If you’re trying to choose the right sealer for your concrete paver patios, or other concrete application, we know exactly what you’re going through. There are so many choices you’re probably going crazy if there’s no one to help.
A simple thing like sealing your pavers can become overly complicated when you need to decide not just if you want a wet look or not, but also deciding between water-based vs solvent-based sealers. This decision will impact how long the sealing layer will last, how wet your sealers will look, how strong the smell of chemicals will be in the first few days, and ultimately the environment.
Luckily, we’re here for you, we’ve been where you are, actually, we are there every week as we help our clients make the right choice. Let’s guide you to do the same!
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Understanding Water-Based vs Solvent-Based Sealers
The first step in order to choose properly is understanding what each sealer product can provide and one’s expectations and making sure both are well suited for each other.
Let’s start by establishing that both Water-Based and Solvent-Based sealers are film-forming sealers.
What makes them similar is that both aim at creating a chemical layer on top of your concrete pavers’ surface that will protect them from absorbing liquids, acids, and staining in general. Both of them also add to aesthetics providing some kind of color enhancement while also protecting from UV rays that can cause discoloration.
The difference lies in how they form this film which is made of acrylic polymers.
How water-based sealers work
In water-based sealers the polymer particles are dispersed in water, forming an emulsion, meaning that the polymer particles don’t bond to the water particles. After the sealer is applied to the pavers, the water will naturally evaporate and the polymer particles will start to move closer together until actually fusing and forming a clear coating.
How solvent-based sealers work
In solvent-based sealers, the polymers particles are not dispersed, instead, they form a clear solution. After application, when the solvent evaporates the already existent polymer chains are drawn even closer together, also forming a clear coating.
Differences Between Water-Based vs Solvent-Based Sealers
In the past, due to the fact that on solvent-based sealers the polymers were already close together on the solution, they were normally capable to form stronger layers, and water-based sealers were left as a less desirable option.
However, the chemicals necessary to solve polymers are very strong and used a very high rate of VOC (volatile organic compound), and those have been subjected to restrictive environment regulation. This led to two things: higher investment in creating high-performance water-based sealers (lower VOC), and solvent-based sealers which were forced to be less strong (still higher VOC).
This all means nowadays the differences in performance between water-based vs solvent-based sealers are not very perceptible. However, some differences still remain. Let’s get into it.
| Water-Based | Solvent-Based | |
| VOC’s | Low (Sometimes nothing) | High |
| Color Modification (Wet Look) | Will not darken the surface much | Will significantly darken the surface much |
| Resistance to emulsification | Will not re-emulsify in water or oil once cured | Will re-emulsify in oil’s and other solvents |
| Film Thickness | Thin, but tenacious film | Thick film |
| Adhesion | Penetrates deep into the surface. Will not blister, peel or delaminate. | Sticks to the outer surface. Overtime may blister, peel or delaminate. |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic | Toxic |
| Finishes | Natural, Satin & Low Gloss | High Gloss |
| Duration | 3-5 years | 2-5 years |
| Better for | Chemical Protection | Color Enhancement |
Special Note: Appearance
This is actually the main difference. Solvent-based sealers are able to create a glossier finish and reaching that super wet look many homeowners crave for. Water-based sealers, on the other hand, will create a lower gloss finish, or even a natural one if that’s desired.
Special Note 2: Durability
Nowadays it seems that water-based sealers are able to resist better to chemicals and physical wear. However, keep in mind that’s a feature in constant development which will greatly vary from a brand to the other. Getting advice from experienced contractors that work with sealers every other day is a way to figure out which brand has been performing better.
Special Note 3: Handling
This is the main area where water-based sealers excel. They are not flammable, have no strong odor, and allow for a quicker and easier installation and clean-up.
Find a Contractor You Can Trust
Although it is not impossible to seal your pavers all by yourself, it’s definitely not recommended.
Doing it the right way will be a tough job that requires some special tools and equipment you probably don’t have at home.
If you live in Florida, and you’re looking for a reputable contractor, you can trust our expert team to do it for you with no time and no mess. Call us at any time for a free estimate.
