Water-Based Sealer VS. Solvent-Based Sealer

Understanding the differences of water-based vs solvent-based sealers is crucial in delivering a quality service, and having the knowledge to provide guidance to your customers. Both sealers are film-forming and can provide significant visual enhancements, as well as protection. As a quick reference, due to the advancements of water-based sealers, the performance of the two is pretty similar therefore we always recommend water based.

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Additional Consideration: There are a massive variety of sealers, with greatly varying looks and performance, this article is by no means a one size fits all.

Key Differences

VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)

VOCs are chemicals that are found in solvent-based sealers, which are released into the air, and are toxic. Most solvent-based sealers have high VOC levels, making them unsafe to breathe, and harmful environmentally. You will need to take higher precautions during application, and will need a respirator.

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Water-based sealers have very low VOC levels, making them a lot safer to handle.

Enhancement

Before the advancements of water-based sealers, solvent was the only way to get that extra glossy look / color enhancement. This is now possible with both.

Breathability

This is a huge one, solvent-based sealers are not breathable, which means if any moisture gets underneath your film, it will start to turn milky and you will be able to see the condensation. You will need to strip and reseal this as it happens over time, and there is a very high chance this can happen during your first seal.

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Water-based sealers are penetrating, and can breathe. This saves a lot of time and money on call backs/ mistakes, and gives you a lot more grace during the sealing process.

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