What to Look for in the Best Interior and Exterior Concrete Sealer

A Closer Look at Portland-Limestone Cement
and the Questions It Raises

In the race toward reducing carbon emissions and building a more sustainable future, the construction industry has placed significant emphasis on material innovation. One of the most talked-about shifts in recent years is the rise of 1L concrete, also known as Type 1L Portland-limestone cement (PLC). While its environmental intentions are clear, the execution and field performance of this material have sparked deep concerns among contractors, finishers, and construction professionals across the country.

What Is 1L Concrete?

1L concrete is a blended cement product made by intergrinding Portland cement clinker with up to 15% finely ground limestone. It falls under ASTM C595 and was promoted as a more sustainable option than traditional Type I or Type II cement, with a claimed reduction in embodied carbon of about 10%.
This transition is part of a broader movement toward lowering the construction industry’s carbon footprint. However, for many professionals working in the field every day, the reality of 1L’s performance has not aligned with its promise.

Why the Push—And Why the Pushback?

Advocates of 1L cement cite decades of successful use in Europe and a growing need for climate-conscious practices. Major producers in the U.S. began shifting almost entirely to Type 1L in 2022 and 2023, often with little consultation or consideration for the practical realities faced by contractors and specialty finishers.
This sudden change, often framed as a “drop-in replacement,” has led to a number of serious challenges:
Surface Defects & Finish Failures
Many contractors have reported inconsistent finish quality, scaling, dusting, and difficulty achieving color uniformity in decorative and exposed applications. In some cases, these issues have led to litigation over failed installations.

Lack of Field Testing & Support

Although some densifiers and admixtures are being promoted as compatible with 1L, most have not undergone sufficient independent testing to ensure reliable long-term performance. Contractors are left to troubleshoot on their own, often at their own expense.

Distrust from the Field

For many in the construction world, especially those working on architectural concrete, decorative finishes, or high-performance surfaces, the lack of transparency and technical support has created a deep sense of frustration and mistrust.

What Industry Experts Are Saying

While many material producers remain committed to 1L cement, an increasing number of contractors, specifiers, and consultants are raising red flags. Some are now avoiding 1L altogether in high-exposure projects or are specifying additional treatments, sealers, or surface hardeners to compensate for performance issues.
Yet even these remedies come with asterisks: most haven’t been thoroughly tested alongside 1L, and results vary based on climate, substrate, and finishing practices. While some contractors are beginning to find combinations that work, there is no universally endorsed solution at this time.

Proceeding with Caution

There’s no question that sustainability is an urgent priority—but true sustainability must also account for durability, performance, and constructability. When cement fails in the field, the environmental impact of replacement materials and labor far outweighs any initial carbon savings.
As the industry continues to explore lower-carbon alternatives, many experts are calling for a more thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive approach—one that includes rigorous testing, real-world data, and support for the contractors on the front lines of implementation.

The Bottom Line

1L concrete may represent a step toward sustainability, but for now, it’s a step that should be taken with full awareness of its limitations. The current landscape demands caution, continued evaluation, and an honest dialogue between producers and practitioners.
Until field data improves and manufacturers take stronger accountability for performance, the use of 1L cement should be considered on a case-by-case basis, especially in projects where finish quality, color uniformity, or long-term durability are critical.

Whether you’re applying an overlay on a concrete surface as a do-it-yourself project or hiring a professional installer for the job, using the best interior or exterior concrete sealer is essential. The concrete sealer accomplishes several goals. For one thing, it can deepen the color to some decorative concrete products. Also, it acts as a protective barrier against stains, impact, abrasion, and other potential damage.

To start, you want to consider interior and exterior sealers formulated for a specific purpose. As an example, if you operate a daycare in your basement, the sealant must withstand a great deal of daily use and abuse. Along with little feet scurrying about with toys, cribs, food, beverages, and so on. The same is true for a driveway. With both foot and vehicle traffic, as well as leaked oil and other vehicle fluids, you need a concrete sealer that can hold up.

Interior Concrete Sealer

Interior Concrete Sealer

Concrete Sealer in Car Dealership

Concrete Sealer in Car Dealership

When you are looking at the best interior and exterior sealers, you will discover that some are clear and others can be tinted or colored. Based on the look that you want for the concrete surface, you would choose accordingly. For instance, if you have a gold marbled acid-stained concrete floor in your kitchen that you love, then you would go with a clear sealer. In comparison, if the floor is in good condition but the color has started to fade, you can rejuvenate it with a colored sealer.

The two most popular interior and exterior sealers include polyurethane and epoxy. Polyurethane is harder than acrylic sealers. Because of that, it can handle a lot while still being easy to maintain. This sealer protects designs and prevents color from fading. Epoxy sealers create a thicker film, making them perfect for residential and commercial garages, car dealership showrooms, hotel lobbies, and other high-traffic areas. When finished and sealed correctly, the floors should have a uniform tinted color along with excellent protection.

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