial grade, long lasting penetrating concrete sealers – Silane-Siloxane, Silane-Acrylic, Siliconate, and Silicate based penetrating concrete sealers – Made with premium non-recycled resins for durability and performance

Penetrating concrete sealers are the best type of concrete sealers to use if you are looking to reduce damage and deterioration to your concrete without having to maintain a visible surface film. Pentrating concrete sealers are designed to work entirely below the surface and will provide years of life before the need to recoat.

Several Types of Penetrating Concrete Sealers Are Available Which is Best?

There are a few different types of penetrating concrete sealers to choose from. There are silicate penetrating concrete sealers, silane-siloxane penetrating concrete sealers, silane-acrylic penetrating concrete sealers, and siliconate penetrating concrete sealers. Which penetrating concrete sealer is best for your application will depend on several factors. Before touching on which penetrating concrete sealer is best for your application, let’s touch on what makes a penetrating sealer a penetrating sealer.

What Determines How Deep a Penetrating Concrete Sealer Penetrates The Concrete?

There are two primary factors that determine how deep a penetrating sealer can penetrate the concrete: the porosity of the concrete and the viscosity of the sealer. Think of the concrete like a sponge. From the top to the bottom, the concrete is made up of tiny holes that allow for water and other liquids to travel from the surface, down into the concrete. The number of the holes in the concrete, and the size of the holes, will determine how much liquid can enter the concrete, how fast, and how deep. Now, thicker liquids will absorb slower and cannot absorb as deep as thinner liquids; more porous surfaces will absorb liquids faster and deeper than less porous surfaces. Both factors are equally important.

Why is Porosity Important When it Comes To Penetrating Concrete Sealers?

Now that you understand what determines how deep a penetrating concrete sealer penetrates, it is important to touch on why that it is important. If you take two pieces of concrete, one piece being very porous, and one not being very porous at all, and you apply the same amount of sealer to both, this is what will happen:

• The sealer that is applied to the very porous concrete will absorb throughout the concrete. It will continue to absorb and spread the sealer, until it can’t spread any further. Because the sealer will be spread throughout the concrete, much of the pore space will be left open, and therefore, most of the concrete will be left unsealed. Porous surfaces will require more material to achieve full, even coverage. As the sealer hardens in the pores, or reacts and leaves deposits depending on the type of sealer, the size of the pores will be reduced with each application, and therefore slowing down the absorption and movement of each additional coat. Very porous surfaces will often require more than 2 coats of the penetrating concrete sealer to be considered sealed.
• The penetrating concrete sealer that is applied to the dense, less porous concrete will slowly absorb through the surface and likely won’t make it very far. Because the sealer is slower to absorb and is contained in a smaller area, more of the pore space will be filled faster, slowing down the movement of the sealer even more. Dense, and less porous surfaces will require less material to achieve full, even coverage.

Penetrating Concrete Sealer – Is Penetration Depth Important?

When it comes to penetrating concrete sealers you would assume that a thicker barrier is better than a thinner barrier, but not so, you have to consider your reason for sealing. The purpose of a penetrating concrete sealer is to reduce damage and deterioration on the surface of the concrete. The further away from the surface the protective barrier is, the less useful that barrier becomes. The quality of the barrier closer to the surface is the most important factor to look at when it comes to choosing a penetrating concrete sealer. The deeper the concrete sealer penetrates, the more material will be required to achieve a high quality barrier close to the concrete surface. Now, the only exception to that rule is when it comes to densifiers. Densifiers are designed to increase the strength and density of the concrete so having a deep, thick barrier is a benefit.

Should I choose a penetrating concrete sealer based on how deep it can penetrate?

As mentioned above, when it comes to penetrating concrete sealers, the porosity of the concrete and the viscosity of the sealer determine penetration depth. The porosity of the concrete can’t be determined by a sealer, but viscosity can. Most people can’t tell the difference in viscosity when it comes to concrete sealers because penetrating concrete sealers are designed to penetrate the concrete and aren’t designed to be a thick liquid. The chemicals contained in concrete sealers are carried by water or a solvent, both of which are similar. I will touch on how these differences come into play a little further down.

Types of Penetrating Concrete Sealers

The four main types of penetrating concrete sealers are silicate based penetrating concrete sealers, Silane-Siloxane based penetrating concrete sealers, Silane-Acrylic based penetrating concrete sealers, and siliconate based penetrating concrete sealers. Each type of penetrating sealer provides a different benefit and is designed for specific applications.

Silicate Penetrating Concrete Sealers – Silicate concrete sealers, also referred to as concrete densifiers and surface hardeners, penetrate the concrete where they chemically react with the free lime and calcium in the concrete to create Calcium Silicate Hydrate (CSH). CSH, which looks like tiny crystals, is formed during the initial curing of the concrete. Silicate sealers simply take the unreacted free lime and calcium and cause it to re-react, filling in more of the pores space with CSH. The more CSH in the pores, the smaller the pores. The smaller the pores, the denser the concrete is, and the stronger the concrete becomes. There are two primary types of silicate sealers, sodium silicate based penetrating concrete sealers and lithium silicate based penetrating concrete sealers. Both types of silicate sealers spark the same chemical reaction and form the same CSH carrier within the pores. Lithium silicate sealers have a slightly smaller resin and are commonly used for dense surfaces, while sodium silicate densifiers have a slightly larger resin and are commonly used for porous surfaces and in concrete polishing applications.

Silicate Based Penetrating Concrete Sealers – Silicate concrete sealers are best for applications where an increase in the strength and density of the concrete are required. If you are experiencing issues with the strength or density of your concrete, a silicate penetrating concrete sealer is a great solution. Silicates will help to reduce concrete dusting, and deterioration caused by surface abrasion. Silicates can also slow down the movement of sub-surface water and moisture, but they don’t stop it. They are commonly used in waterproofing applications but should not be used as the primary method of waterproofing. Silicates do not reduce the absorption of surface water however, so if you are looking to reduce damage and deterioration caused by water absorption, or snow and ice, a Silane-Siloxane based penetrating concrete sealer will be required instead, or in addition to. If you are applying a silicate penetrating concrete sealer and a Silane-Siloxane penetrating concrete sealer, you need to wait at least 7 days after you have applied the silicate sealer before you can apply a Silane-Siloxane sealer. Silicate concrete sealers should only be applied to concrete surfaces.
Foundation Armor Manufactures Two Silicate Concrete Sealers
The Armor S2000 which is a sodium silicate based concrete sealer,
The Armor L3000 which is a lithium silicate based concrete sealer.

Silane-Siloxane Penetrating Concrete Sealers – Silane-Siloxane penetrating concrete sealers penetrate the concrete where they chemically react to form a hydrophobic barrier within the pores. The barrier formed will reduce the absorption of water and other liquids, therefore reducing damage and deterioration caused by water absorption. Cracking, spalling, staining, and the growth of mold and mildew are reduced when concrete is sealed with a Silane-Siloxane sealer.

Silane-Siloxane penetrating concrete sealers are referred to as water repellent sealers, but they don’t get their name for the reasons you would think. When you first apply this type of penetrating concrete sealer to your concrete, you may get a water bead effect of the surface. While it is a very cool thing to see, it isn’t designed as that, and the visible repellency on the surface will be short lived. When the sealer is first applied it will deposit a hydrophobic barrier in the pores, including the pores that are open and exposed on the surface of the concrete. Surface abrasion will eventually wear down the barrier in the exposed pores and the bead effect will go away. Depending on the porosity of the surface being sealed, you may never get the bead effect. If you do get the bead effect it could last a couple of days, or a couple of months. The benefits of the sealer come from the water repellency and bead effect it offers below the surface. What you may have been privileged to see on the surface temporarily is what is happening in the hundreds of microscopic pores below the surface. Because below the surface aren’t exposed to surface abrasion, the barrier below the surface can last for up to 7-10 years. You will notice that sealed concrete dries faster, is easier to clean, and are easier to keep clean than unsealed concrete. Silane-Siloxane penetrating concrete sealers can be applied to concrete, brick, pavers, and natural stone.

When it comes to choosing a water based or a solvent based Silane-Siloxane sealers, there are a few things to consider:

• Solvent based Silane-Siloxane penetrating concrete sealers dry slightly faster than water based (approximately 15-20 minutes faster). They can also be applied in colder temperatures. Water based Silane-Siloxane sealers have strict application temperature restrictions.
• Water based Silane-Siloxane sealers have little to no odor, while solvent based sealers have an odor. The application materials and PPE also varies between water and solvent based sealers.
• If you are applying to a home or building that has surrounding materials sensitive to acetones (i.e., vinyl siding, wood, paint, roofing, etc.), solvent based Silane-Siloxane sealers can be damaging to those materials if they come into contact with them, where-as water based Silane-Siloxane sealers have no negative chemical reaction and can be washed off with soap and water.

The chemical reaction between water based and solvent based Silane-Siloxane concrete sealers is identical, so it really comes down to preference, availability of application tools, and environment.

Foundation Armor Manufactures Two Silane-Siloxane Penetrating Concrete Sealers

The Armor SX5000 which is a solvent-based Silane Siloxane penetrating concrete sealer

The Armor SX5000 WB which is a water-based Silane Siloxane penetrating concrete sealer

Silane-Acrylic Penetrating Concrete Sealers – Silane-Acrylic penetrating concrete sealers function much like a Silane-Siloxane sealer and offer many of the same benefits, but they also slightly darken the color of the concrete to enhance dull and faded surfaces. Foundation Armor manufactures the Armor WL550 which is a great option if you are looking for a penetrating concrete sealer that offers a slight color enhancement. Silane-Acrylic concrete sealers can be applied to concrete, brick, pavers, and natural stone.

Foundation Armor Manufactures The Following Silane-Acrylic Penetrating Concrete Sealers

The Armor WL550 Silane-Acrylic Penetrating Concrete Sealer

Siliconate Penetrating Concrete Sealers – Siliconate penetrating concrete sealers deposit a hydrophobic silicone barrier in the pores of the concrete. They are fast reacting and fast drying, so for that reason, only one coat can be applied. Siliconate concrete sealers offer many of the same benefits as a Silane-siliconate to medium to dark surfaces, the silicone that hardens in the exposed surface pores will become visible and you will notice white spots all over your concrete that will remain visible until the material has been removed from the exposed pores.

Foundation Armor Manufactures The Following Siliconate Penetrating Concrete Sealers

The Armor SC25 is a water based siliconate water repellent sealer for unsealed white or light concrete surfaces.

Best Penetrating Concrete Sealer By Need

Silicate Penetrating Concrete Sealers:

• Best penetrating sealer for increasing the strength and density of the concrete.
• Best penetrating concrete sealer for reducing concrete dusting.
• Best penetrating concrete sealer for reducing sub-surface moisture through the concrete.
  Silane-Siloxane Penetrating Concrete Sealers:
• Best penetrating concrete sealer for reducing damage and deterioration caused by surface water.
• Best penetrating concrete sealer for reducing damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles.
• Best penetrating concrete sealer for reducing the growth of mold and mildew on the surface.
• Most popular penetrating concrete sealer for sealing concrete, brick, pavers, and natural stone.

Silane-Acrylic Penetrating Concrete Sealers:

• Best penetrating concrete sealer for achieving a slight wet look enhancement.

Siliconate Penetrating Concrete Sealers:

• Best penetrating concrete sealer for white and very light concrete surfaces.

How To Apply A Penetrating Concrete Sealer

While it is always best to follow the application instructions of the concrete sealer you are applying, there are a few application rules that remain true for all penetrating concrete sealers:

Penetrating concrete sealers can only be applied to unsealed surfaces.

• Penetrating concrete sealers need to be able to penetrate the concrete and can’t do so if there is a coating on the surface that prevents them from doing so. Some penetrating sealers can be applied to surfaces previously sealed with another type of penetrating concrete sealer, but it is best to contact a Foundation Armor technician before doing so.
• Penetrating concrete sealers should be applied to a completely clean and dry surface. The concrete should be properly cleaned with a pressure washer, and other necessary spot treatments. If a cleaner was used, it is important to make sure the cleaner has been completely removed. If PH balancing is required, that should also be done as well. Concrete should be allowed to dry at least 24 hours before sealing.
• While all penetrating concrete sealers can be applied with a roller or sprayer, sprayers will provide more control over coverage rates, and consistency. Regardless of which application method you choose, be sure to apply an even amount of material to the entire substrate and be careful not to over, or under apply. If the penetrating concrete sealer has been under applied, it won’t work to its full potential. If the penetrating concrete sealer has been over applied, dark spots, white spots, or films may appear that can’t always be removed.
• Ensure that the concrete can easily absorb water before sealing. If you dump a cup of water on the concrete, and the water doesn’t quickly and easily absorb into the concrete, then a sealer will have issues penetrating the concrete. If water doesn’t quickly and easily absorb into the concrete, contact a Foundation Armor technician before applying.

Best Penetrating Concrete Sealers by Location

Best Penetrating Concrete Sealers for Driveways: The best penetrating concrete sealer for a driveway is a Silane-Siloxane concrete sealer. While a silicate concrete sealer can also be used if the driveway is showing signs of dusting, a Silane-Siloxane sealer will offer the most benefit in terms of protection against water and the outside elements. Silane-Siloxane concrete sealers are the best penetrating concrete sealer to use on concrete, brick, paver, and natural stone driveways.

Best Penetrating concrete Sealers for Walkway or Patio: The best penetrating concrete sealer for a walkway or patio is a Silane-Siloxane concrete sealer. Like with driveways, silicate concrete sealers can be used if the walkway or patio is showing signs of deterioration, but a Silane-Siloxane sealer will offer the most protection against water absorption and exposure to the elements.

Best Penetrating Concrete Sealer Pool Deck: The best penetrating concrete sealer for a pool deck is a Silane-Siloxane concrete sealer. Pool decks are exposed to large amounts of water, making water-repellent sealers the best choice for protecting pool decks against water absorption.

Best Penetrating Concrete Sealer For Brick Walls or Chimneys: The best penetrating concrete sealer for a brick wall or chimney is a Silane-Siloxane concrete sealer. Silane-Siloxane sealers will offer the most protection against water absorption and exposure to the elements.

Best Penetrating Concrete Sealer For Stone Accents on a House: The best penetrating concrete sealer for stone accents on a house is a Silane-Siloxane concrete sealer. Silane-Siloxane sealers will offer the most protection against water absorption and exposure to the elements.

Best Penetrating Concrete Sealer for Basement, Garage, and Warehouse Floors: If the concrete is going to be polished, or if the concrete is showing signs of dusting or deterioration, a concrete densifier may be the best option. If the concrete isn’t going to be polished, and isn’t showing signs of dusting and deterioration, a Silane-Siloxane sealer may be best. If the concrete is already polished however, that will limit what can be applied. For any questions relating to these applications, it is best to contact a Foundation Armor technician before purchasing.

Best Penetrating Concrete Sealers by Surface Type

Concrete: The best penetrating concrete sealer for concrete will depend on the currently condition of the concrete, and what you need the concrete sealer to offer in terms of performance. Most penetrating concrete sealers can be applied to concrete.

Brick: Silane-Siloxane sealers and Silane-acrylic sealers can be applied to brick surfaces, but silicate concrete sealers and siliconate concrete sealers can’t. If you apply a silicate concrete sealer or a siliconate concrete sealer to brick, you will end up with white crystals or white deposits on the surface that may be permanent.

Pavers: The best penetrating concrete sealer for pavers is a Silane-Siloxane concrete sealer or a Silane-Acrylic concrete sealer. While concrete densifiers can sometimes be applied to pavers, the chances are high that they may leave white crystal deposits on the surface that can’t be removed. Siliconate sealers also can’t be applied to pavers because they will leave white deposits on the surface that are very hard to remove.

Flagstone: Silane-Siloxane penetrating concrete sealers and Silane-acrylic penetrating concrete sealers can be applied to flagstone surfaces, but silicate concrete sealers and siliconate concrete sealers can’t. If you apply a silicate penetrating concrete sealer or a siliconate penetrating concrete sealer to flagstone, you will end up with white crystals or white deposits on the surface that may be permanent.

Slate, Bluestone: Silane-Siloxane penetrating concrete sealers and Silane-acrylic penetrating concrete sealers can be applied to slate and bluestone surfaces, but silicate concrete sealers and siliconate concrete sealers can’t. If you apply a silicate concrete sealer or a siliconate concrete sealer to slate or bluestone, you will end up with white crystals or white deposits on the surface that may be permanent.

Natural Stone: Silane-Siloxane penetrating concrete sealers and Silane-acrylic penetrating concrete sealers can be applied to natural stone surfaces, but silicate concrete sealers and siliconate concrete sealers can’t. If you apply a silicate concrete sealer or a siliconate concrete sealer to natural stone, you will end up with white crystals or white deposits on the surface that may be permanent.

Penetrating Concrete Sealer Limitations

Penetrating concrete sealers are a fantastic choice for most concrete applications, but they aren’t always the best choice. Some concrete applications will require more than what a penetrating concrete sealer can offer. Here are a few limitations of penetrating concrete sealers:

• Penetrating concrete sealers can’t stop oil stains.
• Penetrating concrete sealers can’t stop hot tire marks.
• Penetrating concrete sealers can’t stop staining.
• Penetrating concrete sealers can’t stop deterioration caused by surface abrasion.

When a penetrating concrete sealer is used, the surface of the concrete is left exposed, leaving the surface susceptible to staining and deterioration caused by surface abrasion. Penetrating concrete sealers are best used for reducing damage. The only way to stop staining and deterioration is with a coating that is designed to put a protective layer between the concrete and what comes into contact with the surface. Acrylic sealers are popular coating options for exterior concrete, and waxes and urethanes are popular options for interior concrete.

Things That Become Noticeable When a Penetrating Concrete Sealer Is Applied

Once you seal your concrete, you will start to notice things that you didn’t notice before. While the sealer itself isn’t noticeable because there isn’t a film or coating, the functionality of the coating becomes clear. With concrete densifiers, you will notice less dusting, but with Silane-Siloxane sealers, you will notice several things:

1. When your concrete is sealed with a penetrating concrete sealer you will notice that ice starts to form on the surface, instead of in the surface. Silane-Siloxane sealers reduce the absorption of water, keeping water and other liquids closer to the surface. The sealer will reduce water that is allowed to freeze in the pores and force it to freeze on the surface.
2. When your concrete is sealed with a penetrating concrete sealer you will find that it dries faster than unsealed surfaces. Silane-Siloxane penetrating concrete sealers force water to stay closer to the surface so that it can evaporate faster.
3. When your concrete is sealed with a penetrating concrete sealer will find that the growth of mold and mildew on the surface is reduced. Mold and mildew need moisture to grow. Silane-Siloxane penetrating concrete sealers keep water closer to the surface so that it can evaporate faster. Unsealed areas that would remain saturated with water for longer periods of time, will dry faster, reducing the amount of moisture that will hang around and grow mold and mildew.
4. When your concrete is sealed with a penetrating concrete sealer you will find the concrete is easier to clean and keep clean.
5. When your concrete is sealed with a penetrating concrete sealer you will find your concrete looks better, longer.
6. When your concrete is sealed with a penetrating concrete sealer you may notice pollen, clay, iron, and minerals. Silane-Siloxane sealers reduce the absorption of water, and water is common carrier of pollen, clay, iron, and other minerals. Unsealed surfaces will absorb many of these impurities, but because water is kept closer to the surface with sealed surfaces, once the water evaporates pollen, clay, iron, and minerals will be left on the surface allowing you to clean them off the surface before they have the ability to bond. Silane-Siloxane sealers buy you time to clean your surface, but if you don’t clean your surface, the impurities will bond to the surface once the water evaporates. Now that the impurities are made visible, it is important to clean them so they don’t become a problem.

How Do I Know When It Is Time To Reseal With A Penetrating Concrete Sealer?

When to reseal your concrete with a penetrating concrete sealer depends on the type of penetrating concrete sealer you used. Here are a few things to consider when resealing your concrete:

Silicate Penetrating Concrete Sealers – The CSH formed from the chemical reaction caused by the silicate sealer is permanent. It can never be removed. Additional silicate sealer can be applied to surfaces sealed with a silicate sealer, but it is best to apply to a test area first. If silicate sealer is over applied, CSH will form on the surface and can only be removed by mechanically grinding the concrete.

Silane-Siloxane Penetrating Concrete Sealers – Silane siloxane sealers can provide up to 7-10 years of life before the need to reseal, but many people choose to reseal sooner. If it has been a few years and the concrete quickly and easily absorbs water, it is likely safe to apply another coat – just be careful not to over apply. Silane-Siloxane concrete sealers are water repellent sealers so there are more risks to applying a fresh coat of a water-based silane-siloxane concrete sealer too soon. Typically, if the concrete can quickly and easily absorb water, it is safe to reapply with a water-based Silane-Siloxane, but if you have questions about reapplication, don’t hesitate to contact a Foundation Armor technician.

Silane-Acrylic Penetrating Concrete Sealers – Silane-Acrylic sealers can last up to 5-7 years before the need to reseal, but if the color enhancement has faded and you want to apply a fresh coat, you can do so because Silane-Acrylic sealers are solvent based and self-priming.

Siliconate Penetrating Concrete Sealers – Siliconate penetrating concrete sealers can last up to 3-5 years before the need to reseal, but you can choose to reseal sooner. If it has been a few years and the concrete quickly and easily absorbs water, it is likely safe to apply another coat – just be careful not to over apply or you will end up with white silicone deposits on your concrete that are hard to remove.

If you aren’t sure which penetrating concrete sealer is best for sealing or resealing your concrete, brick, pavers, or natural stone, please don’t hesitate to reach out a Foundation Armor technician before purchasing!