The base is the second decision when choosing a sealer - after the finish and before the state of the substrate. It does not split products into "weaker" and "stronger", but into two ways of working, each with its own conditions.
In short
Water-based: less odour, simpler work.
Usually the choice for doing it yourself, indoors, and anywhere airflow is hard to arrange.
Solvent-based: needs a dry substrate and ventilation.
It usually has a narrower application temperature range.
The base does not decide the finish.
Invisible and wet look exist in both.
Tools and clean-up differ.
Water after a water-based product; after a solvent-based one, the solvent its manufacturer names.
What actually changes on the job
The biggest difference is organisational rather than chemical. A solvent-based preparation needs airflow and an unconditionally dry substrate - which means the weather stops being background and becomes part of the plan. A water-based one is more forgiving here, though it too has a set maximum substrate humidity.
The second difference is odour. In a garage, on an enclosed patio, and anywhere air exchange is poor, that can be the deciding argument - whatever the preparation's other parameters.
The two bases side by side
| Criterion | Water-based | Solvent-based |
|---|---|---|
| Odour while working | Milder | Pronounced - airflow needed |
| What it asks of the substrate | Dry surface, humidity per the sheet | Substrate unconditionally dry |
| Temperature window | Usually wider | Usually narrower - check the sheet |
| Cleaning tools | Usually water | The solvent the manufacturer names |
| Finishes available | Invisible, wet look, colouring | Invisible, wet look, colouring |
Water-based sealers
Milder odour and simpler work - an excellent choice wherever airflow is limited.
StandardSandstone wall and facade sealer VP-1 CTS Chemistry
45,40 zł
36,18 zł/L
StandardClay and concrete roof tile sealer VD-1 CTS Chemistry
45,51 zł
39,36 zł/L
StandardBrick and engineering brick sealer VC-1 CTS Chemistry
42,50 zł
33,90 zł/L
StandardSplit-face concrete block sealer VBe-1 CTS Chemistry
42,71 zł
30,00 zł/L≈ 3,75 zł/m²
StandardConcrete wall sealer, wet look VB-2 CTS Chemistry
45,01 zł
35,90 zł/L
StandardConcrete wall sealer, invisible finish VB-1 CTS Chemistry
31,89 zł
25,80 zł/L
Solvent-based sealers
For work on an unconditionally dry substrate with good airflow - check the temperature window before you buy.
PremiumTravertine sealer, wet look ST-2 CTS Chemistry
121,70 zł
121,70 zł/L≈ 6,09 zł/m²
PremiumTravertine sealer, invisible finish ST-1 CTS Chemistry
61,40 zł
61,40 zł/L≈ 3,07 zł/m²
PremiumMarble sealer, wet look SM-2 CTS Chemistry
121,70 zł
121,70 zł/L≈ 6,09 zł/m²
PremiumMarble sealer, invisible finish SM-1 CTS Chemistry
61,40 zł
61,40 zł/L≈ 3,07 zł/m²
PremiumSolvent-based block paving sealer, wet look SK-2 CTS Chemistry
60,27 zł
54,12 zł/L≈ 7,22 zł/m²
PremiumPolished granite sealer, wet look SG-2 CTS Chemistry
121,70 zł
121,70 zł/L≈ 6,09 zł/m²
Examples from the range
For block paving, the solvent-based Eksil EH-14 does an excellent job, and for stone and facades, the water-based EH-21. For low-absorbency stone, the water-based ProtectGuard MG Eco is a great choice.
In the shop the base filter narrows the list: water-based and solvent-based.
Common questions
Is a water-based sealer weaker?
No - "strength" is not a parameter that describes a sealer. The differences between individual preparations are often larger than between the bases, so compare penetration depth, the number of coats and coverage.
Can one be applied over the other?
Only if the new preparation's specification allows it. If the surface has been sealed before, write to us with the name of the previous preparation - we will pick the next one.
Which is better in a garage?
Usually water-based. In an enclosed space the first criterion is ventilation, and where airflow is poor a water-based product is more comfortable to work with. Check the ventilation requirements in the technical data of the product you choose.
Does the base affect how it looks once dry?
No - appearance depends on the finish you choose: invisible, wet look or colouring. Both bases come in all three.
