Best Concrete Countertop Sealers

Sealers are one of the most misunderstood aspects of concrete counter tops. Concrete countertops have always had a bad reputation for being high maintenance and prone to stains. However, there are many more technologies available today that have improved the quality of the top sealers available on the market. Sealer manufacturers are starting to recognize the growing demands for concrete countertop sealers.

It’s important to note that you must take advantage of the variety available to get the perfect match for your particular cut of concrete. Concrete is actually a fairly broad term used to refer to a conglomerate rock structure. This means that there is a great degree of variation between levels of how porous it is. You will find sealers marked for different levels of penetration. For example, the oilophobic sealer (blocks both oil and water based chemicals) will penetrate further than the hydrophobic type of concrete sealer (blocks only water based chemicals). Likewise, for more natural looking, bumpier concrete slabs, you will need a more heavy duty sealer that is intended to counter deeper grooves to provide a smoother finish.

The location of your concrete countertop is another important consideration in determining the best sealer for your needs. For example, countertops located outside will usually work best with a solvent based sealer. On the flip side, if it’s located inside your home then a water based sealer will be the better option. And since interior concrete countertops are often used in the kitchen around foot, you can actually find an FDA approved countertop sealer for added confidence. These FDA approved sealers are usually forms of urethane which tend to be very stain, heat resistant and scratch resistant. It also provides a beautiful gloss.

It’s not necessarily a matter of there being a particularly bad sealer for concrete countertops, but more of a matter of incorrect expectations. The number one reason for drawbacks on concrete countertops is sealer problems. A lot of the times people are not aware that these are often not actually problems but normal expected maintenance issues. The most important factor to remember is that you must confirm that the sealer you are considering for purchase is indeed rated for use with concrete only. Purchasing one of the multi surface sealers creates the risk of only getting a very temporary result that fails to provide the level of moisture protection and shock resistance that you require.