There are two primary types of acrylic concrete sealers, water based acrylic sealers and solvent based acrylic sealers. When it comes to life and performance, there aren’t many differences between the two types of acrylic sealers, but when it comes to look, application, and maintenance, there are several differences between them.
Application
Water and solvent based acrylic sealers can be applied with a roller or sprayer, and they both require two coats, especially if being applied to an unsealed service. Here are a few ways in which they are different:
- Water based acrylic sealers can be applied with a pump sprayer, while solvent based acrylic sealers require a solvent or acetone resistant sprayer. Traditional pump sprayers cost between $25-50 while acetone resistant sprayers cost around %150+. If you want a solvent based acrylic sealer but don’t want the added cost of a sprayer, you can apply solvent based acrylics with a roller instead.
- The recoat window for water based acrylic sealers is typically within 6-8 hours depending on the sealer, while solvent based acrylics have a 24 hour recoat window.
- Typically, water based acrylic sealers won’t darken or enhance the color and if they do, it is minimal. Most solvent based acrylic sealers will darken the surface to enhance any dull or faded colors.
Maintenance
While water based acrylic sealers and solvent based acrylic sealers are both acrylic sealers, they greatly differ when it comes to maintaining and repairing them.
Solvent based acrylics are very easy to maintain, repair, and recoat. When it comes time to recoat a surface previously sealed with a solvent based acrylic, you simply apply a fresh coat to a clean and dry surface. If the sealer experiences any “blushing” or “white haze” you can simply roll out the area with Xylene and let it dry. It is the ideal type of acrylic sealer if you want something that is easy to apply, maintain, repair, and recoat.
Water based acrylic sealers are a little different from solvent based acrylics in that they can’t be repaired with xylene. Typically, if a water based acrylic “blushes” or “hazes”, you will need to sand down the area and possible remove the coating. When it comes to recoat, it will depend on how much material is left on the surface. In some cases, a fresh coat can be applied to a clean and dry surface. In other cases, you may need to screen scuff the surface before recoating.
One important thing to keep in mind with acrylic sealers is that solvent based acrylic sealers need to be recoated with solvent based acrylic sealers, and water based acrylic sealers need to be recoated with water based acrylics. Combining sealers can result in coating failure.
Choosing the Best Acrylic Sealer
With only a few differences, how do you choose the best acrylic sealer? Well, there are a few things to consider. Unless you already have a sealed surface, it comes down to preference. These are the top two questions most people consider when deciding on the best sealer to use:
- Do you want to enhance dull and faded coloring in your concrete or pavers? If you answered yes, you want a solvent based acrylic sealer and if you answered no, you want a water based acrylic sealer.
- Do you have a problem with smells or odors? If you answered yes, you want a water based acrylic sealer and if you answered no, you want a solvent based acrylic sealer or a water based acrylic sealer.