Silicate vs. Silane/Siloxane Sealers

In the market of concrete sealers, there are a number of different options available to you. There are offerings such as surface-level sealers, such as acrylic sealers, epoxies, or polyaspartics and urethanes. Then, there are the penetrating variety of sealer, such as silicates, whose carriers can range from sodium to lithium. While it may be confusing to determine the difference between a silicate and a Wetcor silane/siloxane, for example, the differences are not all that esoteric.

For instance, we shall consider a silicate versus a Wetcor silane/siloxane. A silicate is a penetrating sealer made up of small particles of sealant. These small silicate particles are suspended in a sodium or lithium carrier that helps transport the particles past the surface pores of the concrete. The water or solvent which the silicate sealer is based in will simply allow the particles of silicate and sodium/lithium to be spread on the surface – from there, the water will evaporate and the solvent will become part of the concrete.

Once within the concrete, the silicate particles will pass through the vast network of miniscule hairline cracks and microscopic pores natural to every piece of concrete. Part of what makes concrete such a strong material is the build-up of calcium silicate hydrate. Silicate sealers react chemically with minerals present within the concrete to create more CSH, which makes the concrete stronger while simultaneously blocking out the passage of water, salts, and gases through the concrete.

Wetcor Silane/siloxanes, while also a comprehensive type of concrete sealer, work a little differently. While the silane particles penetrate within the concrete, they do not react chemically to densify the concrete. Instead, the silane and siloxane particles will work in concert to create a hydrophobic barrier that will block out water and moisture. The larger particles of siloxane will remain on the surface of the concrete to provide the brunt of this barrier, while the silane particles will complement the barrier, reinforcing it to make it stronger.

As the Wetcor silane/siloxane sealers feature larger particles, they are better suited for such concrete surfaces as cinderblocks, concrete blocks, and bricks – the more porous materials to which you cannot apply silicates.

What is the best penetrating concrete sealer?

If the primary concern for your concrete is to protect it, waterproof it, prevent concrete dusting, and resist staining without worrying about having the latest cosmetic finish, then Wetcor penetrating sealer may be what you are looking for. Why do you ask? Well, it is assumed that the main reason people want to apply a coating or covering to an interior or exterior floor is to make it look nice. But if you are not concerned about how nice it looks, but rather how well it performs without a lot of expense and preparation then Wetcor penetrating sealer is your best bet.

What makes Wetcor silanes, siloxanes, and siliconates different than other coatings...

The fact that they actually penetrate (hence the name) into the concrete to create a protective barrier. Other sealers such as acrylic, epoxy, and polyurethanes are topical in nature. Which means they sit on the surface and form a protective film or coating. Wetcor silane, siloxane and siliconate sealer works by impregnating the concrete forming a hydrophobic surface barrier. In essence, water and liquids will bead and resisting stains and the concrete surface also becomes more resistant to wear.

Additional benefits to consider include:

Resistance to mold and mildew and protection from deicing salts. A penetrating sealer also has the added benefits of freeze thaw protection, pitting and spalling. Since the sealer is clear with a natural looking finish without any sheen, it has the same anti-slip protection as bare concrete.

Other factors to consider about Wetcor penetrating sealer

expense and ease of application. These sealers are usually priced quite reasonable and since they are long lasting (5-7 years SP2) and (10 years plus Spirit base sealers). Also application of a penetrating sealer is much easier than applying a coating or even painting for that matter.

Our take: If you want to protect your concrete with minimal preparation and expense, then a Wetcor silane/siloxane, penetrating sealer is definitely worthy of your consideration.