— coat(s) at — sq ft/gal
Product Summary
- Surface—
- Area / coats—
- Coverage—
- Recommended purchase—
- Reseal interval—
- Estimated cost—
Coverage Rate Reference
| Surface | Coverage per gallon |
|---|---|
| Smooth concrete | 250 – 400 sq ft |
| Broom finish | 200 – 300 sq ft |
| Stamped concrete | 100 – 200 sq ft |
| Pavers / masonry | 100 – 200 sq ft |
Coverage is per coat. Two coats roughly double the sealer needed.
Sealer Comparison
| Type | Best use | Reseal |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | General protection, decorative sheen | 2-3 yr |
| Penetrating | Driveways, freeze-thaw, no film | 5-10 yr |
| Silane / siloxane | Exterior, water repellency | 7-10 yr |
| Epoxy | Garage and shop floors | 3-5 yr |
| Polyurethane | High-wear, high-traffic areas | 3-5 yr |
| Decorative | Stamped and colored concrete | 1-3 yr |
How Much Concrete Sealer Do I Need?
Sealer is bought by the gallon, so the real question is how many gallons to buy. Take the area to be sealed, multiply by the number of coats, and divide by the coverage rate of your sealer on that surface. A smooth slab might give 250 to 400 square feet per gallon, a broom finish 200 to 300, and stamped or textured concrete only 100 to 200 because the rough surface drinks more. This calculator does that math and rounds up to whole gallons, so you buy the right amount instead of guessing in the store aisle.
How Many Coats of Sealer?
Most concrete sealers are designed for two coats, applied thin and crosswise so the second coat covers what the first missed. Two thin coats almost always look better and last longer than one heavy coat, which can trap solvent, bubble, or turn cloudy. Bare or very porous concrete sometimes soaks up a generous first coat, so the second coat then goes further. When in doubt, plan for two coats, which is what this calculator defaults to, and adjust if the label says otherwise.
How Often to Reseal Concrete
Reseal intervals depend on the sealer and the traffic. Acrylic sealers are the most common and the most frequent to redo, every two to three years. Penetrating sealers like silane and siloxane last much longer, five to ten years, because they bond inside the concrete rather than sitting on top. Epoxy and polyurethane coatings on floors run three to five years depending on wear. A good sign it is time: water stops beading and starts darkening the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sealer do I need? Area times coats divided by coverage; a 1,200 sq ft driveway at 250 sq ft per gallon over two coats needs about 10 gallons.
How many coats should I apply? Two thin coats is standard for most sealers and surfaces.
How often should concrete be sealed? Every 2 to 3 years for acrylic, 5 to 10 for penetrating sealers.
Does stamped concrete need more? Yes, its texture cuts coverage to roughly 100 to 200 sq ft per gallon.