Decorative concrete sealing by Expert Concrete Care

Concrete Sealing

Protect your concrete investment.

Many homeowners today are looking for ways to increase the longevity of their property and exterior surfaces. Concrete is one of those surfaces that can definitely add curb appeal and value — but can decrease it if it's not maintained properly. Sealing protects your investment from moisture, stains, and UV damage. Our professional application helps keep your concrete looking cared for through every season.

The four types of sealer we install

Not all sealers are the same — and the right choice depends on what you're sealing, what you want it to look like, and how it gets used. Here's a plain-language breakdown of the four systems we work with.

No change in appearance

Penetrating sealer (silane/siloxane)

Penetrating sealers soak into the concrete's pores and chemically bond with the substrate. They repel water and prevent moisture intrusion without changing the surface appearance — the concrete looks exactly the same after treatment as before. This is the right choice when you want maximum protection with zero visual change. Ideal for driveways, sidewalks, and any flatwork where you want the natural look preserved. The comparison photo below shows treated (left) vs. untreated (right) concrete — you can see the water beading on the treated side while the untreated side absorbs it.

Wet look, enhanced color

Topical sealer — solvent-based

Solvent-based topical sealers sit on top of the concrete surface and provide a wet, glossy look that deepens and enhances color — especially on stamped or decorative concrete. They offer excellent protection against water, stains, and UV fading. We carry two grades: our standard product (AC1315) and our premium-performance product, Traz 25. Traz 25 offers superior durability, longer recoat intervals, and better resistance to hot tire pickup and chemical exposure. If you're sealing a high-traffic driveway or a decorative surface you want to look its best for years, ask us about Traz 25.

Lower sheen, easier recoat

Topical sealer — water-based

Water-based topical sealers provide surface protection with a lower sheen than solvent-based products — typically a satin or matte finish rather than a high gloss. They're a good fit for interior applications, covered patios, or situations where you want some enhancement without the full wet look. Water-based products are also easier to recoat over time and have lower VOC content, which matters in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces.

New concrete protection

Penetrating cure and seal

Cure and seal products serve a dual purpose: they slow the evaporation of moisture from freshly poured concrete (improving the cure) while simultaneously sealing the surface. Applied to new flatwork shortly after finishing, they help prevent cracking caused by rapid moisture loss and leave a light protective film on the surface. If you're having new concrete poured, asking about cure and seal at the time of placement is one of the best investments you can make in its long-term performance.

Penetrating sealers: protection you can't see

One of the most common questions we get: "If it doesn't change how the concrete looks, how do I know it's working?" The answer is in how water behaves on the surface. A properly applied silane or siloxane penetrating sealer causes water to bead and run off rather than soak in — which is exactly what you want to prevent freeze-thaw damage, salt intrusion, and staining.

The comparison photo shows the difference. Left side has been treated — water beads on the surface. Right side is untreated — water absorbs right in. When both sides dry, they look identical. That's the whole point: maximum protection, zero visual change.

Side-by-side comparison: left side treated with silane penetrating sealer showing water beading, right side untreated showing water absorption
Left: concrete treated with silane penetrating sealer — water beads and runs off. Right: untreated concrete — water absorbs in. Both sides look identical when dry. That's the point.

Water Beading in Action

Water beading on a sealed concrete surface — silane penetrating sealer repelling moisture
Water beads and rolls off a sealed surface instead of soaking in.
Close-up of water droplets beading on a sealed patio surface — waterproofing protection
Penetrating sealers create an invisible barrier — the surface looks the same, but water can't get in.
Stamped concrete pool deck before sealing — faded, dull surface
Before
Same stamped concrete pool deck after solvent-based topical sealer — rich brown color and wet-look gloss
After

Topical Sealer

Solvent-based topical sealers: color enhancement & gloss

Solvent-based topical sealers are the go-to choice for stamped and decorative concrete where you want to bring out the color and add a wet-look or high-gloss sheen. The solvent carrier allows the sealer to penetrate slightly into the surface before forming a protective film on top — resulting in deeper color enhancement than water-based alternatives.

They're especially popular on pool decks, patios, driveways, and stamped walkways. Reapplication every 2–3 years keeps the surface looking freshly sealed and protects against UV fading, water intrusion, and surface wear.

Curved stamped concrete walkway with rich color and gloss finish from solvent-based topical sealer — Expert Concrete Care
Stamped concrete walkway sealed with a solvent-based topical sealer — deep color and a rich wet-look finish.

Why choose Expert Concrete Care for sealing

  • We match the sealer to the surface — not every job gets the same product
  • Commercial-grade materials, not big-box store sealers
  • Proper surface prep before every application — sealer over dirty concrete doesn't last
  • We explain what you're getting and why before we start
  • Owner-operated — Adam and Jacob are on your job
  • Written warranty and a phone number that gets answered

Not sure which sealer is right for your project? Let's talk.

Request a free quote