Solvent based sealers are the best sealers to use to achieve a wet look on concrete, brick, pavers, and natural stone. The type of wet look sealer you use will depend on the surface type you are trying to seal, and the level of enhancement you are looking to achieve.

The most common types of wet look sealers are the Armor WL550, Armor AR350, and Armor AR500.

• Armor WL550: The Armor WL550 is a penetrating water repellent sealer designed to enhance the color of the surface without leaving behind a visible surface film. It is designed for use on all types of concrete, brick, and stone. The level of enhancement will vary depending on the amount of material applied and the porosity of the surface the sealer is being applied to. The Armor WL550 is not designed to offer a dramatic difference, only a slight enhancement. If you want the surface slightly darker than it is now, the Armor WL550 is perfect. If you want the surface to look exactly as it does when wet, then you want a solvent based acrylic instead, like the Armor AR350 or Armor AR500.
• Armor AR350: The Armor AR350 works differently from the Armor WL550. The WL550 will not leave behind a visible surface film, but the Armor AR350 will. The film will be less visible on porous surfaces such as pavers, but there will be a film present. The AR350 is designed to darken the surface in order to make it look wet, and provide a low gloss finish. The Armor WL550 will last for up to 5-7 years, while the Armor AR350 will need to be applied every 2-5 years. The Armor AR350 is a great wet look sealer for concrete and pavers, but should not be used to seal natural stone or slate. If you apply any type of acrylic sealer to natural stone or slate you run the risk of delamination caused by subsurface moisture intrusion.
• Armor AR500: The Armor AR500 is the high gloss version of the Armor AR350. It offers all of the same benefits and life, only a higher level of gloss.

Interested in learning more? View Wet Look Sealers.

Understanding the Difference Between a Penetrating Wet Look Sealer and an Acrylic Wet Look Sealer

This is a topic that is often misunderstood so I wanted to take a quick minute to explain the difference. It is true that both sealers penetrate into the surface, but one penetrates in order to function and the other penetrates in order to bond.

Penetrating wet look sealers like the Armor WL550 penetrate into the surface of the substrate where they chemically react and remain. They work entirely below the surface from within the pores and do not leave behind a visible surface film or gloss. The reduce surface water absorption by up to 95% and cause water and other liquids to bead off the surface. The surface will look and feel exactly as it did before being sealed, the only difference is that it will be slightly darker.

Acrylic wet look sealers penetrate into the surface of the substrate in order to bond. The darken the surface to make it look wet and leave behind a surface film that can be felt and seen. Depending on the porosity of the surface, the film is usually low to high gloss. The film is more visible on concrete than pavers because pavers are very porous and require more material to achieve a gloss.

So, which one is best for you? If you are looking to achieve a slight enhancement, but don’t want to reseal every 1-3 years, or if you are sealing natural stone, then you want a penetrating wet look sealer like the Armor WL550. If you want the surface to darken as much as possible, and you want a protective film over the surface, then you want an acrylic wet look sealer like the Armor AR350 or Armor AR500.

Benefits of Solvent Based Wet Look Sealers

There are many benefits of using a solvent based wet look sealer, aside from just achieving an attractive wet look finish. Solvent based wet look sealers are the easiest sealers to apply and maintain. When it comes time to apply a fresh coat, you simply clean the surface, let it dry, and apply a new coat. Solvent based sealers will bond to other solvent based sealers without issue so you can easily apply a fresh coat without needing to acid etch or screen scuff the surface. You can also switch sealers if you aren’t satisfied with the look. For example, if you put down the Armor WL550 but decide you want a darker wet look, you can simply apply the Armor AR350 or Armor AR500 right over it.