Sealing colored and decorative concrete is essential to preserving its vibrant look, protecting it from wear, and enhancing its durability. With the right concrete sealer, you can ensure that your investment in decorative finishes, vibrant colors, or unique textures remains intact for years.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best concrete sealers specifically designed for colored and decorative concrete, highlighting their unique features and benefits.

Why Seal Colored and Decorative Concrete?

Decorative concrete surfaces are often exposed to high foot traffic, UV rays, moisture, and potential staining, all of which can diminish their appearance over time.

A quality sealer protects the concrete from these elements, preventing color fading, enhancing the natural beauty of decorative finishes, and maintaining a fresh appearance. For colored concrete, a sealer will deepen the color tones, adding richness and a subtle gloss or high shine.

Types of Concrete Sealers for Colored and Decorative Concrete

Not all concrete sealers are the same, and selecting the right type for decorative or colored concrete is essential. The primary types include:

Acrylic Sealers: Known for their ease of application and cost-effectiveness, acrylic sealers are a popular choice for colored concrete. They come in solvent-based or water-based formulations, with solvent-based providing a glossier finish. Acrylic sealers enhance color, offer UV resistance, and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor surfaces.

Penetrating Sealers: Penetrating sealers offer protection against moisture and stains without changing the appearance of the concrete. They are ideal if you want to retain the natural look of decorative concrete without adding gloss. Common types include silane, siloxane, and siliconate-based sealers, each offering deep penetration and long-lasting durability.

Polyurethane Sealers: Polyurethane sealers provide a tough, abrasion-resistant finish, making them suitable for high-traffic areas. They offer a slight to high gloss and are excellent for protecting colored surfaces from scuffing and scratching. Polyurethane also enhances the color of decorative finishes, giving a rich, polished look.

Epoxy Sealers: Epoxy sealers are thick, durable, and perfect for indoor use, particularly in areas prone to chemicals, spills, and stains. They create a high-gloss finish that significantly enhances color vibrancy, making them ideal for decorative concrete floors or countertops.

Top Concrete Sealers for Colored and Decorative Concrete

Let’s look at some of the best concrete sealers available on the market specifically tailored for colored and decorative concrete surfaces.

Foundation Armor AR350 Solvent-Based Acrylic Sealer

The Foundation Armor AR350 is a solvent-based acrylic sealer known for its ability to enhance the color of decorative concrete. It provides a wet-look finish with a medium gloss, perfect for adding depth to colored concrete without overpowering it.

It’s highly resistant to UV rays and water, making it an excellent choice for outdoor surfaces like patios, driveways, and walkways.

Best For: Enhancing color, outdoor surfaces

Finish: Medium gloss, wet look

Longevity: Up to 2-3 years before reapplication

EnduraSeal 100% Acrylic Solvent Sealer

EnduraSeal’s 100% acrylic solvent sealer is a reliable option for colored and decorative concrete. This sealer offers a high-gloss, wet look that beautifully enhances vibrant colors while providing excellent protection against UV rays, water, and abrasion.

Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, it’s known for its durability and easy application.

Best For: High-gloss finish, outdoor or high-traffic areas

Finish: High gloss, wet look

Longevity: 2-3 years before touch-ups

Ghostshield Siloxa-Tek 8500 Penetrating Sealer

For those who want to protect decorative concrete without altering its natural appearance, Ghostshield Siloxa-Tek 8500 is a fantastic choice.

This penetrating sealer is a silane-siloxane blend that provides waterproofing and stain resistance without affecting color or texture. Ideal for outdoor use, it prevents salt, water, and moisture damage, making it a top choice for exposed aggregate, stamped, or colored surfaces.

Best For: Natural look, outdoor surfaces exposed to moisture

Finish: Matte, natural finish

Longevity: Up to 5-10 years with one application

SuperSeal 30 Concrete & Paver Sealer

SuperSeal 30 is a solvent-based, high-gloss acrylic sealer perfect for those looking for a shiny, polished look for their decorative concrete.

Its thicker formula provides excellent durability, making it suitable for high-traffic areas, such as patios, driveways, and walkways. The high-gloss finish also intensifies colors, giving decorative concrete a rich, vibrant appearance.

Best For: High-gloss finish, driveways, patios

Finish: High gloss

Longevity: 2-3 years in high-traffic areas

Armor SX5000 WB DOT Approved Penetrating Concrete Sealer

Armor SX5000 is a water-based, penetrating silane-siloxane sealer ideal for outdoor decorative concrete. It provides excellent water repellency while allowing the surface to retain its original look and feel.

Although it doesn’t alter the appearance, it provides strong resistance to deicing salts, making it suitable for driveways and other outdoor areas exposed to harsh conditions.

Best For: Natural look, high-moisture areas

Finish: Matte

Longevity: Up to 10 years, depending on exposure

Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield Clear Concrete Sealer

For indoor decorative concrete, the Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield offers a durable, high-gloss finish that is both abrasion-resistant and easy to clean. It is ideal for areas like basements, garages, or indoor decorative concrete that need a tough, protective finish.

The high-gloss finish enhances color and gives a polished look to colored surfaces.

Best For: Indoor decorative concrete, high-gloss finish

Finish: High gloss

Longevity: Long-lasting with proper indoor use

Tips for Applying Concrete Sealers

Clean the Surface: Start with a clean surface free of dust, oil, and debris to ensure the sealer adheres properly.

Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Each sealer has unique application instructions, so read and follow them carefully for the best results.

Apply Evenly: Use a sprayer or roller to apply the sealer evenly, avoiding streaks and pooling.

Allow Curing Time: Most sealers require curing time to fully bond with the surface. Avoid foot or vehicle traffic until curing is complete.

Consider Reapplication: For outdoor surfaces or high-traffic areas, plan to reapply every few years to maintain protection and appearance.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best sealer for colored and decorative concrete depends on your desired finish, location (indoor or outdoor), and the level of protection required.

Acrylic and polyurethane sealers are excellent for enhancing color and adding gloss, while penetrating sealers offer protection without altering appearance. With the right sealer, you can keep your decorative concrete looking fresh, vibrant, and protected for years to come.