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Sealing your pavers is an essential step in any paving project. This crucial step ensures that your walkway can withstand the test of time and elements. If you want to add a bit of decorative flair, you can seal them with wet-look sealers. If you're not sure where to begin in choosing a wet look sealer, we've done the research to narrow down the options for you!
Here are the 10 Best Wet Look Sealers on the market right now:
- Foundation Armor AR350 Wet Look Concrete Sealer
- EnduraSeal, 100% Acrylic Solvent Base Wet Look Semi-gloss Concrete Sealer
- Foundation Armor AR500 High Gloss Solvent Based Acrylic Concrete and Paver Sealer
- Black Diamond Stoneworks Wet Look Concrete Sealer
- Eagle Armor Seal Urethane Acrylic Concrete Sealer
- Seal Krete Clear Seal Acrylic Sealer
- Glaze'N'Seal Wet Look WB Sealer
- Wet Sealant for Concrete with Acrylic Emulsion Formula
- Kilz Interior/Exterior Concrete Sealer Wet Look High Gloss
- DuPont Premium High Gloss Color Enriching Sealer
Please stay with us! We'll give you a breakdown of what makes each of these top 10 sealers stand out.
Wet Look Concrete Sealers
Wet look sealers not only protect your outdoor or indoor hardscape but highlight the color of the pavers. Different options are available on the market, such as water-based or solvent-based, it also comes with different finishes like semi-gloss and high gloss.
1. Foundation Armor AR350 Wet Look Concrete Sealer
Armor AR350 is an excellent acrylic-based sealer that gives both protection and style to your pavers. It can withstand daily scruff and unpredictable weather without budging an inch.
Product Details:
- Manufacturer: Foundation Armor
- Coverage: approximately 175 sqft/gallon
- Finish: wet look satin
Pros:
- Non-yellowing
- Water-resistant
- Smooth application
- Breathable surface
Cons:
- Covers smaller space because of two coat requirement
- Expensive
2. EnduraSeal 100% Acrylic Water Base Wet Look Semi-gloss Concrete Sealer
Enduraseal is a water-based acrylic sealer that works well with any kind of surface. It enhances the look of any type of concrete, whether stamped, stained, or colored. It also gives protection from daily wear and tear.
Product Details:
- Manufacturer: Enduracoat
- Coverage: approximately 200 sqft/gallon
- Finish: semi-gloss
Pros:
- Water-based option means less pungent odor
- Waterproof
- Non-yellowing
- Fast drying time
Cons:
- Application area may vary depending on the surface porosity
- The coating is variable depending on the porosity of the surface
3. Foundation Armor AR500 High Gloss Solvent Based Acrylic Concrete and Paver Sealer
This solvent-based acrylic sealer delivers a leveled-up shine compared to the AR350. This sealer penetrates deeply into the concrete and the added sheen gives off style while resisting molds and stains.
Product Details:
- Manufacturer: Foundation Armor
- Coverage: approximately 175 sqft/gallon
- Finish: clear high gloss
Pros:
- Can be used on sealed and unsealed pavers
- Extremely durable
- Delivers high shine
Cons:
- A little slippery due to high gloss
- High gloss also means more maintenance as scruff marks will be more visible compared to the matte shine
4. Black Diamond Stoneworks Wet Look Concrete Sealer
Black Diamond offers another water-based option for our list that protects and enhances your hardscape. This sealer does not darken your pavers and is easy to apply on various surfaces.
Product Details:
- Manufacturer: Black Diamond Stoneworks
- Coverage: approximately 600 sqft/gallon
- Finish: standard semi-gloss
Pros:
- Great for indoor and outdoor use
- Non-yellowing
- Fast drying
- Water, UV ray, and chemical resistant
Cons:
- Not applicable to polished stones like marble and granite
- A bit of matte finish
5. Eagle Armor Seal Urethane Acrylic Concrete Sealer
This sealer is a low-maintenance indoor sealer that protects your floors from spills, scuffing, and heavy foot traffic. It's non-yellowing, waterproof, and resistant to chemicals as well.
Product Details:
- Manufacturer: Eagle
- Coverage: approximately 200 sqft/gallon
- Finish: low gloss sheen
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- Highly protective coat
- Non-darkening
Cons:
- Not for outdoor sealing
6. Seal Krete Clear Seal Acrylic Sealer in Gloss
Seal Krete is a clear protective shield for all types of surfaces that comes in a glossy finish. This sealer offers high protection without compromising the look of your paving stones.
Product Details:
- Manufacturer: Rust-O-Leum
- Coverage: approximately 150 sqft/gallon
- Finish: high gloss
Pros:
- Non-yellowing and non-darkening
- Easy to apply
- Low odor
Cons:
- Previously treated surfaces require sanding before application of Seal Krete.
7. Glaze'N'Seal Wet Look WB Sealer
A water-based sealer means less odor and easy application, so here is another one you can try. With a high gloss surface, this sealer also locks in the paver sand between joints ensuring stability between your slabs.
Product Details:
- Manufacturer: Glaze 'N'Seal
- Coverage: approxiamtely 150 sqft/gallon
- Finish: high gloss
Pros:
- Multi-purpose; can be used for indoor and outdoor surfaces
- Helps manage efflorescence
- UV and stain resistant
Cons:
- Can get a little slippery
8. Wet Sealant for Concrete with Acrylic Emulsion Formula
This brand mixes affordability with quality, promising high shine and protection at a low price point compared to competitors. It sticks to any surface and can withstand chemical spills, extreme weather, and common paver stains.
Product Details:
- Manufacturer: Essential Values
- Coverage: approximatel 500 sqft/gallon
- Finish: high gloss
Pros:
- Covers a lot of surfaces at a good price
- Seals surface completely
- Durable
Cons:
- Three coat application is time consuming
9. Kilz Interior/Exterior Concrete Sealer, Wet Look High Gloss
Kilz offers industrial-strength capabilities compared to other products on the list. It contains heavy-duty acrylic that delivers the shine and protection you'd want in a sealer.
Product Details:
- Manufacturer: Kilz
- Coverage: approximately 200 sqft/gallon
- Finish: high gloss
Pros:
- Non-yellowing
- Works on every surface
- UV Resistant
- Fast drying
Cons:
- Thorough preparation is needed
- Not advisable for high moisture areas
10. DuPont Premium High Gloss Color Enriching Sealer
To finish off the list is DuPont Premium Sealer. This sealer may be at a higher price point, but it does offer three functions. It enhances the look of your pavers, protects them from the elements, and helps lock in joints.
Product Details:
- Manufacturer: DuPont
- Coverage: approximately 150 sqft/gallon
- Finish: high gloss
Pros:
- Dries quickly
- Non-yellowing
- Highly protective coating
- Weatherproof
Cons:
- Expensive
- Double-coating is a must
Quick FAQs:
How long does wet look sealer last?
A good sealer should last at least two years and a maximum of five years without any surface damage or discoloration.
Are wet look pavers slippery?
Some sealers give the surface a maximum shine, but it makes the floor too slick for those cases you can put an additive to prevent slippery pavers.
You can check out this anti-skid additive on Amazon.
Are concrete sealers safe to inhale?
The answer is no. According to Chapter 4 of the Sealer Selection and Application Guide of the American Society of Concrete Contractors, protective clothing is a must when handling solvent-based sealers. This should include masks, protective eyewear, and gloves.
A well-ventilated area is also recommended due to the high toxicity of fumes. If your sealer is water-based, you're safe because it has low VOC.
You need to use at least a P100 type of mask for the application of solvent-based cleaner.
Click on the link to look over this mask on Amazon.
How soon can I apply my sealer?
For newly installed pavers you need to wait for at least 28 days for your concrete to dry before applying the sealer. For old concrete that you will be resealing, you have to remove the old sealant first. Once done, you can apply a new sealant within one to three days.
What to look for in a wet look sealer?
For a wet-look sealer, your deciding factor of course will be the shine or the finish it gives off. The next thing you should decide on is whether it will have the effect of darkening your pavers or just glosses over it. Mostly it will depend on your tastes, but basics should be non-yellowing and can withstand scruffing and scraping.
Conclusion
There are now a variety of options available in the market or in your local hardware store of concrete sealers. The important thing is finding something that will suit your taste. For more information about your hardscape projects check out some of our other posts like "Best Patio Pavers For Cold Climates" or "Best Time Of Year To Start Your Hardscaping Projects."