Solvent Based Sealers vs Water Based Sealers
A Time and Place For Each
The discussion around reducing the content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in products like paints and coatings has gained prominence, especially as regulations become stricter nationwide. These regulations aim to lower VOC levels in numerous applications, making the choice of concrete sealers—a critical component in construction—increasingly significant for project planning.
Concrete sealers, essential for protecting and enhancing concrete surfaces, are available in both water-based and solvent-based formulations. Despite their differences, both types are effective in sealing concrete, offering a mix of aesthetic and protective benefits. After the concrete has cured, these sealers provide a barrier against wear, stains, and chemical damage, enhancing the surface's appearance with added gloss and colour retention.
Technology advancements have introduced high-quality acrylic sealer options, available in both water-based and solvent-based varieties. These sealers are renowned for their UV resistance, owed to their 100% acrylic polymer composition. Whether water or solvent-based, the sealers function by forming a continuous, clear coating on the concrete. Water-based sealers utilize polymer particles dispersed in water, which coalesce into a seamless coating as the water evaporates. Solvent-based sealers, on the other hand, comprise a polymer solution that forms a cohesive film as the solvent dissipates, leaving a glossy finish.
Both water and solvent-based sealers share several benefits, including durability, ease of application, and UV resistance. They are designed to protect concrete from various elements and stains, with some of the best performing acrylic sealers lasting up to three years outdoors. These sealers can be applied through spraying or rolling, making them convenient for a range of projects.
However, there are notable differences between the two types of sealers. Solvent-based sealers typically provide a glossier finish that enhances the underlying concrete colour due to their excellent penetration and wet-out properties. In contrast, water-based sealers have a milky white appearance upon application and cure to a matte finish, due to the light-scattering properties of the polymer particles.
Water-based sealers offer additional advantages in terms of safety and convenience. They are nonflammable, emit no strong solvent odours, and can be cleaned up easily, which can save significant time on a job site.
In conclusion, both water-based and solvent-based sealers offer effective protection and enhancement for concrete surfaces, with their own set of characteristics suitable for different project requirements. Water-based sealers, in particular, stand out for those seeking low-VOC options that are user-friendly and environmentally considerate, without compromising on performance and durability.
