8 Best Concrete Sealers – Review for 2022

Maybe you just repaved your driveway, or perhaps you opted for a classic kitchen look with concrete countertops. While the project might look great now, we both know that if you don’t take the time to seal it, then it’ll start to fall apart in no time.

But while the right product will protect and enhance the look of your project, the wrong one can fail to give you the protection you need, leading to expensive repairs.

That’s why it’s important to get the right concrete sealer the first time. Luckily for you, we’ve tracked down the eight best concrete sealers and reviewed them for you here. We’re sure the perfect concrete sealer for your project is here.

OUR FAVORITES

Premium Choice GlobMarble Concrete Countertop Water Based Sealer	Professional quality product Completely food-safe (after curing) Best for smaller projects	CHECK PRICE →

TOP PICK Rain Guard PRO–CR-0356	Completely clear finish Provides up to 10-years of protection Affordably priced	CHECK PRICE →

Best Budget Choice Rain Guard Water Sealers – SP-1104	Affordable price per gallon Covers up to 1,000 square feet Works well on both painted/stained surfaces	CHECK PRICE →

Best Concrete Sealers for 2021 on the Market

PHOTO	PRODUCT
TOP PICK	Rain Guard PRO–CR-0356 A water-based sealer that protects and extends the life of masonry surface, without altering the surface appearance. Non-yellowing formula, providing complete water and salt resistance.	CHECK PRICE →
Premium Choice	GlobMarble Concrete Countertop Water Based Sealer Excellent resistance to heat, water-based formula product, quickly drying and providing non-yellowing, semi-gloss durable barrier against oil and moisture.	CHECK PRICE →
Best Budget Choice	Rain Guard Water Sealers – SP-1104 Working well on all surfaces covers your investment with up to 5 years of protection with one application. Safe to use, water-based formula with a clear gloss finish.	CHECK PRICE →
Covers a Ton of Area	KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking Consistent, smooth finish for all the little imperfections of the surface. Powerful stain-blocking formula, helping to achieve uniform coating to most interior and exterior surfaces.	CHECK PRICE →
High in VOC	Walttools High-Gloss, Cure & Seal Providing advantage for fast and easy application, solvent-based resin, with UV, anti-spill, and non-yellowing resistance.	CHECK PRICE →
Enhancing Granite Sealer	Tenax AGER Color Enhancer Extremely fast drying time of only 60 minutes, water-repellent in only 24 hours after application. Color enhancement with immediate effect.	CHECK PRICE →
Top Amazon'sChoice	Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold Natural look, water-based formula, ideal for many surfaces, providing stain protection with natural stone and tile look after application.	CHECK PRICE →
Ultimate Low VOC	Walttools High-Gloss Concrete Sealer Stamphsheen 350 Solvent-based, high-gloss sealer for UV and water resistance, providing superior non-yellowing concrete quality.	CHECK PRICE →

1. Rain Guard PRO–CR-0356 – Top Pick

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Style: Ready to Use

Size: 1 Gallon

Finish: Flat

If you’re looking for a concrete sealer that’s going to last and won’t drain your entire bank account, then Rain Guard CR-0356 is exactly what you’ve been looking for. It’s easy to use, lasts up to ten years, and it comes at a great price.

And while we wish that it came in larger containers than 1-gallon, each gallon covers up to 300 square feet! Most other products only cover up to 200 square feet, so you’re getting a deal upfront, and you’ll need to purchase less.

Finally, it provides a flat, clear, professional-quality finish, and you can use it either indoors or outdoors. No matter what project you’re trying to complete, with Rain Guard CR-0356 you can get the job done.

Pros

• Affordably priced
• Completely clear finish
• Provides up to 10-years of protection
• Professional level appearance at a great price

Cons

• Only comes in 1-gallon containers (covers 300 square feet)

2. GlobMarble Concrete Countertop Water Based Sealer – Premium Choice

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Style: Ready to Mix

Size: 40 Ounces

Finish: Matte

While every other product we reviewed here is ready-to-use right out of the container, with GlobMarble Concrete Countertop Water Based Sealer, that’s all left up to you. Sure, it’s an extra step, but it also allows you to store the sealant for longer if you don’t want to use it all right away.

However, both containers combined only form 40 ounces of sealant, and when you look at the price, you’re not getting near as much as what other products have for this price.

But the tradeoff is that you’re getting a quality level that most other sealants can’t offer. It’s a professional-quality product that’s perfect for small indoor projects. It’s also completely safe around food afterward, so if you’re looking to seal countertops or other kitchen areas, this is exactly what you need.

Pros

• Professional quality product
• Best for smaller projects
• Completely food-safe (after curing)

Cons

• You need to mix it yourself
• More expensive option

3. Rain Guard Water Sealers – SP-1104 – Best Budget Choice

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Style: Ready to Use

Size: 5 Gallon

Finish: Glossy

If you’re looking for a concrete sealer that you can use for a larger product and won’t cost you a fortune, then Rain Guard Water Sealers SP-1104 might be just what you’ve been looking for. It comes in a 5-gallon bucket with enough sealant to cover 1,000 square feet, and it works on just about any surface.

However, it does only come in a 5-gallon bucket, which means if you’re completing a smaller project, you’ll end up with too much. But as long as you need the entire amount, you’re getting a great price per gallon.

But the biggest drawback to this budget sealer is that it only provides five years of guaranteed protection. Considering other products offer ten or even fifteen years, five is a bit of a disappointment.

Pros

• Comes in a 5-gallon bucket
• Affordable price per gallon
• Covers up to 1,000 square feet
• Works well on both painted/stained and unpainted/unstained surfaces

Cons

• Only comes in a 5-gallon bucket
• Only provides 5-years of protection

4. KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking

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Style: Ready to Use

Size: 5 Gallon

Finish: Flat

If you’re looking for an outstanding product that covers a ton of area, then the KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking Sealer is precisely what you’ve been looking for. Yeah, it only comes in a 5-gallon bucket, and that’s a little frustrating, but each gallon can cover an impressive 400 square feet!

So, if you’re working on a larger project, one 5-gallon bucket can cover 2,000 square feet, which is more than enough for most jobs. It works both indoors and outdoors, and as the name suggests, it seals and prevents stains, which gives you a nice finish for years to come.

It’s a great quality product, but it is a little more expensive. But for how far it goes, it’s really not a bad deal if you’re working on a large project.

Pros

• It covers up to 2,000 square feet
• Works both indoors and outdoors
• Great quality product

Cons

• It only comes in a 5-gallon bucket

5. Walttools High-Gloss, Cure & Seal

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Style: Ready to Use

Size: 1 or 5 Gallon

Finish: High-Gloss

Walttools High-Gloss, Cure & Seal might be the most controversial product on our list. We’ll throw it right out there and let you decide. This sealant is high in VOC, which the EPA has linked to several environmental hazards. In fact, over a dozen states have banned this sealant.

But despite that fact, it made our list for one reason alone – it does a great job at sealing concrete. In fact, it probably does a better job at sealing concrete than any other product on our list – if you’re allowed to use it.

If you can order it, then it comes in both a 1-gallon and a 5-gallon option, and each gallon covers 200 square feet. It cures and seals in one pass, and it gives you the best possible appearance. Now, it is a little more expensive, but it’s going to last for years, and it’s going to look great.

If you don’t care about the higher VOCs, and you can legally purchase it, Walttools High-Gloss, Cure & Seal will give you the best possible results.

Pros

• Comes in both 1-gallon and 5-gallon sizes
• Best possible appearance
• Covers 200 square feet per gallon
• Cures and seals in one pass

Cons

• Slightly more expensive option
• Not available in many states (high VOC)

6. Tenax AGER Color Enhancer

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Style: Ready to Use

Size: 32 Ounces

Finish: Flat

While Tenax AGER Color Enhancer might not look like much, if you’re looking for a product that really makes the color of your area pop, then Tenax AGER Color Enhancer might be the best choice. While they only come in quart containers, you buy them in multiple packs.

And while it’s more expensive for the much smaller container, when you look at the overall coverage area of each quart, it’s not that much smaller than many gallon containers. A typical gallon container of concrete sealant will cover 200 square feet, a quart container of Tenax Ager Color Enhancer covers 160 square feet.

It’s great for both indoor and outdoor use, just expect that you’re going to need to spend a little more on this outstanding product.

Pros

• Each quart covers a large area (160 square feet)
• Enhances colors while sealing
• Great for indoor and outdoor use

Cons

• Much more expensive option

7. Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold

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Style: Ready to Use

Size: 32 Ounces

Finish: Flat

If you’re looking for a professional level, ready-to-use product, then Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold might be precisely what you need. There’s no doubt that this is one of the most expensive products on our list, but it’s completely food safe and VOC-free.

Even better, it lasts up to 15-years! So, while it might cost you more upfront since it lasts longer, it actually saves you a little money in the long run. It gives you a completely natural look that is perfect for most projects.

We wish that it came in larger containers, but the only option available is a 32-ounce container. But while it might come in a smaller container, it’s a premium option for a reason. High-quality results if you can afford the higher price.

Pros

• Completely food safe
• Provides a natural look
• Lasts up to 15 years

Cons

• More expensive option
• Only comes in a 32-ounce container

8. Walttools High-Gloss Concrete Sealer Stamphsheen 350

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Style: Ready to Use

Size: 1 or 5 Gallon

Finish: High-Gloss

While you can purchase the other Walttools concrete sealer we reviewed in over a dozen states, this Walttools High-Gloss Concrete Sealer Stamphsheen 350 is available everywhere. While it’s not VOC-free, it does stay under the threshold to stay available in every state.

It comes in 1-gallon or 5-gallon containers, and each gallon covers up to 200-square feet. And while it provides excellent protection, we can’t say that it holds up as well as the other Walttools concrete sealer. Not only that, but you can still only use this sealer outside, and it certainly isn’t food safe.

Finally, it’s a more expensive option, even if it does deliver phenomenal results. But if you’re working on an outdoor project, want high-quality results, and don’t mind the VOC content in the sealer, then this might be the best choice for you.

Pros

• Available in every state
• Covers 200 square feet per gallon
• Provides great protection

Cons

• More expensive option
• Doesn’t hold up as well as the other Walttool option
• Outdoor use only

Buyer’s Guide

If you still don’t know which concrete sealer you need after reading the reviews, you’re not alone. That’s why we came up with this comprehensive buyer’s guide to walk you through everything you need to know to choose the right concrete sealer the first time.

Just bear with us and keep reading, we’ll have you ready to go and give you the confidence you need to get a concrete sealer on order in no time.

Why Do You Need a Concrete Sealer?

When you lay concrete, it looks just about perfect. It fits the mold, fills in every gap, and looks like it will last forever. Looks can be deceiving.

Without a sealer or a waterproofer, that concrete project will start to deteriorate in no time. Concrete projects are known to chip, crack, stain, and more. And you might be surprised at how fast it can happen. Without a proper sealer, a countertop or driveway can start to show wear and tear in less than a year!

Concrete sealers help protect your projects. They prevent stains from working their way into the concrete, and they provide a layer of protection that keeps your project looking new longer.

In fact, if you use the right sealant and keep up with an application schedule, there’s no reason you should ever need to relay the concrete or complete costly repairs. So, while it might seem like an expensive investment now, chances are it will save you money in the end.

How Much Concrete Sealer Do You Need?

Let’s face it, concrete sealer isn’t cheap. So, the last thing you want is to get more than you need. Determining how much concrete sealer you need comes down in large part to the product you choose.

And while you should always check how much the manufacturer recommends for each product, we can give you a general guide here. For most products, a 1-gallon container will cover about 200-square feet.

To get the square footage of your project, all you need to do is multiply the length by the width (if you have a square/rectangular project). So, for a 10-foot by 20-foot driveway, a single gallon of concrete sealer should do the trick.

Unless you’re sealing a large patio, deck, or other large space, there’s no reason you should need anything more than two to three gallons.

How Many Coats of Concrete Sealer Do You Need?

Keep in mind while you’re deciding how much concrete sealer you need that each coverage area is for a single application only. The truth though, is that a single application will almost never cut it.

At a bare minimum, you should apply two coats to achieve even and consistent coverage throughout. The first coat will likely soak into the porous openings of the concrete, leaving you with inconsistent coverage throughout.

Typically, a second coat will give you adequate coverage and fill in the gaps, but for especially porous concrete, a third coat might be necessary.

What Are VOCs?

VOCs stand for volatile organic compounds, and while we could dive into what makes something a VOC, we’ll leave that to the EPA to break down for you. However, what we will cover is the side effects of VOCs.

First, we’ll start with the perks. The VOCs in concrete sealers are extremely effective at sealing concrete. They provide tons of protection, and give you a great-looking project. However, there are some certain drawbacks to VOCs.

First, they present hazards to human health. Common concerns include: eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, lung irritation, skin problems, and damage to the central nervous system.

While these problems are especially common during the application process, they can crop up later whenever the product you’re using has enough VOCs. This is why you should never use a product with VOCs indoors, especially around food.

But when you’re using VOCs outside, they have negative impacts on the environment’s health too. Common problems include the formation of harmful particulates and ozone reactions. These reactions can affect both the atmosphere and the ground, so there’s no “safe” place to use VOCs.

Because of these harmful effects, many states have banned products with excessive levels of VOCs.

Picking the Right Concrete Sealer for Your Project

There are eight different products on our list, and the truth is that some products are the perfect choice for some projects, they spell disaster for others.

If you’re looking for an indoor concrete sealer, go with one that has zero VOCs, is food safe, and there’s a higher chance you want a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish.

Of course, these sealers are often a little more expensive, but you typically don’t want as much. And because of their smaller product sizes and higher costs, it’s likely not what you want if you’re resealing a driveway or another outdoor area.

Meanwhile, outdoor concrete sealers are often less expensive, but they might contain levels of VOCs that you don’t want in your home. Not only that, but they’re more likely to have a matte or flat finish that won’t look right inside.

If you’re trying to find the right sealer, it’s really best to decide where you need it, what finish you want, and of course how much you’re willing to spend. Because outside of getting a VOC-free product for indoor use, a lot of it just comes down to what you want for your project.

Selecting a Finish

When you’re looking at a concrete sealer, you’re going to see that you have a few different options. Some concrete sealers provide a flat finish, some give the area a high-gloss look, and others paint the concrete white.

There’s no right or wrong choice for your project, and one finish doesn’t provide any more or less protection than another. It’s all about the appearance and what you prefer.

Matte finishes make everything look flat, and that’s a big deal if you’re covering an uneven surface. However, it doesn’t draw much attention, and if you’re trying to make your surface “pop” then matte isn’t the way to go.

High-gloss or semi-gloss gives your project a “wet” look. Some people love this look for their project, while others don’t want to draw extra attention to the concrete.

Once again, it all comes down to personal preference. If you want the concrete to “pop,” go with a semi-gloss or a high-gloss sealer, if you want it to blend it and not highlight unevenness, go with a matte or flat finish.

Of course, if you want to change the color of the concrete, you can, just keep in mind that even different color concrete sealers still have a finish you need to consider.

How Long Does Unused Sealer Last?

If you’re thinking of saving your unused concrete sealer until you need to use it again, let’s dispel that notion now. You can store unused concrete sealers for a maximum of four years, although many manufactures shorten that lifespan to as little as 18-months!

So, you don’t need to toss the unused concrete sealer right away, but it’s not going to last until you’re ready to reseal your current project. Because of this, try to order the right amount the first time; otherwise, you might end up throwing away a lot of unused sealer.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still not sure what concrete sealer you need after reading the reviews and the buyer’s guide, why not go with the Rain Guard CR-0356? It’s our top choice for a reason, and provides outstanding protection for both indoor and outdoor projects.

Of course, if you’re on a tight budget then the GlobMarble Concrete Countertop Water Based Sealer is an outstanding choice too. While it might not last as long as some of the other concrete sealers out there, it’ll get the job done and tide you over for a few years.

But the last thing you want to do is to skip the sealing process entirely, because if you do, chances are you’ll end up spending even more on repairs in just a short few years.

FAQs

Cody

Cody is a fulltime blogger and gardener. His favorite activity to relax after a long day of writing is taking care of his plants and garden. For the past few years he have spent more time in the garden than inside so if there is one man you should take advice from its our dear Cody.