Best Colored Concrete Sealers for Lasting Color and Protection
Choosing a colored concrete sealer can dramatically alter the look and durability of exterior surfaces. This guide highlights five top-rated options that enhance color, guard against weather, and provide finishes from wet-look to satin. Whether you want a dramatic darkening or a natural, breathable finish, these selections cover solvent-based, water-based, and penetrating formulas to suit different projects and substrates.
Color-enhancing sealers can dramatically shift the appearance of concrete and pavers, while penetrating sealants preserve a natural look with added protection. The products below were chosen for their color performance, durability, and suitability for outdoor use in American climates. Each entry includes a quick reference to finish, compatibility, and notable benefits.
| Product | Brand | Finish / Type | Notable Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armor AR350 5 Gal | Foundation Armor | Color-enhancing, low-gloss wet look (solvent-based) | Dramatic color enhancement with long-lasting protection |
| Cryli-Tek 5505 1 Gal | Ghostshield | High-gloss wet look, solvent-based acrylic | Darkens and enriches color with durable, UV-stable finish |
| Paver Sealer 8700 Wet Look 1 Gal | BEEST | Wet-look color-enhancing with satin finish | Revives faded surfaces with color and protection |
| McKinnon Sealer 5 Gal | McKinnon Materials | Semi-gloss, penetrating acrylic | Durable, versatile across substrates with non-peel formulation |
| Siloxa-Tek 8500 1 Gal | Ghostshield | Penetrating, breathable silane/siloxane | Water and salt repellency without altering aesthetics |
Armor AR350 5 Gallon Sealer
Armor AR350 is a professional-grade solvent-based sealer designed for unsealed concrete and pavers, with compatibility for surfaces previously coated with a solvent-based acrylic sealer. It delivers a low-gloss wet look that darkens concrete and pavers, creating a noticeably richer appearance. The formulation uses high-quality resins manufactured in the United States, delivering a dramatic color enhancement suitable for driveways, patios, and exterior applications where curb appeal matters.
Beyond color, AR350 emphasizes durability. It creates a protective film that resists abrasion from foot traffic and vehicles, offers non-yellowing performance, and stands up to road salts, UV exposure, and moisture. While offering a striking wet look, it remains relatively low in gloss, preserving a natural yet enhanced aesthetic. Proper surface preparation—clean, dry, and free of contaminants—ensures uniform penetration and long-lasting results. This sealer is well-suited for commercial or residential projects seeking a bold, color-rich finish with robust protection.
Cryli-Tek 5505 High Gloss Wet Look Sealer
Cryli-Tek 5505 is a professional-grade, high-solids, breathable solvent-based acrylic sealer designed to darken and enhance concrete, brick, pavers, and natural stone. This product yields a highly reflective wet-look finish and is engineered to resist cracking, spalling, pitting, and staining. Its advanced UV-stable resins contribute to a longer service life, and the formulation minimizes yellowing, helping surfaces maintain a vibrant,Color-rich appearance over time.
As a high-gloss sealer, Cryli-Tek 5505 elevates aesthetics for surfaces where a dramatic depth of color is desired, such as entryways or pool decks. Application requires clean, dry substrates and controlled curing conditions. The sealer’s durability is paired with ease of maintenance, making it suitable for areas exposed to weather, traffic, and deicing salts. Homeowners and professionals may choose Cryli-Tek 5505 when the goal is maximum color impact and gloss retention with strong protective performance.
Paver Sealer 8700 Wet Look
BEEST 8700 Wet Look is a water-based acrylic sealer that delivers a colored, satin-to-wet appearance on pavers, stones, and stamped concrete. It’s designed to darken surfaces for a durable satin finish, with color-enhancing properties that refresh worn outdoor areas—driveways, patios, walkways, and pool decks. The formula offers UV stability, resistance to staining from oil and grease, and protection against water absorption and abrasion, helping surfaces maintain a vibrant, long-lasting appearance.
Application considerations include surface porosity and the potential need for multiple coats to reach the desired level of color and gloss. BEEST 8700 is suitable for both new installations and rejuvenation projects, providing a balance between aesthetic enhancement and practical protection. For spaces that experience heavy foot traffic or chemical exposure, this product helps sustain color while preserving material integrity over time.
McKinnon Concrete Sealer, Paver Sealer 5 Gal
McKinnon Materials’ sealer is described as an industrial-grade, professional’s choice for outdoor and indoor use. The water-based modified acrylic is designed for unsealed concrete or surfaces previously treated with water-based sealers. Key advantages include strong durability that will not peel or crack and broad substrate compatibility—including concrete, pavers, stone, limestone, flagstone, pool decks, brick, and stucco. The product’s versatility makes it a solid option for contractors and DIYers seeking a reliable, semi-gloss, wet-look finish with dependable protection against moisture and wear.
While color enhancement may be subtler than solvent-based products, McKinnon Sealer contributes to an even appearance and a controlled sheen that preserves the natural character of the substrate. Proper prep, including cleaning and ensuring the surface is dry, will maximize adherence and finish uniformity. The blend aims to protect while enabling areas to maintain a balanced, semi-gloss aesthetic, suitable for a range of exterior environments.
Siloxa-Tek 8500 Ready to Use Sealer
Siloxa-Tek 8500 is a water-based, DOT-approved silane/siloxane penetrating sealer designed to reduce water and moisture intrusion without altering the surface’s natural appearance. Its breathable formulation helps prevent efflorescence, cracking, spalling, and surface degradation from freeze-thaw cycles and deicing salts. This product is noted for multi-times higher actives relative to typical water-based sealers, which translates into longer-lasting protection while preserving the original look of concrete, brick, masonry, and pavers. For projects prioritizing a natural finish and moisture management, 8500 provides a strong option with minimal color alteration.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right colored concrete sealer involves understanding the trade-offs between color enhancement, gloss level, and substrate compatibility. Here are key purchase considerations and how they apply to the five products above.
- Color enhancement vs. natural look: If the goal is dramatic color change and a wet appearance, consider color-enhancing sealers like Armor AR350, Cryli-Tek 5505, and BEEST 8700. For a natural, unaltered look with protection, penetrating sealers such as Siloxa-Tek 8500 are a strong option.
- Finish options: Wet-look glossy finishes provide depth and color; satin or semi-gloss finishes offer a subtler sheen while maintaining color. Your choice should align with aesthetic goals and maintenance expectations.
- Durability and protection: Solvent-based sealers (AR350, Cryli-Tek 5505) typically offer robust film protection but may have higher VOC levels and longer curing times. Water-based and penetrating sealers (McKinnon, Siloxa-Tek 8500) emphasize breathability and long-term moisture resistance with different gloss outcomes.
- Surface compatibility and prep: All products benefit from clean, dry, and properly cured substrates. Some sealers are better suited for unsealed surfaces, while others are designed for surfaces previously treated. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for prep and recoat intervals.
- Environmental and safety considerations: Check VOC content, exposure guidelines, and local regulations. DOT-approved penetrating sealers like Siloxa-Tek 8500 are designed for safer outdoor use with minimal odor and easier compliance in some jurisdictions.
- Maintenance and longevity: Color-enhancing, film-forming sealers may require occasional reapplication to maintain the perceived depth of color, while penetrating sealers often require less frequent reapplication but may offer less dramatic color change over time.
- Application and cure time: Solvent-based products can require longer curing periods and ventilation during installation. Water-based products often cure faster but may have different cleaning and maintenance requirements.
| Consideration | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Best for color impact | Armor AR350, Cryli-Tek 5505, BEEST 8700 |
| Best for natural look and breathability | Siloxa-Tek 8500 |
| Finish preference | Glossy (Cryli-Tek 5505) vs. Satin (8700) vs. Low gloss (AR350) vs. Semi-gloss (McKinnon) |
| Surface type | Concrete, brick, stone, pavers, stucco |
| Exposure | UV, salts, freeze-thaw resistance; choose based on climate |
In summary, the best colored concrete sealer for your project depends on whether you prioritize a bold, color-rich appearance or a more natural, breathable finish. For homeowners seeking maximum color impact with durability, AR350 and Cryli-Tek 5505 provide standout options. If a satin or wet-look finish is preferred with a more natural color shift, BEEST 8700 can deliver a balanced result. For projects where moisture management and substrate preservation are paramount, Siloxa-Tek 8500 offers a reliable penetrating solution with minimal color alteration. McKinnon Sealer serves as a versatile, durable option across many substrates while maintaining a practical, semi-gloss appearance.