Applying a clear concrete sealer is an effective way to help protect concrete and masonry surfaces from water, weathering, stains, salts, and everyday wear. But getting the best results depends on choosing the right DRYLOK® clear sealer for the surface and applying it correctly.
DRYLOK® offers several clear sealing products, including DRYLOK® Natural Look Curing Membrane & Penetrating Sealer, DRYLOK® Protector Clear Low Sheen Penetrating Sealer, DRYLOK® WetLook Clear High Gloss Penetrating Sealer, and DRYLOK® Siloxane 7 Brick & Masonry Penetrating Sealer. Each is designed for different applications and desired appearances.
One of the most common questions homeowners have is whether clear concrete sealer should be rolled or sprayed. Other important questions include how much sealer to apply, what type of sprayer to use, and what time of year is best for sealing concrete.
Here’s what you need to know about applying DRYLOK® clear sealers.
Which DRYLOK® Clear Sealer Is Right for Concrete?
Before applying a clear sealer, identify the product that fits your project.
DRYLOK® Natural Look Curing Membrane & Penetrating Sealer
DRYLOK® Natural Look is designed for interior and exterior masonry surfaces, including concrete driveways, garage floors, patios, sidewalks, and walkways.
It provides a matte, natural-looking finish and can also be used as a curing compound on new concrete. DRYLOK® lists brush, roller, sprayer, or squeegee application methods for this product.
DRYLOK® Protector Clear Low Sheen Penetrating Sealer
DRYLOK® Protector provides a low-sheen/satin appearance and is designed for surfaces including concrete driveways, garage floors, basement floors, sidewalks, retaining walls, brick, slate, and terrazzo.
It features DRYLOK® SALTLOK® Technology and is formulated to help protect surfaces from freeze/thaw conditions, weathering, salts, and other sources of deterioration. It can be applied with a brush, roller, pad applicator, sprayer, or squeegee.
DRYLOK® WetLook Clear High Gloss Penetrating Sealer
If you want a high-gloss, wet-look appearance, DRYLOK® WetLook is designed for concrete and masonry surfaces where appearance is an important part of the project.
It can be used on surfaces including concrete driveways, garage floors, sidewalks, brick walkways, terrazzo, and slate. DRYLOK® lists brush, roller, spray, or squeegee application.
DRYLOK® Siloxane 7 Brick & Masonry Penetrating Sealer
DRYLOK® Siloxane 7 is different from the other clear products because it is designed as an invisible water repellent for exterior, above-grade brick and masonry surfaces, including concrete.
It doesn’t create a visible film or change the look or texture of the surface and can be applied with a brush, roller, or sprayer.
DRYLOK Clear Sealer Comparison Guide
Is It Better to Roll or Spray Concrete Sealer?
With DRYLOK® clear sealers, both rolling and spraying can be appropriate. The best method depends on the particular product, surface, size of the project, and the application instructions.
DRYLOK® lists spraying and rolling among the approved application methods for several of its clear concrete sealers.
When Should You Spray DRYLOK® Clear Sealer?
Spraying can be an efficient choice for larger concrete areas such as driveways, patios, and sidewalks.
A sprayer can help distribute the sealer over a large surface quickly. However, the goal isn’t simply to cover the concrete with as much product as possible. The sealer should be spread evenly and applied according to the product’s recommended coverage.
When Should You Roll DRYLOK® Clear Sealer?
Rolling can be useful when you want more control over the application, particularly on smaller areas or surfaces where overspray could be a concern.
Regardless of whether you roll or spray, DRYLOK® emphasizes applying the sealer evenly and avoiding puddles or a heavy surface film.
The important takeaway: Don’t choose an application method simply because it seems faster. Choose a method that’s recommended for your specific DRYLOK® product and allows you to achieve an even application.
Can You Apply Too Much DRYLOK® Clear Sealer?
Yes. More sealer isn’t necessarily better.
DRYLOK® instructions specifically warn against allowing puddles or a heavy surface film to develop with products such as Natural Look and Protector. The recommended approach is to apply a thin, even coat.
Applying too much product can create an uneven appearance and may affect how the sealer dries.
The solution is simple: follow the recommended coverage rate and don’t allow the sealer to puddle.
What Kind of Sprayer Should You Use for DRYLOK® Concrete Sealer?
DRYLOK® identifies spraying as an application method for several of its clear sealers. For example, DRYLOK® Protector can be applied with a sprayer, while DRYLOK® Natural Look and WetLook can also be sprayed.
For homeowners, a key consideration is choosing a sprayer that is appropriate for the specific DRYLOK® product and capable of producing an even application.
A garden-sprayer is usually an effective applicator when spraying is your preferred method.
Before filling a sprayer, check the product label and technical information for the particular DRYLOK® sealer you’re using. The equipment should be compatible with the product, and you should follow all applicable safety instructions.
How Do You Apply DRYLOK® Clear Sealer?
The exact process varies by product, but the basic approach is similar.
1. Prepare the Concrete
The surface needs to be properly prepared before applying sealer.
Remove dirt, contaminants, and other materials that could interfere with the sealer. If you’re working with a previously coated surface, follow the specific preparation instructions for the DRYLOK® product you’re using.
For DRYLOK® WetLook, for example, the manufacturer recommends properly preparing the concrete profile and checking its porosity before application.
2. Check the Surface for Moisture
Moisture can affect the performance of a concrete sealer.
Make sure the concrete is sufficiently dry according to the product instructions. Don’t assume that concrete that looks dry on the surface is necessarily ready for sealing.
3. Choose Your Application Method
Depending on the product, DRYLOK® clear sealers can be applied with a brush, roller, sprayer, or squeegee.
Choose the method that allows you to maintain an even application without creating puddles or excessive buildup.
4. Apply an Even Coat
Apply the product according to the specified coverage rate.
Don’t intentionally apply extra sealer in an attempt to increase protection. With DRYLOK® Natural Look and Protector, the manufacturer specifically instructs users to avoid puddling and heavy surface films.
5. Allow the Sealer to Dry
Drying and recoat times depend on the particular DRYLOK® product.
For example, DRYLOK® Protector is listed as approximately 45 minutes to touch and one hour before recoating, with a full cure of approximately 24 – 48 hours. DRYLOK® WetLook has a listed dry time of one hour and requires two hours before recoating; automobile traffic should be avoided for 72 – 96 hours.
Always use the product’s current label or product data sheet for directions as the final authority.
What Time of Year Is Best to Seal Concrete?
The best time to apply DRYLOK® clear concrete sealer isn’t necessarily a particular month. The weather conditions matter more than the season.
For DRYLOK® WetLook and Protector, DRYLOK® recommends scheduling the project when both air and surface temperatures are 50°F or higher and, for best results, waiting for a dry, rain-free period.
That makes periods of moderate, dry weather especially useful for concrete-sealing projects.
Spring
Spring can be a good time to seal concrete once the weather is consistently warm enough and the concrete has had adequate time to dry.
Watch for wet weather and rapidly changing temperatures.
Summer
Summer can provide excellent sealing conditions, but extremely hot surfaces can make application more challenging.
Check the product’s temperature requirements and avoid applying the sealer outside the manufacturer’s recommended conditions.
Fall
Fall can be an excellent time to seal concrete because temperatures are often moderate.
If you’re sealing before winter, however, make sure there is enough time for the sealer to dry and cure according to the product’s requirements.
Winter
Cold weather can make exterior concrete sealing difficult. For products such as DRYLOK® Protector and WetLook, the manufacturer’s application guidance calls for air and surface temperatures of at least 50°F.
How Many Coats of DRYLOK® Clear Sealer Should You Apply?
The answer depends on which DRYLOK® product you’re using.
DRYLOK® Natural Look is generally listed as a one-coat product, although extremely porous surfaces may require a second coat.
DRYLOK® Protector lists one to two coats, with extremely porous surfaces potentially requiring a second coat.
DRYLOK® WetLook lists one coat, with two coats maximum.
This is another reason not to assume that applying additional sealer will automatically improve the finished surface.
What Is the Best DRYLOK® Clear Sealer for a Driveway?
The right choice depends on the appearance and performance characteristics you’re looking for.
For a natural matte appearance, DRYLOK® Natural Look is designed for concrete walkways, driveways, patios, and garage floors.
For a low-sheen/satin appearance and protection from weather and salts, DRYLOK® Protector is designed for concrete driveways and other masonry surfaces.
For a high-gloss wet-look appearance, DRYLOK® WetLook is designed for concrete and masonry surfaces where a glossy finish is desired.
