Sealers

Sealers protect and enhance interior surfaces by creating a clear, durable barrier over paint, stains, and bare substrates. A good interior sealer locks in color, resists moisture, blocks stains, improves adhesion for topcoats, and leaves a smooth, washable finish. Use a wood sealer on floors, cabinets, doors, trim, furniture, and butcher block; choose a concrete sealer for basements and utility rooms; seal masonry, grout, and drywall repairs to stabilize porous surfaces and reduce blotching.

Choose the chemistry that fits your project. Water-based acrylic and polyurethane sealers deliver fast dry times, low odor, and non-yellowing clarity. Oil-based polyurethane offers deep warmth and high abrasion resistance. Shellac-based sealer is a strong stain blocker for knots, water marks, and smoke damage. Penetrating interior sealers minimize raised grain and preserve a natural look, while clear coats in matte, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss let you fine-tune sheen and reflectivity. Many interior sealers are low-VOC, fast-drying, and scrubbable, helping busy spaces stay clean.

Match performance to location for the best results. For high-traffic wood floors, a polyurethane floor sealer delivers long-lasting scratch and scuff protection. For cabinets, doors, and trim, a water-based polyurethane or acrylic clear coat keeps whites bright and resists yellowing. For furniture, a wipe-on finish provides easy, even coverage. For interior concrete, pick an acrylic or epoxy-fortified sealer that resists hot tire pickup and household chemicals. In bathrooms and laundry areas, moisture-resistant sealers guard against swelling and mildew. For resinous or reclaimed wood, a shellac sealer locks in odors and tannins.

Prep is key: clean thoroughly, sand smooth to 180-220 grit, and remove all dust. Apply with a high-quality brush, foam roller, or HVLP sprayer in thin, even coats. Respect recoat and cure times, plan for 250-500 sq ft per gallon, and expect two to three coats for a durable, beautiful protective finish.