Finishes
Matte, semi-gloss or gloss. Pick your sheen.
Every TriCity job uses a high-quality solvent-based sealer. The only choice you make is how much shine you want, and we bring samples to the site assessment so you can see all three on your own concrete.
Low sheen
Matte
Protection you can't see.
A matte finish protects the concrete without changing how it looks. The surface stays natural, colour is lightly enriched, and there is no reflection in sunlight. It is the finish we recommend for broom-finish driveways, exposed aggregate and anywhere slip resistance matters more than shine.
- Broom-finish driveways and garage pads
- Exposed aggregate patios and walkways
- Pool decks, steps and sloped walkways
Medium sheen
Semi-Gloss
The sweet spot for stamped and coloured concrete.
Semi-gloss is the finish most of our clients choose. It brings out the colour and pattern of stamped, coloured and decorative concrete with a soft satin sheen that looks rich without looking wet. It shows less dust and dirt than gloss and is easier to keep looking even between reseals.
- Stamped concrete patios and driveways
- Coloured and integrally pigmented concrete
- Front walkways and porches
High sheen
Gloss
The showcase finish.
Gloss gives stamped and coloured concrete a permanent wet look with the deepest colour enhancement we can offer. It is the finish that makes a driveway or patio the focal point of the property, and the one most people picture when they think of freshly sealed stamped concrete.
- Stamped patios and pool surrounds
- Coloured and stained driveways
- Showcase front entrances
Side by side
Same sealer. Three looks.
| Matte | Semi-Gloss | Gloss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheen | None, natural | Satin | Wet look, mirror-like |
| Colour enhancement | Subtle | Strong | Deepest |
| Hides dust and footprints | Best | Good | Fair |
| Hides surface imperfections | Best | Good | Fair |
| Slip resistance (no additive) | Best | Good | Fair; additive recommended |
| Broom finish and exposed aggregate | Recommended | Optional | Rarely |
| Stamped and coloured concrete | Optional | Most popular | Showcase |
| Protection against salt, oil and UV | Same | Same | Same |
| Reseal interval | 2 to 4 years | 2 to 4 years | 2 to 4 years |
Why solvent-based
The sealer underneath every finish.
We only use high-quality solvent-based acrylic sealers. They cost more than water-based products and they are worth it in Ontario.
- Penetrates deeper into the concrete for a stronger bond
- Enhances colour more, especially on stamped and coloured concrete
- Re-emulsifies the previous solvent-based coat so reseals bond seamlessly with no peeling layers
- Better resistance to road salt, UV and hot tires
- Breathable, so moisture in the slab can escape instead of clouding the finish
See all three on your own concrete.
We bring finish samples to every free site assessment.
Fully insured · 5-year workmanship warranty · Solvent-based sealers · 8+ years
FAQ
Finish questions
Still wondering about something? Email us, or use the form and we will get back to you within 4 business hours.
service@tricityconcretesealing.caWhat is the difference between matte, semi-gloss and gloss finishes?
All three use the same high-quality solvent-based sealer; the difference is the sheen. Matte keeps a natural look with no reflection, semi-gloss adds a satin sheen and strong colour enhancement, and gloss gives a wet look with the deepest colour. Semi-gloss is our most popular choice for stamped concrete.
Why do you use solvent-based sealers instead of water-based?
Solvent-based acrylic sealers penetrate deeper, enhance colour more, and re-emulsify previous solvent-based coats so recoats bond seamlessly with no peeling layers. They also hold up better against road salt, UV and hot tires through Ontario winters and summers.
Can you make a sealed surface less slippery?
Yes. We can add a non-slip additive to any finish, which is standard for pool decks, steps and sloped walkways. It does not change the look of the finish.
Does a matte sealer still protect against salt and stains?
Yes. Sheen is purely cosmetic. Our matte finish uses the same high-quality solvent-based acrylic as the gloss version, so salt, oil and water resistance are the same.
Why is semi-gloss the most popular finish?
It enhances colour almost as much as gloss while hiding dust, pollen and light wear better, so it looks good for longer between reseals.
Is a gloss sealer slippery?
It can be when wet, especially on smooth stamped patterns. We add a non-slip additive on pool decks, steps and anywhere you ask for it, with no change to the look.
Get in touch
Request your free quote
Tell us about the surface and we will be back within 4 business hours to book a free site assessment. Photos help: send a couple of shots of the driveway or patio and we can often quote from those.
service@tricityconcretesealing.ca
Service area
London · Woodstock · Brantford · St. Thomas · Stratford · Ingersoll · Tillsonburg · more
Hours
Mon – Fri · 8 AM – 5 PM
What happens next
We confirm the surface and square footage, recommend a finish, and send a written quote with the 5-year warranty terms. No deposit is needed to get a quote.