There are a variety of different sealer or cure & seal chemistries on the market today, and no one product is the “best” in all situations. Understanding the pros and cons of the different chemical technologies can go a long way to determining which ChemMasters chemistry, and product, is “best” for your application. One of the basic ways in which sealers or cure & seals can be compared is whether itis a water-based or solvent-based chemistry.

The general idea of water-based and solvent-based products is the same; to deposit a thin plastic coating on your concrete for protection and/or beautification. The difference is the means by which that plastic is kept liquid in the pail, and deposited upon the concrete. In the case of water-based products, water is the “carrier” in which the plastic resides, and a variety of solvent packages may be used in the solvent-based products. The two technologies function very differently from one another, resulting in differing storage requirements, application techniques, and performance characteristics.

Pros of Water-Based Technology

1. Water-based products are often less expensive than their solvent-based counterparts, as water is less expensive than solvent.
2. Water-based products are generally more “green” since water does not impact the environment in ways that solvents can.
3. Water-based products are not generally flammable or combustible, or have the pungent odor associated with solvent-based products, and are more often chosen for indoor applications.
4. Water-based products do not substantially darken concrete, and are often more suitable for use on very light or white colored concrete.
5. Water-based products are easier to use in hot weather and less prone to bubbling.
6. Generally speaking, water-based products are harder and more chemically resistant.

Cons of Water-Based Technology

1. Water is affected by lower temperatures and must be kept from freezing. Once frozen, water-based products are unusable, even after thawing.
2. Water-based products do not develop the “high gloss” required for most stamped and decorative concrete applications.
3. Water-based products are more susceptible to slight environmental changes, and may be affected by high humidity and low dew point during application.
4. Water-based products require “energy” during their film formation process, and must be applied at higher temperatures – minimum requirements are 50° ambient air temperature, and 50° slab temperature.
5. Water-Based Cure and Seals can show tire tracking and are also prone to lifting, hot tire pickup, on smooth concrete.

Pros of Solvent-Based Technology

1. Solvent-based products develop a deeper, richer gloss which is often desired for use on stamped, decorative concrete.
2. Solvent-based products will “wet out” and darken the antiquing release used on stamped concrete.
3. Solvent-based products will darken and enrich the integral color often used in stamped or decorative concrete.
4. Solvent-based products can be used in lower temperatures, and are unaffected by humidity or dew point.
5. Solvent-based products can be stored and transported in unheated conditions.
6. Solvent-based products are lacquers, and generally have better re-coatability.

Cons of Solvent-Based Technology

1. Solvent-based products are generally more expensive.
2. Solvent-based products can evaporate more quickly, making them difficult to use on very hot days
3. Solvent-based products will darken concrete, making them less desirable for use on very light or white colored concrete.

Choose a product based upon your own personal expectations for your concrete, its appearance and protection. ChemMasters' Technical Service Department or your local ChemMasters Distributor can help identify some good choices based upon those expectations. But in the end, only you will know what makes you happy.

The decision to use a High-VOC versus a Low-VOC cure and seal depends only on the location of the job. Some states allow High-VOC sealers, while others have made it illegal to do so, and the use of Low-VOC cure and seals are required by law. Click here to find out which state requires Low-Voc cure and seals.

Click here to view ChemMasters Concrete Curing Guide (pdf).

Decorative concrete cures and film forming sealers produce a coating on the surface of concrete. Decorative cures meet the moisture retention and curing efficiency requirements of ASTM C309 and/or ASTM C1315 specifications to assure freshly placed concrete achieves its maximum design strength and durability. Decorative cures may also be used to seal and reseal existing concrete.

Film forming sealers are designed for enhanced breathability on previously cured existing concrete, providing additional protection from entrapped moisture that causes “whitening” or delamination.

Both film forming decorative cures and sealers provide added stain protection from many common contaminants such as spilled beverages and food, decaying leaves, fertilizers, weed killers, mulch and other landscaping materials. All while deepening and enriching the natural colors within decorative concrete.

All ChemMasters decorative cures and film forming sealers will enhance the aesthetic qualities of new or existing concrete and are available in a wide variety of formulations.

• Both high and low-VOC versions to meet your local environmental regulations.
• Unique low-VOC formulations that are user friendly, resistant to bubble formation and whitening, and reduce the frequency of contractor call backs.
• Water-based for interior and low-gloss applications.
• Solvent-based for exterior applications, in both high gloss and flat/matte finishes.
• One-step cures with long lasting penetrating silane sealer.
• Dissipating and easily removable cures for easy application of subsequent treatments.
• Available opaque and translucent tints, and non-slip additives.

Is your decorative concrete … New?

If you are about to install a brand new exposed aggregate or stamped concrete patio, we highly recommend the use of a non-yellowing chemistry. You may elect to use one of the following ChemMasters products, each of which is guaranteed not to yellow, even after prolonged exposure to UV sunlight.

High Gloss Cure & Seals

When applying high gloss sealers, it's tempting to assume that more is better. In truth, over applying sealers will detract from the cosmetic appeal you're trying to achieve for decorative concrete, leading to issues such as whitening, blistering, bubbling, and peeling. If you want to achieve a higher gloss appearance, it's always advisable to choose a higher quality product rather than using more of one that costs less.

ChemMasters high gloss cure & seals will form a durable film that cures, seals, hardens, dustproofs and repels water while deepening and enriching the color of decorative concrete including stamped, exposed aggregate and architectural finishes.

• Polyseal™: Available in high-VOC solvent-based, 25% solids (Polyseal), a bubble resistant low-VOC solvent-based (Polyseal EZ), and low-solids, low-VOC solvent-based (Polyseal 309-A) formulations. Polyseal, Polyseal EZ and Polyseal 309-A are economically priced high gloss, cure & seals formulated with a non-yellowing acrylic co-polymer and are "good" choices for use on decorative concrete. Polyseal EZ represents a unique bubble resistant formulation for use in states requiring lower VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions. Polyseal, Polyseal EZ and Polyseal 309-A are tintable, and available in 1-gallon, 5-gallon and 55-gallon packaging.
• Certi-Vex® AC1315: Available in high-VOC solvent-based (Certi-Vex AC1315) and low-VOC solvent-based (Certi-Vex AC1315 SuperSeal) formulations. Certi-Vex AC1315 and Certi-Vex AC1315 SuperSeal are economically priced, high gloss, 25% solids cure & seals formulated with a non-yellowing styrene acrylic polymer and are “good” choices for use on decorative concrete. Both Certi-Vex AC1315 and Certi-Vex AC1315 SuperSeal are tintable, and available in 1-gallon, 5-gallon and 55-gallon packaging.
• Certi-Vex® AC1315 HG: Available in high-VOC solvent-based (Certi-Vex AC1315 HG) and low-VOC solvent-based (Certi-Vex AC1315 SuperSeal HG) formulations. Certi-Vex AC1315 HG and Certi-Vex AC1315 SuperSeal HG are very high gloss, 30% solids cure & seals formulated with a non-yellowing styrene acrylic polymer with UV absorbers, and are “better” choices for use on decorative concrete. Both Certi-Vex AC1315 HG and Certi-Vex AC1315 SuperSeal HG are tintable, and available in 1-gallon, 5-gallon and 55-gallon packaging.
• Crystal Clear: Available in high-VOC solvent-based (Crystal Clear) and low-VOC solvent-based(Crystal Clear-A) formulations. Crystal Clear has the longest lasting, highest gloss and optimum UV resistance available in a cure & seal today. Its specialized 27% solids siliconized acrylic resin is commonly used in automotive finishes to produce high gloss, non-yellowing, durable appearances, and would be considered the "best" choice for use on decorative concrete. Crystal Clear is available in 5-gallon and 55-gallon packaging.

Low Gloss Cure & Seals

Water-based sealers will naturally develop lower gloss than their solvent-based counterparts. However, they will not enhance the integral color or antiquing release often used on stamped concrete. If that's the appearance you want for your decorative concrete, then water-based sealers are a good choice for you.

• Paver Enhancer™: Penetrating water-based treatment for many types of architectural pavers to deepen and enhance color development. Paver Enhancer minimizes formation of efflorescence and maximizes breathability in a matte finish that resists staining.
• Polyseal™ WB: A water-based version of our popular Polyseal family of products.It is a low gloss, 25% solids cure & seal formulated with a non-yellowing acrylic co-polymer that can also be used as a sand joint stabilizer and sealer for pavers. Polyseal WB is economically priced, tintable, and available in 1-gallon, 5-gallon and 55-gallon packaging.
• Certi-Vex AC 1315 SuperSeal Satin: Available in low-VOC solvent-based Certi-Vex AC 1315 SuperSeal Satin formulation. Certi-Vex AC1315 SuperSeal Satin is an economically priced, satin finish, 25% solids cure & seals formulated with non-yellowing styrene acrylic and is a “better” choice for use on decorative concrete when a satin finish is desired. Certi-Vex AC1315 SuperSeal Satin is tintable, and available in 5-gallon pails.

One-Step Cure & Penetrating Sealers

ChemMasters’ one-step cure with penetrating silane sealers represent an advanced, patented, hybridized technology, combining the curing efficiency of traditional film forming cures along with the long-term protection from damage caused by freeze/thaw cycling, chloride ion absorption and deicing chemicals…all in a single application.

All of our one-step cures with penetrating silane sealers are produced with high performance acrylic resins that promote the complete hydration of freshly placed concrete to achieve its full design strength and durability, meeting the curing efficiency specifications of ASTM C309. The penetrating silane reacts within the concrete to create long-lasting protection against the ravages of water, deicing chemicals and chloride ion absorption on concrete and rebar.

Certi-Vex® Guard Clear and Certi-Vex® Guard Clear AIM are both high gloss products suitable for use as both a cure for new concrete or as a sealer for existing concrete, including decorative. The Certi-Vex Guard family of products save time and money, while maximizing the quality, durability and protection of concrete in ways no other single product can.

• Certi-Vex® Guard Clear: Available in high-VOC solvent-based (Certi-Vex Guard Clear) and low-VOC solvent-based (Certi-Vex Guard Clear AIM) formulations. Certi-Vex Guard Clear and Certi-Vex Guard Clear AIM are high gloss, 25% solids cure & seals formulated with non-yellowing styrene acrylic and include a long lasting, water repellent silane sealer for additional protection against damage caused by freeze/thaw cycles and deicing chemicals. Ceti-Vex Guard Clear and Certi-Vex Guard Clear AIM are “best” choices for use on decorative concrete when a one-step cure with penetrating silane sealer is desired. Both Certi-Vex Guard Clear and Certi-Vex Guard Clear AIM are tintable, and available in 5-gallon pails.

Is your decorative concrete … NOT New?

Frequently, decorative concrete is resealed when it has lost that “like new” gloss, which is long before the sealer has actually worn away. As a result, it's common to develop a sealer build-up which causes whitening, blistering, bubbling and peeling. In order to prevent this problem, ChemMasters has developed a patent-pending technology to restore the “like new” gloss to your sealer, without contributing to sealer build-up.

• Traz™ 25: Available in high-VOC (Traz 25) and low-VOC (Traz 25-A) versions. Traz 25 is a customer favorite for resealing decorative concrete patios and walkways. It is a super high-gloss, non-yellowing sealer with increased resistance to staining from spilled foods, drinks, drippings from the grill and household cleaners, and is a “better” choice for use on decorative concrete. Traz 25 and Traz-25-A are both tintable products, available in 1-gallon, 5-gallon and 55-gallon packaging.

Is your driveway, walkway or garage…New?

If you are about to install a brand new concrete driveway, walkway or garage floor, then we recommend selecting a product which is intended to both cure the concrete to industry specifications while sealing it for extended protection. These cure & seals frequently recommended for common broom finish exterior concrete produce a moderate to low gloss. If you are located in a geography which experiences freezing temperatures, you might consider using a one-step cure with penetrating silane sealer which is designed to better protect your concrete from damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles and deicing chemicals.

Here are our suggestions:

One-Step Cure & Penetrating Seals from ChemMasters

ChemMasters’ one step cure with penetrating silane sealers represent an advanced patented hybridized technology, combining the curing efficiency of traditional film forming cures along with the long-term protection from damage caused by freeze/thaw cycling, chloride ion absorption and deicing chemicals…all in a single application.

All of our one step cures with penetrating silane sealers are produced with high performance acrylic resins that promote the complete hydration of freshly placed concrete to achieve its full design strength and durability, meeting the curing efficiency specifications of ASTM C309. The penetrating silane reacts within the concrete to create long-lasting protection against the ravages of water, deicing chemicals and chloride ion absorption on concrete and rebar.

ChemMasters Silencure™ and Silencure™ A are intended for use on freshly placed concrete and meet most state DOT performance specifications for NCHRP 244, Series II and Series IV. Certi-Vex® Guard Clear and Certi-Vex® Guard Clear AIM are both high gloss products suitable for use as both a cure for new concrete or as a sealer for existing concrete, including decorative. Silencure™ SRT is a water-based version for use on many surface finishes.

The Silencure and Certi-Vex Guard family of products save time and money, while maximizing the quality, durability and protection of concrete in ways no other single product can.

• Silencure: Available in High-VOC (Silencure), Low-VOC (Silencure-A), and water-based (Silencure SRT), Silencure is a patented technology which will save you a lot of time and money. All are formulated with a medium to low gloss, non-yellowing acrylic co-polymer resin and include a long lasting, water repellent silane sealer for additional protection against damage caused by freeze/thaw cycles and deicing chemicals, They are designed for people who want to both cure and seal their concrete in one application instead of two (i.e., Silencure leaves behind both a film forming cure, as well as a penetrating silane sealer with one application instead of two). Silencure products are considered “best” choices to cure and protect newly placed concrete driveways, walkways, and garage floors from damage caused by freeze/thaw cycling and deicing chemicals. Silencure, Silencure-A and Silencure SRT are available in 5-gallon and 55-gallon packages.

• Certi-Vex® Guard Clear: Available in high-VOC solvent-based (Certi-Vex Guard Clear) and low-VOC solvent-based (Certi-Vex Guard Clear AIM) formulations. Certi-Vex Guard Clear and Certi-Vex Guard Clear AIM are high gloss, 25% solids cure & seals formulated with non-yellowing styrene acrylic and include a long lasting, water repellent silane sealer for additional protection against damage caused by freeze/thaw cycles and deicing chemicals. Certi-Vex Guard Clear products are considered “better” choices to cure and protect newly placed concrete driveways, walkways, and garage floors from damage caused by freeze/thaw cycling and deicing chemicals. Both Certi-Vex Guard Clear and Certi-Vex Guard Clear AIM are tintable, and available in 5-gallon pails.

• Spray Cure & Seal 25: Available in both High-VOC (Spray Cure & Seal 25) and Low-VOC (Spray Cure & Seal 25-A),Spray Cure & Seal 25 in an economically priced, medium gloss cure & seal that is a good choice for use on broom finished driveways and sidewalks. Spray Cure & Seal 25 is tint-able, and is available in 5-gallon and 55- gallon packaging.

• Of course, for those who enjoy a high gloss look on their driveway, walkway, or garage floor, the use of decorative cure & seals is a good option too. See our product recommendations for new decorative patios and walkways.

Is your driveway, walkway or garage…NOT new?

If you are interested in resealing an existing concrete driveway, walkway, or garage floor, then you are likely interested in applying either a glossy film forming sealer, or a penetrating sealer to protect your concrete from freeze-thaw damage.

Here are our suggestions:

• If you are interested in protection from freeze-thaw damage, then take a look at our recommendations for penetrating sealers.

• For those who enjoy a high gloss look on their driveway, walkway, or garage floor, the use of decorative cure & seals are a good option. See our product recommendations for new decorative patios and walkways.