Solvent-based vs. Water-based Sealers
Knowing a few simple facts about solvent-based vs. water-based sealers can make all the difference when it comes to choosing the right sealer for the job. In this post, we’ll cover what you need to know about these two sealer varieties and the considerations you should take prior to applying them.
SIMILARITIES
Using a sealer is a great way to protect the investment of a patio, pool deck, or other paved or natural stone surface. Both solvent-based and water-based sealers offer these same advantages:
Protection against wear-and-tear of the surface
Some level of stain resistance
Generally easy application process
UV-resistance
Differences
Before selecting a sealer for a particular job, it’s important to understand the main differences between solvent-based and water-based products.
Solvent-based sealers have a high VOC and strong odor, while water-based sealers have a low VOC and mild odor. Solvent-based sealers are also more complex to clean up than water-based sealers. One very big difference between the two sealer varieties is their finish. A solvent-based sealer will provide a wet-look finish, while a water-based product cannot achieve this.
When sealing new pavers, or pavers that have never been sealed before, choosing between a solvent-based or water-based product will ultimately come down to the desired look and performance of the project. However, if the pavers were previously sealed, you have to confirm what type of sealer was previously used because a water-based sealer cannot be applied on top of a solvent-based sealer. A simple Xylene test can be performed to determine what type of sealer had been used.
After the Xylene test, we also recommend performing an adhesion test before resealing pavers. This will help confirm whether or not the new sealer will properly adhere to the previously sealed surface.
To perform the adhesion test, choose a small test patch in a low-traffic area. Make sure the surface is clean and dry before applying a coat of the new sealer. Allow the product to dry for a full 24 hours. After the sealer has completely dried, cut a tic-tac-toe pattern on top of it using a utility knife. Press hard enough to cut through both the new and old sealer coatings. Next, place a piece of duct tape on top of the tic-tac-toe pattern, press it down, and then tear it back off. If the new coating of sealer doesn’t get pulled off with the tape, it means you have good adhesion and can proceed with using the product.
Alliance Sealers
Considering an Alliance-brand sealer for the job? Here’s a quick breakdown of what we offer for each variety:
Solvent-Based Sealers
Gator Seal Wet Look
(High gloss, vibrant color enhancement, film-former, joint stabilizer)
Gator Seal Satin Look
(Low gloss, vibrant color enhancement, film-former, joint stabilizer)
Gator Seal Resealer
(Revives look of sealed pavers, film-former)
Water-Based Sealers
Hybrid Seal Low Gloss
(Low gloss, no color enhancement, film-former, joint stabilizer)
Hybrid Seal Low Gloss + Color Enhancer
(Low gloss, vibrant color enhancement, film-former, joint stabilizer)
Hybrid Seal High Gloss
(High gloss, no color enhancement, film-former, joint stabilizer)
Hybrid Seal High Gloss + Color Enhancer
(High gloss, vibrant color enhancement, film-former, joint stabilizer)
Signature Series Natural Look Sealer
(No gloss, vibrant color enhancement, non-film-former)
Signature Series Natural Stone Sealer + Color Enhancer
(No gloss, vibrant color enhancement, non-film-former)
CONCLUSION
Both solvent-based and water-based sealers offer protection against wear-and-tear of the surface, some level of stain resistance, a generally easy application process, and UV-resistance. However, solvent-based sealers have a high VOC, strong odor, and will be more complex to clean up than water-based sealers. They can also provide a wet-look finish, where water-based sealers cannot. For more information on sealing, be sure to download a copy of our free eBook On Paver Sealing.
