Concrete sealers are an important protective coating used to shield concrete surfaces from damage caused by water, salts, oils, chemicals and normal wear. Two popular concrete sealers on the market are Siloxa-Tek 8505 and 8510 made by Ghostshield.
But what’s the difference between these two products and which one is better?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Siloxa-Tek 8505 and 8510 side-by-side looking at performance, application, durability and cost to help you decide which concrete sealer is the right choice for your project.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Siloxa-Tek 8505 | Siloxa-Tek 8510 |
| Oil Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Dry Time | 90 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Penetration | Good on normal concrete | Better on dense/polished concrete |
| VOC Content | <250 g/L | 340 g/L |
Overview of Siloxa-Tek 8505 and 8510
Siloxa-Tek 8505 and 8510 are both penetrating concrete sealers made by Ghostshield, a leading manufacturer of high-quality concrete and masonry coatings.
The Siloxa-Tek line features a proprietary siloxane formula designed to provide superior protection for a wide range of concrete surfaces.
Both 8505 and 8510 sealers work by chemically reacting with the concrete to provide a durable water-repellent barrier that prevents moisture and salt penetration.
They leave a natural matte finish and won’t alter the appearance of the concrete.
The main differences between 8505 and 8510 are:
- Oil resistance – 8510 has enhanced oil repellency compared to 8505. It provides a stain-resistant barrier against motor oil, cooking oil and other contaminants.
- Dry time – 8510 dries more quickly than 8505. 8510 only requires 60 minutes dry time versus 90 minutes for 8505.
- VOC content – 8505 has a lower VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) content than 8510. 8505 contains under 250 g/L VOCs versus 340 g/L for 8510.
- ** penetration** – 8510 provides slightly better penetration on dense concrete.
Both products are water-based, low odor and easy to apply. Now let’s look at each sealer in more detail.
Siloxa-Tek 8505 Concrete Sealer
Siloxa-Tek 8505 is a economical silane/siloxane blend sealer designed for a wide variety of concrete surfaces. It provides excellent protection against water and salt damage while enhancing stain resistance.
Here are the key features and benefits of Siloxa-Tek 8505:
- Penetrating formula chemically bonds with concrete for long-lasting protection
- Creates a water and chloride ion repellent barrier to resist freeze/thaw damage
- Protects against deicing salts, moisture and weathering to prevent spalling and scaling
- Enhances resistance to oils, chemicals, acids and other contaminants
- Allows surface to breathe – won’t trap moisture or efflorescence
- UV stable – non-yellowing formula retains clarity
- Low odor water-based formula is VOC compliant
- Easy soap and water cleanup
Siloxa-Tek 8505 is ideal for sealing exterior concrete surfaces such as driveways, garage floors, patios, walkways and steps. It can also be used on interior concrete floors and walls. 8505 is not recommended for polished, dense or non-porous surfaces.
8505 produces a natural matte finish that won’t alter the appearance of bare concrete. It soaks into the pores to provide invisible protection without leaving a shiny coating or surface film.
For application, 8505 requires a 90 minute dry time before opening the surface to foot traffic. Two coats are recommended for optimal protection, with a 2 hour recoat time between coats.
With proper application, Siloxa-Tek 8505 will provide 5+ years of protection for concrete surfaces. It’s an economical and easy-to-use concrete sealer suitable for residential to light commercial projects.
Siloxa-Tek 8510 Concrete Sealer
Siloxa-Tek 8510 is a premium-grade concrete sealer designed to provide maximum protection, especially on polished, dense or older concrete. It has enhanced oil repellency plus faster drying compared to 8505.
Here are the key features of Siloxa-Tek 8510:
- Provides superior penetration on dense or polished concrete
- Creates an oil-resistant barrier that prevents stains from oils, grease and food spills
- Dries quickly in 1 hour – significantly faster than 8505
- Water-based formula with low VOCs is compliant in all areas
- Prevents salt and chloride ion penetration to resist surface damage
- UV stable – won’t yellow, crack or peel for long-lasting protection
- Allows surface to naturally breathe while repelling liquid
- Easy to apply low-pressure sprayer
Siloxa-Tek 8510 is ideal for sealing and protecting polished concrete, garage floors, warehouses, commercial kitchens and other areas prone to oil exposure. The enhanced oil repellency provides protection against gasoline, motor oils, cooking oils, hydraulic fluids and more.
It leaves a natural matte finish on concrete that won’t alter slip resistance or appearance. 8510 soaks into the concrete surface rather than leaving a coating.
Application is easy with a hand pump sprayer. 8510 dries within 60 minutes between coats. Two coats are recommended for maximum protection and durability of 5+ years.
Siloxa-Tek 8510 does carry a slightly higher price tag than 8505. But for concrete surfaces with high oil exposure or very dense/polished concrete, the superior performance of 8510 makes it well worth the extra cost.
How to Apply Siloxa-Tek Concrete Sealers?
Both 8505 and 8510 have similar application procedures. They are low-pressure spray applied using a hand pump garden sprayer. For optimal results, make sure to follow these application tips:
- Surface must be clean, dry and absorbent
- Remove any previous coatings or adhesives
- Repair cracks, spalls and other defects
- Acid etch surface if necessary to open pores
- Allow newly poured concrete to cure for 28 days
- Shake or stir sealer well before and during use
- Apply in temperatures between 40-90°F
- Apply first coat at 200 sq.ft. per gallon
- Allow to dry for 60-90 minutes between coats
- Apply second coat perpendicular to first coat
- Avoid puddling – wipe up excess sealer
- Allow 24 hours for full cure before opening to traffic
Be sure to read the full application instructions on the product datasheet before use. Proper preparation and application is crucial to achieve the best performance from these sealers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Siloxa-Tek 8510 dries quickly within 60 minutes between coats. It achieves full cure in 24 hours after the final coat before opening the surface to regular use.
Siloxa-Tek 8510 is one of the best concrete sealers for oil resistance on driveways and garage floors. The silane/siloxane formula provides a durable stain-resistant barrier that repels motor oils, cooking oils and other contaminants.
Siloxa-Tek 8510 provides better oil repellency and faster drying compared to 8505. However, 8505 has a lower VOC content and costs less. For normal concrete, 8505 is a great economical choice. But for surfaces prone to oil exposure or very dense concrete, 8510 is worth the extra cost for maximum protection.
With proper surface prep and application of two coats, Siloxa-Tek 8505 and 8510 can both provide 5+ years of effective protection for concrete surfaces. Reapplication may be needed sooner in harsh environments or high-traffic areas.
Conclusion
When choosing between Siloxa-Tek 8505 and 8510 sealers, consider the oil exposure level and concrete texture. For normal concrete, 8505 provides excellent protection at a lower cost.
For polished, dense or older concrete, or surfaces prone to oil spills, 8510 is the best choice for maximum protection and durability.
Both products provide high-quality protection against moisture, salt and weathering damage. With two coats and proper application, Siloxa-Tek sealers will provide long-lasting performance keeping concrete surfaces looking great for years.
Let us know if you have any other questions!