Water based concrete sealers used to have a bad rap.
There was a perception that they were fragile in comparison to their solvent-based counterparts, and would wash away in the first rainstorm.
However, with new advancements in technology, that’s all changed.
Water-based sealers now deliver your stone and concrete projects with the same level of protection as any solvent-based sealer will; resisting hot tyres, rain, UV, oil, salt, grease and many other household chemicals.
Plus, they provide you with a number of advantages that solvents don’t.
In a moment, I’ll tell you exactly what those advantages are, and why you should seriously consider using a water-based solvent for your next project.
But first, let’s understand the big difference between the two sealers.
The Big Difference Between Solvent-Based Sealers and Water-Based Sealers
If you’ve ever worked with solvent-based sealers, you’ll know their “odor”.
That odor you can smell is the solvent evaporating out of the sealer and into the atmosphere. These solvents release gasses called Volatile Organic Compounds – otherwise known as VOCs – which harm the environment.
In comparison, water-based sealers have no, or considerably less, solvents. That means they are much healthier for the environment.
Plus, they’re much healthier for you and your family too.
VOCs have been known to leave people with everything from eye irritation, to severe symptoms of asthma, to central nervous system damage. The risk of health effects from these VOCs depends on numerous factors like:
- How much solvent is present in the sealer
- How much time you spend in its proximity
- Pre-existing health conditions
- How much fresh air can flow through the area you’re sealing
Ultimately, if you want to seal your concrete while protecting the environment and your health, then it’s best to limit your exposure to VOCs.
That’s the big difference between solvent-based sealers and water-based sealers; water-based sealers release little-to-none VOC’s into the air.
But that’s not the only advantage a water-based concrete sealer offers.
Here’s SIX Further Benefits of Using A Water Based Concrete Sealer For Your Home
1. They’re tough and durable
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, water-based concrete sealers now perform as well as their solvent based counterparts when it comes to protection. They’re able to withstand any harsh outdoor environments.
They’ll protect your stone or concrete from UV, traffic, dirt, water and spilled oils and chemicals. Which makes it a perfect sealer for any outdoor projects and high traffic areas like driveways and garages.
2. They’re UV resistant
There’s nothing worse than your brand new poolside cracking, fading, or turning an ugly yellow. While some solvent based sealers are susceptible to UV damage, water-based sealers are fully transparent to UV light.
That means they protect your concrete or stone from the sunlight.
Which in turn, means better and longer protection!
3. They’re easy to apply
You don’t need an expensive, professional contractor to apply a water-based sealer for you. You can do this quickly, and easily, yourself.
Just spray or broom the sealer to your desired area and that’s it.
It really is that easy, as Roger – one of our recent customers – testifies:
“This is the best concrete sealer I have used. No headaches or nausea from the fumes and it was so easy to apply!” That’s a win-win for Roger!
5. They give you better coverage
Since water-based sealers are diluted, you can cover more surface area for the same amount of sealer. Generally, water-based sealers will give you an extra 10 to 20% coverage. That makes your sealing project a little cheaper!
6. They’re non-toxic
Yes, we know we’ve already told you this.
But this really is the biggest benefit of using a water-based concrete sealer.
And as well as being great for you, your family, and the environment, they’re also non-flammable and less hazardous for transport and shipping.
Ready To Protect Your Stone or Concrete With A Water-Based Sealer?
Whether you’re sealing your driveway, garage, poolside or patio, you’re in the right place.
Here at Right Choice Coatings and Sealers we only offer high quality products that have been tried and tested in the market for over 25 years.
Both are fantastic for either home projects or commercial applications.
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