Here is clear example of how sealing pays. A typical 1,500-square-foot wash might bring in about $225. Add sealing to that same job and you could charge about $1,275. After paying for materials, that sealing job might leave about $940 in profit instead of $225. In other words, spending an additional hour or two on a job can increase your profit by a large amount — often multiple times what you would earn from washing alone.

Sealing also creates steady income. Surfaces need to be resealed from time to time, which means you can sell maintenance plans. For example, two maintenance visits at a fixed price can quickly add predictable revenue. These planned repeat jobs help fill slow months and make your business income more stable than relying only on one-time washes.

Another big advantage: Sealing is often minimal work for maximum profit. Once the surface is cleaned and prepped, many sealers go on quickly. The cost of materials is usually small compared to what customers will pay for protection and a finished look. That gives you high margins — more money for the same truck trip.

Offering sealing also changes how customers see your business. You stop being “the people who clean” and become “the people who protect and improve surfaces.” This helps you focus on customers who care about long-term results and are willing to pay for quality, instead of those shopping only for the cheapest option.

There are different kinds of sealers — some form a thin protective film and give shine, while others penetrate the surface and enhance natural color. These options let you handle driveways, patios, pavers, concrete, stamped concrete, and more with the right product for each job.

Do the prep right. Proper surface preparation and correct application are the keys to long-lasting results. Skipping prep or rushing the job can lead to failures, rework, and unhappy customers. Learn the right steps for cleaning, allowing for dry time, and temperatures for applying sealer so your work lasts and customers keep calling back for maintenance.

In short, sealing turns cleaning visits into higher-value jobs, builds recurring income through maintenance plans, and often requires only a little extra time for a much bigger return. It’s a practical way to grow profit and make your pressure-washing business more reliable. Need help navigating adding sealing to your business? Give us a call we are here to help 800-500-deco (3326).

Concrete needs to breathe.

Even after concrete dries and hardens, it still has tiny pores and spaces inside it. These small openings allow moisture to move through the concrete. Because of this, sealing concrete the wrong way can cause problems.

That is why many contractors and builders rely on breathable sealers like Deco 20 Clear Penetrating Sealer, which protect the surface while still allowing moisture vapor to escape.

Understanding how concrete works is important for anyone in the construction and building industry. Choosing the right sealer can make the difference between long-term protection and early coating failure.

Concrete Is Full of Tiny Pores

Concrete may look solid, but it actually contains thousands of tiny pores. These pores form when the concrete cures and hardens.

Through these pores, moisture can move through the slab. Water vapor from the ground can slowly rise upward, and the concrete releases that vapor into the air.

This movement is called vapor transmission.

Even when a concrete surface looks dry, moisture may still be moving through it. This is completely normal and part of how concrete behaves.

Because of this, concrete needs protection that works with the material, not against it.

What Happens When Concrete Cannot Breathe?

If a heavy coating blocks moisture from escaping, problems can develop under the surface.

When moisture vapor becomes trapped, pressure builds beneath the coating. Over time, that pressure can cause the sealer to fail.

Common problems include hazing, bubbling, and peeling of the coating. In some cases, white mineral deposits known as efflorescence may appear.

These failures are not always caused by the product itself. Often they happen because the coating does not allow the concrete to release moisture naturally.

What Makes a Sealer Breathable?

Breathable sealers work differently than thick surface coatings.

Instead of forming a heavy film on top of the concrete, penetrating sealers soak into the pores of the surface. Once inside the concrete, they create protection from within.

This helps the surface resist water and stains while still allowing moisture vapor to move through the slab.

Products like Deco 20 Clear Penetrating Sealer are designed with this balance in mind—protecting the concrete while allowing it to function the way it was designed.

Why Breathability Matters in Construction

In the construction and building industry, long-term durability matters. When concrete coatings fail, repairs can be expensive and time-consuming.

Trapped moisture can force contractors to strip coatings, reprepare surfaces, and reseal the concrete. This adds labor costs and delays to projects.

Breathable sealers help reduce these risks by allowing moisture vapor to escape while still protecting the surface from outside water intrusion.

For builders, contractors, and applicators, this can mean better performance and longer-lasting protection.

A Smarter Approach to Concrete Protection

Concrete is constantly interacting with its environment. Moisture moves through the slab as temperatures, humidity, and ground conditions change.

The best sealing systems recognize this natural process.

By allowing vapor to escape while protecting the surface from water penetration, breathable sealers provide a more balanced approach to concrete protection.

When the right sealer is used, the concrete can continue to perform as it was designed while staying protected from damage.

Partner With a Manufacturer Who Understands Concrete

For more than 30 years, Deco Products has worked with contractors, applicators, and builders to develop sealing systems designed for real-world conditions. Our breathable concrete sealers are engineered to protect surfaces while allowing moisture vapor to escape—helping reduce coating failures and improve long-term performance.

If you are looking to add concrete or paver sealing to your service offerings, or if you want to learn more about breathable waterproofing systems, the team at Deco Products is here to help.

We provide manufacturer support, product guidance, and free training to help contractors apply our products with confidence.

Learn more about our sealing systems and training opportunities by call us at 800-500-DECO (3326) and see how the right breathable sealer can make a difference on your next project.

At Deco Products, being a pioneer has never been about chasing trends. It has always been about solving real problems in the field and making sealing easier, more consistent, and more reliable for applicators at every level.

Long before simplicity became a selling point, we recognized that the sealing industry needed a better system—one that reduced mistakes, saved time, and delivered consistent results no matter who was holding the sprayer. That vision led us to develop single-component decorative sealers designed to work together or stand alone with confidence, creating a sealing process that benefits both new applicators and seasoned professionals.

What Is a Single-Component Decorative Sealer?

Single-component means exactly what it sounds like: one product, ready to use. There is no measuring, no mixing, and no racing against the clock before the product hardens in the bucket. You open it, stir it, and apply.

While that may sound simple, that simplicity is what creates reliability in real-world applications. When products are easy to use correctly, the margin for error is reduced. This is especially important for contractors who are learning the trade or expanding their crews and want a dependable system they can trust job after job.

Eliminating the Risk: Consistency Across Your Crew

In many companies, the owner or lead technician is not the one applying sealer on every project. As businesses grow, sealing is often handled by trained technicians or crew members who may still be gaining experience.

Two-part sealers depend heavily on proper mixing ratios, timing, temperature, and pot life awareness. One small mistake can lead to uneven shine, premature failure, or an entire bucket of product being wasted.

Single-component sealers eliminate that risk. Every bucket performs the same way from start to finish, which means results are repeatable no matter who is applying the product. That consistency protects the applicator, the company’s reputation, and the customer’s investment.

Maximum Efficiency: Reduce Waste and Save Money

Another major advantage of single-component sealers is the lack of shelf life after opening. With traditional two-part systems, once the product is mixed, any unused material must be discarded. This often leads to unnecessary waste, especially on smaller jobs or partial applications.

With Deco’s single-component sealers, applicators can use what they need, reseal the bucket, and return to it days, weeks, or even a month later. This flexibility allows contractors to manage inventory more efficiently, reduce material loss, and ultimately save money. It also makes estimating easier and more accurate, without padding jobs to account for wasted product.

A Flexible System Built for Applicators

Where Deco truly stands apart is in how our products are designed to work together. Our single-component decorative sealers are engineered as a system that can be used independently, layered on top of one another for added shine, or even mixed together without creating shelf-life issues.

This flexibility gives applicators options without uncertainty. Instead of worrying about compatibility or performance, contractors can focus on achieving the look their customer wants. Whether that means subtle enhancement, additional gloss, or building depth through layering on top of one another for added shine, like SilaCast BES and TravaCast or already mixed in our Shine-a-Cast the system works with you—not against you.

For newer applicators, this kind of system shortens the learning curve and builds confidence. For experienced professionals, it delivers long-term consistency, fewer callbacks, and results they can stand behind year after year.

Raising the Standard for the Industry

Being the pioneer of single-component decorative sealers is not just something we are proud of—it is a responsibility we take seriously. When sealing is easier to do correctly, projects last longer, customers are happier, and applicators build stronger reputations. That raises the standard for the entire industry.

At Deco Products, we remain committed to creating systems that save time, reduce waste, and deliver consistent, professional results. Our goal has always been to make sealing approachable for those just starting out, while still meeting the expectations of seasoned professionals who demand performance and reliability.

Ready to Simplify Your Sealing Process?

Whether you are new to sealing or looking for a more consistent decorative sealer system, Deco Products is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our single-component sealers, training opportunities, and how our products can help you grow your business with confidence.

The Landscape Ontario Congress 2026 marked an important milestone for Deco Products as we officially introduced our decorative sealer line to the Canadian market. Held at the Toronto Congress Centre, this premier industry event brought together applicators, distributors, sales representatives, and landscape professionals from across Canada — making it the perfect stage to begin building awareness and relationships north of the border.

For Deco Products, Congress was not about unveiling something new — it was about introducing who we are, what we stand for, and how our decorative sealers can support Canadian professionals with reliable, consistent, and high-quality solutions. With plans to manufacture our decorative sealers in Canada, the conversations we had at this event were especially meaningful as we laid the foundation for long-term growth in the region.

A Strong First Impression in a New Market

The Landscape Ontario Congress is known for its energy, scale, and influence within the green industry. Over the course of the event, Deco Products had the opportunity to engage directly with professionals who are actively shaping the future of landscaping, hardscaping, and surface protection throughout Canada.

While entering a new market takes time, the response we received confirmed that there is real interest and curiosity around Deco Products and our approach to decorative sealing.

As Joy Miller from our Canadian team shared:

“I would rate the experience business-wise as SUCCESSFUL. Getting the word out on a brand new product in Canada will take time. But from the response that I was receiving from applicators, distributors, and sales reps, we have gained positive interest in Deco Products.”

Those early conversations are exactly what events like Congress are designed for — open dialogue, education, and relationship building.

Excitement That Fuels What’s Next

One of the most encouraging takeaways from the event was the level of enthusiasm coming from attendees. Introducing Deco’s decorative sealers to Canada sparked genuine interest, thoughtful questions, and excitement about what local manufacturing will mean for availability, support, and consistency.

Joy summed it up best:

“It is exciting to see potential buyers’ excitement!”

That excitement reinforces our belief that Canadian applicators and distributors are looking for dependable, well-supported products — and that Deco Products is well positioned to meet that need.

Building the Future, One Conversation at a Time

Landscape Ontario Congress 2026 was an important first step in Deco Products’ Canadian journey. While awareness doesn’t happen overnight, the positive reception and engagement at this event provided a strong foundation to build on.

We’re grateful to everyone who stopped by, asked questions, and took the time to learn more about Deco Products. As we continue to expand our presence and manufacture decorative sealers in Canada, we look forward to strengthening these connections and supporting the Canadian market for years to come.

For professional applicators, selecting the correct sealer is about delivering a finished product that satisfies the customer and stands the test of time. The two primary categories professional applicators encounter are penetrating sealers and film-forming sealers. Understanding the technical differences between these two options is critical for ensuring longevity, durability, and the desired aesthetic for every project. At Deco Products, Inc., we provide the high-quality, American-made solutions you need to get the job done right.

Understanding the Difference Between Penetrating and Film-Forming Sealers

While both types of sealers aim to protect concrete and masonry, they do so through different mechanisms. Knowing the science behind the application will help you explain the benefits to your clients.

What is a Penetrating Sealer?

A penetrating sealer is designed to absorb deep into the pores of the concrete or masonry substrate. Instead of sitting on top, it chemically reacts within the capillaries of the material. This reaction creates a hydrophobic barrier that repels water and salts from within. Because it works below the surface, a penetrating sealer typically does not change the appearance or texture of the concrete. However, our SilaCast BES is a penetrating sealer that does offer an enhancement. Deco 20 Clear is another penetrating sealer, but this one leaves a natural, matte finish that allows the concrete to “breathe,” allowing moisture vapor to escape while preventing liquid water from entering.

What is a Film-Forming Sealer?

A film-forming sealer forms a protective layer on the substrate surface. This “film” acts as a barrier against water, stains, and abrasion. In the broader industry, these sealers are often used to enhance color or add sheen. However, high-gloss finishes can often look plastic or artificial.

At Deco Products, Inc., our formulations protect the surface while maintaining a natural, professional look, without the high-gloss shine that can become slippery or unsightly over time.

Ideal Applications for Each Sealer Type

Choosing the right sealer depends heavily on the surface material and how the area will be used.

• Driveways, Sidewalks, and Parking Decks: For high-traffic areas exposed to freeze-thaw cycles and de-icing salts, a penetrating sealer like our Salt Shield 303 is often the superior choice. It provides deep protection without altering surface friction, meaning the surface will not become slippery when wet.
• Decorative Stamped Concrete: Film-forming sealers like TravaCast are frequently used here to protect the textured surface from wear and tear.
• Natural Stone and Brick: These porous materials benefit greatly from penetrating sealers, which preserve the natural look of the stone while preventing efflorescence and water damage. We highly recommend our SilaCast BES for these material types.

Benefits and Limitations of Penetrating vs. Film-Forming Sealers

When consulting with property owners, it helps to weigh the pros and cons of each type.

Penetrating Sealers:

• Longevity: Since they are protected inside the concrete, they last much longer and do not peel, flake, or wear away like a topical coating.
• Maintenance: They require very little maintenance once applied.
• Aesthetics: Penetrating sealers provide an invisible shield, maintaining the original look of the substrate.

Film-Forming Sealers:

• Protection: Film-forming sealers offer a sacrificial layer that takes the brunt of physical wear and stains.
• Maintenance: Because the layer is on top, it will eventually wear down due to traffic and UV exposure, requiring re-application sooner than a penetrating sealer.
• Aesthetics: These are ideal when the goal is to create a barrier against surface stains, grease, or oil.

Choose the Right Deco Products Sealer for Your Project

At Deco Products, Inc., we have been manufacturing environmentally safe sealers since 1991. We are dedicated to helping our partners save time and make money by offering products that are easy to apply and proven to work.

For superior penetrating protection, our Deco 20 Clear is an industry standard. It creates an internal dam against water intrusion and is ideal for waterproofing concrete foundations, driveways, and masonry. It dries clear with a matte finish, ensuring the natural beauty of the concrete remains intact.

If your project involves decorative concrete or pavers, our line of decorative sealers offers the protection you need without the maintenance headaches of high-gloss coatings. We focus on matte finishes that protect the substrate while looking natural.

Our goal is to provide applicators with quality products and free training to ensure superior results. Whether you are sealing a massive commercial deck or a residential patio, we have the solution.

Ready to upgrade your product line? Contact Deco Products, Inc. today to learn more about our sealers or to find a distributor near you.

A concrete surface that exhibits visible discolored patches or variations in light and dark tones after sealing can be unattractive. Fortunately, this issue is fixable. Learn from the experts at Deco Products about the reasons why blotchy concrete happens,  and the steps you can take to fix it.

Why Concrete Sealer Becomes Blotchy

Concrete sealer blotchiness can occur when insufficient sealer is applied to the concrete surface. A good rule of thumb to avoid this particular issue is to remember that the amount of sealer required depends on whether the concrete has a rough or smooth surface. Different surface textures have varying absorption rates that will alter the amount of concrete sealer needed.

At a microscopic level, a concrete surface can never be perfectly smooth. There will always be low-lying areas or valleys throughout the surface. However, the smoother the finish, the fewer these minuscule flaws will exist. When insufficient sealer is applied, these low-lying areas do not receive adequate coverage, and the raised areas are not properly protected, resulting in a splotchy appearance on the concrete surface.

Additionally, a concrete surfaces have varying degrees of porosity. Some areas are more likely to absorb water and salts than others. If these areas don’t receive an adequate amount of sealer, the water and salts can bond with the cement, causing the stain to appear more quickly, resulting in a blotchy appearance. 

How to Correct Blotchy Sealer 

If the blotchy areas don’t appear to be chemically induced stains, such as those caused by water or salts, apply additional light coats of sealer over them to ensure the entire concrete surface is uniformly covered. To remove chemically-induced stains from inadequately sealed portions of a concrete surface, follow these steps: 

1. Sweep the surface of all dirt and debris.
2. Clean water stains by pressure washing. Minor surface stains, such as water stains, do not alter the concrete chemically, are usually not permanent, and are easier to clean.
3. Clean salt stains. Salts do react chemically with the hydrated lime or calcium hydroxide in concrete and may require a cleaning solution recipe of one cup of vinegar and a squirt of dish soap to every gallon of warm water.
4. Clean grease and oil stains with concrete cleaner or degreasers that will eliminate tougher stains. 
5. After cleaning, make sure the surface is thoroughly dried.

At this point, apply thin coats of sealer to the previously stained areas to better protect them from erosion and staining.

Other Issues that Can Diminish the Appearance of Concrete Sealer

• Cloudy Concrete Sealer: When a sealer appears cloudy, it means that the sealer may not have adhered properly, possibly due to being applied to a dirty, stained, or wet surface. In this case, the sealer can be chemically stripped from the affected areas and reapplied. Before reapplying more sealer, clean and dry the area thoroughly, then apply the sealer in thin, even coats.
• Sticky or tacky concrete sealer: Concrete sealer that remains sticky or tacky is another common concern experienced by applicators. Sticky concrete sealer can indicate that the sealer didn’t have a chance to cure properly, either because too much sealer was applied or it was applied in a low-temperature or high-humidity environment. There are solvents available that can reactivate the sealer and aid in its curing process. However, if this doesn’t work, the sealer will have to be stripped and reapplied. Just make sure not to reapply the sealer under the same conditions.

Quality Concrete Sealer Made in the USA 

Applicators in the United States, and now Canada, rely on us for both quality concrete sealer products and the expertise to apply them for optimal results. For effective and efficient concrete sealing, utilize our industry-leading sealants. Contact us to learn more about our multi-purpose products and how to apply them when preparing for your next concrete sealing project.