Sealing your exterior concrete is one of the smartest investments you can make to protect and enhance your surfaces for years to come. But not all sealers are created equal. At Concrete Exchange, we specialize in professional-grade exterior concrete sealers from SureCrete, Concrete Coatings, and Westcoat—the same high-performance products trusted by contractors, installers, and concrete artisans across the country.
These aren’t just surface coatings—they’re engineered to perform in the real world: resisting UV exposure, foot traffic, staining, and weather with long-term durability. Whether you’re refreshing a patio or protecting a newly stained driveway, this guide breaks down the differences in sealer types so you can make the right choice for your project.
Why Professional-Grade Sealers Make a Difference
While many off-the-shelf sealers offer basic protection, professional-grade products like the ones we carry at Concrete Exchange are designed for long-term performance in real-world conditions. These sealers often feature higher solids content, superior adhesion, better chemical resistance, and longer-lasting UV protection. They’re formulated to hold up under heavy foot traffic, harsh weather, and even vehicle loads—without yellowing, flaking, or needing constant reapplication.
That means fewer re-dos, better-looking surfaces, and peace of mind knowing you’ve protected your investment with the same materials the pros use.
What’s the Difference Between a Clear and Pigmented Exterior Concrete Sealer?
Clear sealers allow you to see the surface texture, color, and detail of the concrete beneath, making them ideal for decorative finishes like acid-stained or water-based stained concrete.
Pigmented sealers provide solid, opaque color coverage—great for refreshing worn surfaces, creating bold design statements, or hiding imperfections in the concrete.
Clear Exterior Concrete Sealer Comparison
| Product | Base | Gloss Level | Color Enhancement | VOC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SureCrete Super WB | Water-Based Acrylic | Low Luster or Gloss | Slight | <50 g/L |
| SureCrete HS 200LV | Solvent-Based Silane Acrylic | Gloss | Wet Look | 400 g/L |
| Concrete Coatings SuperSeal 2000 | Solvent-Based Acrylic | Low Sheen | Wet Look | <700 g/L |
| Concrete Coatings SuperSeal 20WB | Water-Based Acrylic | Satin | Minimal | Low |
| Westcoat SC-65 | Water-Based Polyurethane | Gloss, Semi-Gloss, or Flat | Slight | <50 g/L |
| Westcoat SC-42 | Water-Based Acrylic | Semi-Gloss | Minimal | <50 g/L |
| Westcoat SC-70 | Solvent-Based Acrylic Lacquer | High Gloss | Wet Look | <100 g/L |
Pigmented Exterior Concrete Sealer Comparison
| Product | Base | Finish | VOC |
|---|---|---|---|
| SureCrete ColorTec Acrylic-WB | Water-Based Acrylic | Satin | <50 g/L |
| SureCrete ColorTec Acrylic-LV | Solvent-Based Acrylic | Satin | 400 g/L |
| Westcoat SC-10 | Water-Based Acrylic | Low Sheen | <100 g/L |
What Does “Wet Look” Really Mean?
The term “wet look” is often misunderstood in the world of interior and exterior concrete sealers. At Concrete Exchange, we define wet look as the visual deepening of color, similar to how concrete appears when you pour water over it—it brings out the richness and contrast in the surface, whether it’s bare, stained, or textured.
It’s not about the level of shine or gloss, but rather how the sealer enhances the natural or applied color of the concrete, making it look more vivid and dimensional. Just because a sealer is glossy doesn’t mean it gives a wet look—gloss refers to surface sheen, while wet look refers specifically to how much the sealer amplifies the underlying color.
Understanding the Different Exterior Concrete Sealer Technologies
| Technology | Key Benefits | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Solvent-Based Acrylic | Deep color pop, “wet look”, fast drying | Stamped concrete, driveways, patios, and stained concrete |
| Water-Based Acrylic | Low odor, easy to apply, and easy to clean up | Patios and walkways |
| Water-Based Polyurethane | Superior toughness, chemical resistance | Garages, restaurants, and commercial use |
Find the Perfect Sealer for Your Outdoor Project
Looking for a solid color?
Try a pigmented acrylic.
Want the color of your stain to pop?
Choose a solvent-based acrylic.
Prefer a natural, lower-sheen look?
Use a water-based acrylic.
Need serious durability?
Check out a water-based polyurethane.
Need Help Choosing?
Not sure which one is right for your project? Contact our team at Concrete Exchange and book a 20-minute consultation. We’ll help you choose a professional-grade sealer that matches your surface, environment, and desired finish—so you can protect your investment and get long-lasting results.