When it comes to choosing a patio sealer or a pool deck sealer you must first decide the finish and the level of protection you are looking for. If you are looking for a sealer to enhance the colors and textures with a wet look or gloss finish you are going to want to use a decorative concrete sealer. If you are looking to keep the appearance of the patio or the pool deck in its natural state you are going to want to use a penetrating concrete sealer.
Decorative concrete sealers are used to add a decorative finish to concrete, stamped concrete, brick, stone, slate, pavers, Saltillo tile or exposed aggregate. Decorative concrete sealers are usually acrylic or urethane based. They are used to protect concrete stains and concrete dyes bringing out the colors and textures.
Penetrating sealers are used when a natural, flat finish is desired on concrete, stamped concrete, brick, stone, slate, pavers, Saltillo tile or exposed aggregate. Penetrating concrete sealers can be water based or solvent based and are usually a silane, siloxane, siliconate or silicate chemistry. They are used to protect against salts, including deicing salts and salt water pool decks, and they are able to resist staining from oils and greases.