Black Diamond Stoneworks Concrete Sealer Clear Penetrating Waterproofing Spray. The Best Most Durable Sealant for Driveways, Cement Patio Pavers, Brick, Stone Or Any Outdoor Hard Surface. Easy, Long-Lasting Natural Look.

Why I reached for this sealer

After a winter of freeze–thaw cycles and a summer of sprinklers, my stamped concrete steps and paver patio were starting to show the telltale signs of moisture getting where it shouldn’t: light efflorescence, a few hairline cracks, and darker wet-out patches that lingered after rain. I wanted a penetrating, water-based sealer that would preserve the natural look, not add gloss, and stand up to de-icing salts. The Black Diamond concrete sealer checked the right boxes on paper, and after several weeks of use and a few weather events, I’m glad I picked it.

What it is—and isn’t

This is a clear, water-based penetrating sealer designed for exterior concrete and masonry: driveways, patios, pavers, brick, grout, stucco, and natural stone. It soaks into the surface, reduces moisture intrusion, and helps head off problems like spalling, cracking, and staining. Because it penetrates instead of forming a film, it doesn’t change traction or leave a glossy topcoat. If you’re looking for a wet-look or a sheen, this isn’t the product for that. If you want the surface to look essentially the same—just better protected—this fits that brief.

It’s low-odor and non-toxic once cured, which matters if you have pets, garden beds, or neighbors close by. Cleanup with soap and water actually works, and I appreciated not dealing with solvent smells or tools that are permanently sticky afterward.

Surface prep and application

The end result is only as good as the prep. I pressure washed my patio and steps, used a mild cleaner on stubborn stains, and let everything dry thoroughly. On older pavers, I swept in polymeric sand, compacted, and swept again until the joints were stable. The goal is to start with a clean, dry, absorbent surface.

A few notes from the application process:

• Shake and mix: There was minor settling in the container. A vigorous shake and a quick stir eliminated it. Don’t skip this.
• Tools: I used a garden pump sprayer for broad coverage and back-rolled with a 3/8-inch nap roller. For edges and verticals, a brush is easier.
• Coats: Multiple light passes beat one heavy coat. I applied a light, even pass, then followed with a second while the first was still tack-free but not completely dry. Avoid puddles—over-application can lead to uneven darkening or wasted product.
• Dry time: It flashed off quickly in warm weather. I was able to complete two passes in the same afternoon and walk on it later without tracking.
• Cleanup: Water and a drop of dish soap cleaned the sprayer, roller, and tray without drama.

On more porous areas (older pavers, unsealed brick), the surface took a bit more product to look evenly saturated. Denser, newer concrete needed less. I didn’t measure coverage rates precisely, but the quart size was perfect for small projects and touch-ups; for a driveway, plan accordingly.

Performance and water repellency

The most immediate proof came with the hose test. Water beaded and sheeted off the treated areas instead of soaking in, and the dark wet-out patches disappeared quickly once the water was gone. After a couple of heavy rains, the steps and patio dried more uniformly, and I saw less residual dampness along joints and edges.

On my front steps, traction felt unchanged—no slickness. That’s a key point for a penetrating sealer and a win in my book, especially on stairs and slopes. On the pavers around my grill, the sealer bought me time with accidental drips; grease didn’t immediately shadow the surface. It’s not a magic force field—if something sits long enough, you can still get a stain—but cleanups were noticeably easier.

As for salt and winter, I tested with a small area exposed to de-icing runoff. So far, I’m not seeing the white salt crust binding to the surface the way it did previously. Long-term protection against spalling is a multi-season story, but the early signs are promising.

Appearance: natural, with subtle enrichment

This sealer dries clear. On my stamped concrete, the color looked essentially the same—maybe a hair richer, like the surface had been washed and allowed to dry. On very porous pavers, I noticed a mild deepening that reads more like color “enrichment” than a gloss. There’s no sheen, no plastic film, and no change to surface texture. That’s exactly what I wanted.

If you prefer a glossy or wet look, you’ll need a different product class (a film-forming acrylic or urethane). This one prioritizes breathability and moisture control over cosmetic sheen.

Where it shines—and where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- Penetrating, breathable protection that doesn’t change traction
- Low odor, genuinely easy water cleanup
- Versatile across concrete, pavers, brick, grout, and stucco
- Solid hydrophobic performance that makes water bead and roll off
- Natural look with minimal darkening on most surfaces

Limitations:
- Not a cure-all for existing damage—fix cracks or delamination first
- Not meant to sit in puddles or form a visible coat; over-application can create uneven spots
- Won’t give a gloss or wet-look enhancement
- On very dense concrete, you may not see dramatic visual cues—the protection is there, but it’s subtle

Durability and maintenance

Penetrating sealers live or die on how well they resist moisture ingress over time. This one is marketed for long service life, with reapplication intervals measured in years. I haven’t owned it long enough to verify the upper end of that claim, but given the behavior I’m seeing after rain and routine hose-downs, I’m confident it will extend the life of my exterior surfaces and reduce maintenance cycles. Realistically, high-traffic areas and horizontal surfaces exposed to UV and de-icing salts will need attention sooner than verticals and shaded spots. The good news is that reapplication is straightforward—clean, dry, and add another light pass.

Tips for best results

• Prep meticulously: Clean, rinse, and let the surface fully dry. Residual moisture can inhibit penetration.
• Test a small area: Especially on natural stone or colored concrete, do a test patch to confirm the look.
• Apply thin, even coats: Two light passes are better than one heavy one. Avoid pooling.
• Mind the weather: Aim for a dry day without high winds or direct midday sun. Moderate temperatures help it penetrate evenly.
• Keep it breathable: Don’t trap moisture by sealing every surface of items that routinely hold water. Allow some path for vapor to escape.
• Maintain realistically: Sweep grit, rinse salts, and spot-clean spills; the sealer makes that easier and extends its own life.

How it compares conceptually

Relative to film-forming sealers, this product sacrifices sheen for breathability and non-slip safety, which I prefer for steps, walkways, and pavers. Versus solvent-based penetrants, the water-based formula is easier to work with, less smelly, and friendlier to landscaping while still offering meaningful water repellency. If you need deep color enhancement or a heavy-duty chemical barrier (say, for automotive bays), there are more specialized options. For residential hardscapes exposed to weather, sprinklers, and occasional spills, the balance here makes sense.

The bottom line

Black Diamond’s concrete sealer delivered exactly what I wanted: a low-odor, easy-to-apply, penetrating treatment that keeps water out without changing how my surfaces look or feel underfoot. Application was uneventful—with the caveat that you should shake the container well and resist the urge to over-apply—and the early performance during rain and routine washing has been consistently good. It’s a sensible, low-drama way to protect driveways, patios, pavers, brick, and similar materials from the issues moisture causes over time.

Recommendation: I recommend this sealer for homeowners and DIYers who want long-lasting, natural-looking protection on exterior concrete and masonry without dealing with solvent fumes or slippery, glossy films. It won’t transform the appearance of your surfaces—and that’s the point. If you’re chasing a wet look or a showroom gloss, look elsewhere. If you value breathable protection, easy application, and safer traction, this is a strong choice that earns a spot on the short list.