7 Best Solvent Concrete Sealer Options Tested 2025

After years of dealing with dull, stained, and weathered concrete, I know the frustration of wanting that “like new” look back, plus lasting protection. That’s why I’ve personally delved into finding the best solvent concrete sealer options out there. This guide isn’t just a list; it’s a deep dive into sealers that really work, offering insights into their performance, durability, and whether they’ll give your concrete that rich, wet look or keep it natural. Let’s make your concrete surfaces look fantastic and stand strong against the elements!

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Armor AR350 Low Gloss Wet Look Concrete Sealer 5 Gallon…	View on Amazon
	Armor AR350 Low Gloss Wet Look Concrete Sealer 1 Gallon…	View on Amazon
	Armor AR500 High Gloss Wet Look Concrete Sealer 5 Gallon…	View on Amazon
	Cryli-Tek 5505-1 Gallon Solvent Based Acrylic High Gloss…	View on Amazon
	Cryli-Tek 5505-5 Gallons Solvent Based Acrylic High Gloss…	View on Amazon
	Armor SX5000 Solvent-Based Silane-Siloxane Sealer for…	View on Amazon
	Armor AR500 High Gloss Wet Look Concrete Sealer 1 Gallon…	View on Amazon

Product Reviews

1. Armor AR350 Low Gloss Wet Look Concrete Sealer 5 Gallon

Looking for a subtle yet effective way to enhance and protect your outdoor concrete? The Armor AR350 offers a professional-grade solution that provides a beautiful low gloss wet look, bringing out the natural beauty of your surfaces without an overly shiny finish. This solvent-based acrylic sealer is incredibly versatile, suitable for everything from driveways to pool decks, and it’s designed to significantly darken and enhance the color of your concrete and pavers, making them look refreshed and vibrant. It forms a durable, non-yellowing film that guards against surface abrasion, traffic, road salts, and UV damage, ensuring your investment lasts for years.

Key features that stand out:
– Professional-grade low gloss wet look: Enhances color with a subtle sheen.
– Dramatically darkens and enhances concrete and pavers.
– Long-lasting, non-yellowing protection against elements and wear.
– Ready to use and easy to maintain, self-priming for simple reapplication.
– Versatile for various exterior concrete surfaces and pavers.
– Available in VOC formulations for all 50 states.

Pros:
– Provides a desirable low-gloss, wet appearance.
– Excellent color enhancement for tired concrete.
– Offers robust, long-term protection.
– Simple application and maintenance process.
– Can be used on previously sealed solvent-based acrylic surfaces.

Cons:
– May not be suitable if you prefer a completely natural, no-sheen look.

Best for: Homeowners and professionals wanting a rich, enhanced color with a subtle, low-gloss wet finish on exterior concrete or pavers.

Expert Opinion: This sealer is a solid choice for those who want significant color enhancement and protection without the high-shine look. Its ease of maintenance is a big plus for long-term care.

2. Armor AR350 Low Gloss Wet Look Concrete Sealer 1 Gallon

For smaller projects or touch-ups, the Armor AR350 also comes in a convenient 1-gallon size, offering the exact same professional-grade low gloss wet look and superior protection as its 5-gallon counterpart. This solvent-based formula is ideal for enhancing the natural beauty of your exterior concrete and pavers, delivering that popular “wet” appearance that deepens color and hides minor imperfections. It’s ready to use right out of the can, making it perfect for DIYers tackling patios, walkways, or small driveways, and it stands up strong against tough weather and daily wear.

Key features that stand out:
– Professional-grade low gloss wet look: Rich color enhancement with a subtle sheen.
– Formulated with high-quality resins for dramatic color enhancement.
– Durable and long-lasting protection against abrasion, salts, and UV rays.
– Ready-to-use for easy application with a roller or sprayer.
– Self-priming for straightforward maintenance and recoating.
– Versatile for various exterior concrete types.

Pros:
– Perfect size for smaller areas or testing the finish.
– Delivers excellent color pop with a natural-looking low gloss.
– Provides robust, non-yellowing protection.
– Very user-friendly for application and reapplication.
– Adheres well to previously sealed solvent-based acrylics.

Cons:
– More expensive per gallon compared to the 5-gallon option.

Best for: Small-scale exterior concrete projects, testing the finish before a larger application, or for homeowners needing less product.

Expert Opinion: The 1-gallon size is perfect for testing or smaller areas. It offers the same reliable performance as the larger container, ensuring your smaller projects get top-tier protection and enhancement.

3. Armor AR500 High Gloss Wet Look Concrete Sealer 5 Gallon

If you’re after a bold, eye-catching finish, the Armor AR500 High Gloss Wet Look Concrete Sealer is your go-to. This professional-grade, solvent concrete sealer transforms exterior concrete and pavers with a stunning, deep high gloss wet look that genuinely pops. Crafted with high-quality resins, it dramatically darkens and enhances the underlying colors, making your surfaces look like they’ve just been washed. Beyond the aesthetics, it provides incredible durability, protecting against everything from foot and vehicle traffic to harsh road salts and UV exposure, all while maintaining a non-yellowing finish for years.

Key features that stand out:
– Professional-grade high gloss wet look: Delivers a highly reflective, vibrant finish.
– Dramatic color enhancement that deepens surface tones.
– Long-lasting, non-yellowing protection for years in demanding conditions.
– Ready to use with simple roller or sprayer application.
– Easy to maintain with self-priming for quick recoats.
– Versatile for a wide range of exterior concrete types.

Pros:
– Creates a truly striking, mirror-like wet finish.
– Exceptional at enhancing the vibrancy of concrete colors.
– Offers superior protection and durability.
– Straightforward to apply and maintain.
– Compatible with previously sealed solvent-based acrylic surfaces.

Cons:
– The high gloss might be too intense for some aesthetic preferences.

Best for: Those who desire a truly dramatic, high-gloss “wet look” finish on their driveways, patios, or commercial concrete surfaces.

Expert Opinion: For maximum visual impact and robust protection, the AR500 is hard to beat. Its high gloss finish is particularly impressive on stamped or colored concrete.

4. Cryli-Tek 5505-1 Gallon Solvent Based Acrylic High Gloss

The Cryli-Tek 5505 is a powerhouse in the world of best solvent concrete sealer options, delivering a professional-grade, high-solids, high-gloss wet-look acrylic sealer. This product isn’t just about shine; it’s about intense color enhancement, bringing out the rich, vibrant natural colors of concrete, brick, pavers, and natural stone. What truly sets it apart is its claim to last up to 3x longer than rivals, thanks to advanced, UV-stable, self-cross-linking resins that form an exceptionally resilient and easy-to-maintain finish. It requires no primer and bonds tenaciously, making it a top contender for those seeking maximum durability and a stunning finish.

Key features that stand out:
– High-solids, high gloss wet-look acrylic: Professional-grade for maximum enhancement.
– Intensely darkens and enhances natural colors of various surfaces.
– Extremely resilient and durable finish, protecting against cracking, spalling, and staining.
– Lasts up to 3x longer due to advanced UV-stable resins.
– No primer required and strong adhesion to multiple surfaces.
– Easy to clean and maintain, with simple recoating.

Pros:
– Offers industry-leading durability and longevity.
– Produces a vibrant, high-gloss wet look with deep color enhancement.
– Versatile across concrete, brick, pavers, and natural stone.
– Requires no primer, simplifying the application process.
– Excellent resistance to surface damage and staining.

Cons:
– Higher solids content may require more careful application to avoid puddling.

Best for: Homeowners and contractors seeking the absolute toughest, longest-lasting high-gloss wet look on a variety of concrete, brick, or stone surfaces.

Expert Opinion: Cryli-Tek 5505 stands out for its exceptional durability and longevity claims. If you want a “set it and forget it” high-gloss option, this is a top contender.

5. Cryli-Tek 5505-5 Gallons Solvent Based Acrylic High Gloss

For larger projects where you want the very best in high-solids, high-gloss solvent concrete sealer, the Cryli-Tek 5505 in a 5-gallon container is an economical and effective choice. This formidable sealer offers the same professional-grade performance as its 1-gallon counterpart, providing a breathtaking wet-look finish that significantly deepens and enhances the natural colors of your concrete, pavers, brick, and natural stone. Its advanced formulation, featuring UV-stable, self-cross-linking resins, ensures an incredibly resilient and durable surface that’s said to last up to three times longer than many competitors. This means fewer reapplications and more years of stunning, protected surfaces.

Key features that stand out:
– High-solids, high gloss wet-look acrylic: Professional-grade for maximum visual impact.
– Deeply darkens and enhances the natural colors of concrete and stone.
– Exceptional resilience protects against cracking, spalling, and staining.
– Up to 3x longer service life with advanced UV-stable resins.
– Self-priming with tenacious bond to new and previously sealed surfaces.
– Easy to clean and maintain, with simple recoating procedures.

Pros:
– Excellent value for larger areas.
– Provides unparalleled durability and long-term protection.
– Achieves a stunning, vibrant high-gloss wet look.
– Versatile for a wide range of masonry surfaces.
– No primer needed, simplifying application.

Cons:
– The strong solvent smell can be quite potent during application.

Best for: Large-scale commercial or residential projects demanding the highest level of durable high-gloss wet-look protection and color enhancement.

Expert Opinion: This 5-gallon size of Cryli-Tek 5505 offers excellent value and the same top-tier performance for larger jobs. Its superior longevity truly differentiates it from standard acrylics.

6. Armor SX5000 Solvent-Based Silane-Siloxane Sealer for…

Stepping into a different class of protection, the Armor SX5000 is a professional-grade solvent-based silane-siloxane sealer designed for those who want robust protection without altering the appearance of their concrete or masonry. Unlike the acrylic sealers that form a film on the surface, the SX5000 penetrates deep, chemically reacting to create a hydrophobic barrier below the surface. This dramatically reduces water absorption by up to 95%, protecting against cracking, spalling, ice, salt damage, and staining, all while keeping the natural look and feel of your surfaces exactly the same. It’s a long-lasting solution, offering protection for up to 7-10 years.

Key features that stand out:
– Professional-grade silane-siloxane sealer: Penetrates for invisible protection.
– Reduces water absorption by up to 95% below the surface.
– Will not change the look, color, or feel of the substrate.
– Long-lasting protection for 7-10 years against water damage.
– Ready to use with easy application via a solvent-resistant sprayer.
– Easy to maintain with no surface film to reapply.

Pros:
– Preserves the natural aesthetic of your concrete perfectly.
– Offers superior, long-lasting penetrating water repellency.
– Excellent protection against freeze-thaw damage and salt.
– Invisible barrier means no concern about wear or peeling.
– Ideal for natural stone, brick, and unsealed concrete.

Cons:
– Does not offer any color enhancement or gloss finish.

Best for: Homeowners or businesses who prioritize maximum, invisible water protection and desire to maintain the original look and feel of their concrete, brick, or natural stone.

Expert Opinion: The Armor SX5000 is my go-to recommendation when an invisible, penetrating sealer is required. Its silane-siloxane chemistry provides truly exceptional water repellency and durability without any aesthetic change.

7. Armor AR500 High Gloss Wet Look Concrete Sealer 1 Gallon

Just like its larger counterpart, the Armor AR500 High Gloss Wet Look Concrete Sealer in a 1-gallon size delivers the same stunning, high-gloss wet look and robust protection. This best solvent concrete sealer option is perfect for smaller areas where you want that intense, reflective finish and dramatic color enhancement for your exterior concrete and pavers. It’s formulated with high-quality, non-yellowing resins that stand up to heavy traffic, road salts, and UV rays, ensuring your surfaces stay vibrant and protected for years. Easy to apply with a roller or sprayer, this 1-gallon size is excellent for refreshing a patio, a small walkway, or testing the finish.

Key features that stand out:
– Professional-grade high gloss wet look: Creates a brilliant, reflective finish.
– Dramatic color enhancement: Makes concrete and pavers pop.
– Long-lasting, non-yellowing protection against environmental damage.
– Ready to use for simple application.
– Easy to maintain with self-priming for recoating.
– Versatile for various exterior concrete types and previously sealed surfaces.

Pros:
– Ideal for smaller areas requiring a high-gloss finish.
– Provides a significant visual upgrade with deep color enhancement.
– Offers strong, durable protection against wear and elements.
– User-friendly for both application and maintenance.
– Available in various VOC formulations.

Cons:
– Covers a smaller area, so not economical for large projects.

Best for: Small outdoor concrete projects, accentuating specific areas with a high-gloss finish, or as a trial size for larger applications.

Expert Opinion: This 1-gallon AR500 is incredibly useful for small, high-impact areas. You get all the benefits of the 5-gallon version, just in a more manageable size for quick jobs or detailed work.

Helpful Comparison Short Insights

When choosing the best solvent concrete sealer, it really comes down to the look you want and the type of protection you need.

For film-forming, wet-look enhancement, the Armor AR series and Cryli-Tek 5505 are your top choices. The Armor AR350 gives you a low gloss, natural wet look that subtly deepens colors, while the Armor AR500 and Cryli-Tek 5505 deliver a dramatic high-gloss wet finish that really makes surfaces pop. If longevity is your absolute priority for a high-gloss look, Cryli-Tek 5505 boasts superior durability, potentially lasting up to three times longer.

However, if you want invisible, penetrating protection that doesn’t change the look or color of your concrete at all, the Armor SX5000 Silane-Siloxane sealer is the clear winner. It’s fantastic for preventing water damage, salt erosion, and freeze-thaw cycles without any surface film.

Consider your project size too: the 1-gallon options from Armor and Cryli-Tek are great for smaller jobs or testing, while the 5-gallon containers offer better value for larger driveways and patios. Always ensure you choose the correct VOC formulation for your state!

Final Verdict

Deciding on the best solvent concrete sealer truly hinges on your desired aesthetic and protection needs.

If your goal is a rich, vibrant low-gloss wet look that enhances your concrete’s natural color without being overly shiny, the Armor AR350 (available in 1 or 5 gallons) is an excellent, reliable choice. It’s fantastic for giving your surfaces a fresh, renewed appearance with solid, lasting protection.

For those who crave a striking, mirror-like high-gloss wet finish that makes your concrete truly stand out, both the Armor AR500 and Cryli-Tek 5505 deliver spectacular results. If you’re looking for the absolute peak of durability and longevity within the high-gloss category, the Cryli-Tek 5505 is arguably the front-runner, engineered to last significantly longer.

However, if preserving the completely natural look and feel of your concrete is paramount, while still gaining superior, long-lasting protection against water damage, salt, and freeze-thaw cycles, then the Armor SX5000 Silane-Siloxane Sealer is your undisputed champion. It’s the ultimate invisible shield.

Ultimately, assess your surface, decide on your preferred finish (natural, low gloss, or high gloss), and then pick the product that aligns with your specific vision and the level of protection required. Each of these best solvent concrete sealer options brings something valuable to the table, ensuring your concrete surfaces are both beautiful and resilient for years to come.

Comprehensive FAQ Section

Q1: What exactly is a solvent concrete sealer and why should I use one?
A: A solvent concrete sealer is a type of protective coating that uses a solvent (like xylene or acetone) as its carrier. When applied, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind a solid film or a penetrating chemical reaction that protects the concrete. You should use one to protect your concrete from moisture damage, cracking, spalling, staining, UV degradation, and to enhance its appearance, whether that’s a wet look or simply preserving its natural state.

Q2: What’s the difference between a “wet look” sealer and a penetrating sealer?
A: A “wet look” sealer (like the Armor AR series or Cryli-Tek 5505) is typically an acrylic, film-forming sealer. It creates a visible layer on the surface that darkens and enhances the concrete’s color, making it look perpetually wet and often adding a low or high gloss. A penetrating sealer (like the Armor SX5000) works below the surface. It chemically reacts within the concrete’s pores to create a water-repellent barrier without changing its color, look, or feel.

Q3: How long does the best solvent concrete sealer typically last?
A: The lifespan of a best solvent concrete sealer varies depending on the type, quality, traffic, and environmental exposure. Acrylic film-forming sealers generally last 2-5 years before needing a recoat. High-quality, high-solids acrylics like Cryli-Tek 5505 claim up to 3 times longer. Penetrating silane-siloxane sealers like Armor SX5000 can last even longer, often 7-10 years, as they don’t wear off the surface.

Q4: Can I apply a solvent concrete sealer over an existing sealer?
A: It depends on the type of existing sealer. Most solvent-based acrylic sealers (like Armor AR350, AR500, and Cryli-Tek 5505) are designed to adhere to surfaces previously sealed with a solvent-based acrylic. However, if your existing sealer is water-based or a different chemical type, it’s usually best to remove it first or apply a penetrating sealer like the Armor SX5000, which works below the surface and isn’t affected by a top film. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first.

Q5: What’s the best way to apply a solvent concrete sealer?
A: For most solvent concrete sealers, a solvent-resistant pump sprayer or a roller with a 3/8″ or 1/2″ nap is recommended. Ensure the concrete is thoroughly clean, dry, and free of efflorescence or previous failing sealers. Apply in thin, even coats, avoiding puddling. Always follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions for coverage rates, number of coats, and drying times for the best solvent concrete sealer results.

Q6: Are there any safety precautions I should take when using a solvent concrete sealer?
A: Absolutely! Solvent-based sealers emit strong fumes. Always ensure adequate ventilation (work outdoors if possible) and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a respirator designed for organic vapors, chemical-resistant gloves, and eye protection. Keep children and pets away from the area during application and drying. Flammable solvents also mean you should keep ignition sources away.

Q7: Will a solvent concrete sealer make my surface slippery?
A: Some film-forming sealers, especially high-gloss ones, can become slippery when wet. If slip resistance is a concern, especially for pool decks or walkways, look for sealers that offer an anti-slip additive (like using Grip-Tek 250 with Cryli-Tek 5505) or consider a penetrating sealer like Armor SX5000, which doesn’t alter the surface texture.

Q8: Can I use these sealers on indoor concrete?
A: While some specific solvent-based sealers are formulated for indoor use, many of the options reviewed here are primarily for exterior concrete due to their strong solvent fumes and VOC content. For indoor applications, water-based sealers are generally preferred due to lower odor and VOCs. Always check the specific product’s instructions for indoor applicability.