Solvent-based acrylic sealers for concrete have been used for many years and are considered by many to be the performance standard for sealers. The primary drawback to these solvent-based sealers is that they are very high in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and industry regulations are driving sealer manufacturers to evaluate low-VOC water-based alternatives. Because the film formation mechanisms are different, there are differences in performance between most water-based and solvent-based sealers, however. Despite the differences in film formation, novel technology in polymers for water-based sealers gives an improved balance of properties that is commercially acceptable for today’s concrete sealers. The new type of polymer is compared to conventional concrete sealers for key performance properties.