10 Best Penetrating Concrete Sealers 2025 in the United States

The Armor SX5000 WB Natural-Look Penetrating Water-Based Silane Siloxane Concrete Sealer is designed for both interior and exterior surfaces, making it a versatile choice for protecting concrete, brick, pavers, and natural stone. One of its standout features is its ability to significantly reduce water absorption by up to 95%, which helps prevent water damage, cracking, and staining. This durability means that it can provide protection for 7 to 10 years, making it a long-lasting investment for homeowners and professionals alike.

A major advantage is that it won’t alter the appearance of surfaces, allowing for a natural look while still providing robust protection. The water-based formula means it’s low in VOCs and has no strong odor, making it user-friendly and easy to clean up with soap and water. It can be applied easily with a pump sprayer, covering a good area of 175-225 square feet per gallon.

Some potential drawbacks include the weight of the 5-gallon pail, which may be cumbersome for individuals working alone. Although the application process is straightforward, it still requires proper surface preparation to achieve the best results, which could be a challenge for some users.

The Armor AR350 Low Gloss Wet Look Concrete Sealer is a strong contender in the field of penetrating concrete sealers, particularly for those seeking to enhance and protect their outdoor surfaces. This professional-grade sealer is designed for use on various concrete types and is particularly effective on unsealed or previously sealed surfaces. One of its biggest strengths is its ability to dramatically enhance the color of concrete and pavers, creating a wet look that many homeowners find appealing. It’s also durable, offering long-lasting protection against foot and vehicle traffic, UV rays, and other environmental factors.

Applying the sealer is straightforward, as it comes ready to use and can be applied with a roller or sprayer, covering a decent area of about 175-225 square feet per gallon. Additionally, maintenance is simplified; when it's time to reseal, you only need to apply a single coat on a clean surface. This makes it a practical choice for those who might not want to invest too much effort into upkeep.

There are a few aspects to consider. The sealer is solvent-based, which might not suit everyone, especially those looking for environmentally friendly options. The 700 VOC formulation may not align with stricter local regulations in some areas. While the color enhancement is a plus, it may not be desirable for those who prefer a more natural look. Also, its weight (42 pounds for a 5-gallon container) could be cumbersome for some users.

Siloxa-Tek 8500 Ultra Concentrate is a water-based silane/siloxane sealer designed to deeply penetrate concrete, brick, and stone surfaces to provide strong water and salt resistance. Its smaller active particles allow for deeper penetration, offering protection against moisture intrusion, freeze-thaw damage, and surface degradation caused by chlorides and deicing salts. It is 100% breathable and non-film forming, which means it won’t peel or change the natural look and texture of your concrete, making it ideal for maintaining the original appearance while still protecting the surface.

The sealer has a high concentration of active ingredients—six times more than typical water-based sealers—leading to longer-lasting protection, sometimes up to 10 years on vertical surfaces when applied correctly. It is UV stable, so sunlight won’t break it down easily. Application is flexible and user-friendly, as it can be sprayed, brushed, or rolled on, covering about 250 square feet per gallon per coat. However, as a concentrate, it needs to be diluted to make five gallons, which may require some preparation. While it is commercial grade and suits both residential and commercial uses, those without experience might prefer professional application for best results, especially to achieve the longest durability.

The product’s water repellency and breathability balance is excellent, preventing moisture buildup without trapping vapor. It may be pricier than simpler sealers, and the concentrated formula means more careful handling. For a high-quality, long-lasting, and invisible protective sealer for concrete or masonry that resists harsh weather and salt damage, Siloxa-Tek 8500 is a strong choice, especially for driveways, patios, and other outdoor surfaces.