Clear Concrete Sealers

Sealing a patio, walkway or basement slab? Use a clear concrete sealer made for horizontal concrete. These sealers are for patios, walkways and similar slabs, not garage floors. Rust-Oleum says Okon Seal & Finish is not recommended for driveways or garages, and that chemicals in some car tires may cause the coating to lift.

• Okon Seal & Finish: water-based, clear low-gloss sealer for new or existing, interior or exterior horizontal concrete. Rust-Oleum lists patios, walkways and basements. Not for exterior vertical concrete or masonry walls, flagstone or clay pavers.

Prep steps

1. Cure: Rust-Oleum says new concrete must cure for 28 days.
2. Fix cracks first: fill flat cracks and joints with a self-leveling sealant from Concrete Crack & Joint Repair.
3. Degrease and clean: remove all waxes and oils with a commercial degreaser, then vacuum and damp-mop.
4. Check for old sealer: sprinkle water on the slab. If it darkens as it soaks in, the surface is free of wax or sealer.
5. Moisture test: tape a 2 ft square of plastic on the bare concrete for 24 hours. If the concrete is dark underneath, let it dry longer.
6. No etch needed: Rust-Oleum says Seal & Finish does not require acid etching.

Sealing walls instead? See Masonry & Block Waterproofers. All options: concrete and masonry solutions.