Last Updated on May 2, 2025
Are you searching for a high-performance sealer that will protect your driveway, pavement, or concrete surface from harsh weather elements? The Foundation Armor SX5000 WB is a DOT-approved, long-lasting, and easy-to-apply water-based sealer designed to offer exceptional protection while maintaining a natural, non-glossy finish. Read this Foundation Armor SX5000 reviews to learn more about its benefits, coverage, performance, pros, and cons.
Packaged in a 5-gallon container, it provides excellent coverage for both porous and smooth surfaces:
- For Porous Surfaces: Up to 175 sq. ft. per gallon (approx. 875 sq. ft. per 5 gallons)
- For Smooth Surfaces: Up to 225 sq. ft. per gallon (approx. 1,125 sq. ft. per 5 gallons)
The Armor SX5000 WB sealer penetrates deep into the substrate to seal pores and repel water, oil, deicing salts, and other contaminants. It’s ideal for driveways, patios, walkways, garage floors, brick, and exposed aggregate. One of the biggest advantages of this product is its longevity—it can last up to 10 years with proper application.
Another benefit is that it retains the natural appearance of your surface without leaving a glossy or artificial finish. It can be used on both interior and exterior surfaces and is suitable for vertical and horizontal applications.
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Silane/Siloxane Sealer Foundation Armor Sx5000 Reviews
If you’re looking for a long-lasting and reliable driveway sealer, the Foundation Armor SX5000 is a top-rated choice that offers superior protection without altering your surface’s natural appearance.
Applicable to the interior and exterior surfaces
First and foremost, this is an excellent sealer as it can be applied either inside or outside. So, regardless of where the surface is located, you will still be able to protect it using the same product instead of buying another one. It can also be applied horizontally or vertically.
Creates a barrier that prevents damage
After sealing your surface using the Armor SX5000 WB, it will repel water and other stains. This water-based sealer penetrates deep into the surface, where it chemically reacts to create water-repellent barriers within the pores, which reduces water absorption by up to 95%. In return, it will resist damage caused by water absorption like spalling, cracking, salt damage, pitting, freeze-thaw damage, efflorescence, and mold & mildew. This is one of the reasons it was approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as being a water-repellent sealer.
Related: Top-Rated Stamped Concrete Sealer Reviews
Easy to apply
Using this sealer doesn’t require one to be a professional, as it is easy and fast. Simply get a brush, roller, or pump sprayer. A brush is suitable to use when you have a small surface to cover, while a pump sprayer is ideal for covering a larger area.
Extremely durable
A challenge that many homeowners face is acquiring a sealer that doesn’t last for long. Most silane sealers last up to 5 years. But this is not the case with Armor SX5000, as it can last up to 10 years. As a result, you can rest assured that your pavement or driveway is protected away from the elements for at least the next 8 years or so.
Covers a wider area
The 5 gallons Foundation Armor SX5000 WB sealer can cover up to 1000 square feet in just 1 coat and up to 500 square feet in two coats. This is amazing, as most sealers are not able to cover such a wide area. If you’re covering a small area, you can always keep the remaining sealer for future use.
Related: Pool Deck Sealer Reviews: Water-Based Ultra Dry 70
Applicable on various types of surfaces
Unlike other sealers that only limit you to certain surfaces, Armor SX5000 doesn’t. You can use this sealer on a variety of surfaces, such as brick, concrete, natural stones, pavers, and aggregate.
Maintains the natural look
The Armor Sx5000 WB doesn’t change the look of your concrete driveway or paver. Instead, it maintains a natural and unsealed appearance. Unlike similar products, you will not see any visible surface film after applying it. On top of that, it has up to 5X more active ingredients than similar competitor products.
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What Are the Pros of the Foundation Armor SX5000?
- Easy Application: Can be applied using a brush, pump sprayer, or roller—perfect for DIY users and professionals alike.
- Beginner-Friendly: Designed to be user-friendly, even for first-time users.
- Natural Appearance: Maintains the natural look of the surface without adding gloss or altering color.
- 100% Breathable Formula: Prevents peeling, flaking, or trapping moisture, ensuring long-term durability.
- Excellent Water Repellency: Reduces surface water absorption by up to 95%, protecting the surface from moisture damage.
- Long-Lasting Protection: Offers up to 10 years of performance with proper application.
- High Active Content: Contains 5 times more active ingredients than most competitor products, ensuring superior protection.
- Fast Drying Time: Dries in less than 30 minutes, allowing for quicker project completion.
- Reduces Surface Dusting: Minimizes dust caused by surface abrasion and moisture migration through concrete pores.
- Prevents Deterioration: Dramatically reduces spalling, staining, cracking, freeze-thaw damage, salt intrusion, pitting, efflorescence, mold, and mildew.
- DOT Approved: Recognized by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as a reliable, high-performance water-repellent sealer.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for both interior and exterior surfaces, including concrete driveways, walkways, patios, and garage floors.
What Are the Cons of the SX5000?
- Higher Price Point: More expensive than many competing sealers, which might be a concern for budget-conscious buyers.
- No Decorative Enhancement: Does not enhance color or shine; it simply preserves the natural look of the surface.
- Not Compatible with Asphalt: Not suitable for use on asphalt driveways or surfaces.
Comparison Table: Armor SX5000 vs Armor WL550 vs Armor AR350 Sealer
| Features | Armor SX5000 | Armor WL550 | Armor AR350 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sealer Type | Pro-Grade Silane-Siloxane | Pro-Grade Siloxane | Pro-Grade Solvent-Based Acrylic |
| Appearance | Natural Look (No Color/Sheen Change) | Enhances with a Wet Look | Wet Look with Low to High Gloss (varies by coats) |
| Material | Silane-Siloxane | Siloxane | Acrylic |
| Base | Water-Based (Also Available in Solvent) | Solvent-Based | Solvent-Based |
| Best Used On | Unsealed Concrete, Brick, Masonry | Unsealed Concrete, Brick, Masonry | Unsealed or Previously Acrylic-Sealed Concrete & Pavers |
| Penetrating or Film-Forming | Penetrating | Penetrating | Film-Forming |
| UV Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Water Repellency | High | High | Moderate |
| Stain Resistance | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Slip Resistance | Maintains Natural Surface | Maintains Natural Surface | Can Be Slippery When Wet Without Additive |
| Reapplication Frequency | Every 7–10 Years | Every 3–5 Years | Every 1–5 Years |
| VOC Compliant | Yes | Yes | Varies by region (Low VOC version available) |
| Finish Options | No Gloss | Darkens Surface | Low Gloss (Can vary with coats) |
| Professional Grade | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Summary:
- Armor SX5000 is best for those wanting invisible, long-term protection with no surface change.
- Armor WL550 offers a wet look enhancement with deep penetration and moderate stain protection.
- Armor AR350 is ideal if you want a glossy, decorative finish with strong stain resistance.
Conclusion
With the Armor SX5000 WB sealer, you will never go wrong when it comes to protecting your paver or brick from water and other harsh elements. It is easy to use and will offer you many years of protection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Foundation Armor SX5000
Q. Do I need to stir the Armor SX5000 before use?
A. Yes, it is highly recommended. While some users apply it without stirring, settling may occur during storage. Stirring or gently shaking the container ensures the active silane/siloxane ingredients are evenly mixed for maximum performance.
Q. Can the Foundation Armor SX5000 protect my driveway from oil and transmission fluid stains?
A. Absolutely. Thanks to its silane/siloxane formula, the SX5000 penetrates deep into the substrate and forms a hydrophobic barrier. This causes oil, transmission fluid, and water to bead on the surface, helping to prevent deep stains.
Q. Will this sealer give my driveway a glossy or wet look?
A. No, the Armor SX5000 will not alter the surface appearance. It’s designed to provide invisible protection. If you prefer a wet-look or glossy finish, consider Armor WL550 (wet look with darkening effect) or Armor AR350 (wet look with low gloss).
Q. Can I apply Armor SX5000 on a wet or damp driveway?
A. No. The surface must be completely dry before application. Applying the sealer to a wet or damp surface may prevent proper penetration and bonding, leading to product failure.
Q. Does Armor SX5000 have a strong odor?
A. The solvent-based version has a mild odor during application, which dissipates after curing. If you’re concerned about odor, opt for the Armor SX5000 WB, the water-based version, which is virtually odorless and more eco-friendly.
Q. How long should I wait after pouring new concrete before applying the SX5000 sealer?
A. You should wait a minimum of 28 days to allow the concrete to fully cure before sealing. Applying too early may trap moisture and compromise the sealer’s effectiveness.
Q. How long does Armor SX5000 last?
A. When applied correctly, the sealer lasts between 7 to 10 years. Longevity depends on surface porosity, traffic, and environmental conditions. It’s one of the longest-lasting penetrating sealers available.
Q. Can Armor SX5000 be used on asphalt driveways?
A. No. Armor SX5000 is formulated specifically for concrete, brick, and masonry surfaces. It is not compatible with asphalt, which requires a different type of sealer.
Q. Is Foundation Armor SX5000 safe for indoor use?
A. Yes, but if you’re using the solvent-based version, ensure proper ventilation. For indoor spaces like basements or garages, the water-based Armor SX5000 WB is preferred due to its low odor and safer VOC levels.
Q. What surfaces can I use Armor SX5000 on?
A. This sealer is ideal for driveways, patios, walkways, garage floors, brick walls, block, natural stone, and stucco—any unsealed, porous concrete or masonry surface that needs long-lasting water and stain resistance.
We hope this Foundation Armor SX5000 Review helped you make an informed decision to protect and extend the life of your driveway or concrete surface.
Can I apply Foundation Armor AR350 over the SX5000? If so, should I use solvent based SX5000 or water base 5000WB?
Yes, You can do.
Water-based solvent Preferable.
What is the best way to clean and prepare a new drive way prior to applying the Armor SX5000 sealer?
How long should the concrete driveway cure before applying this sealer?
Check this video. You will get the basic idea of how to prepare a new driveway:
You have to wait at least 28 days.
I want to use Armor sx 5000 on my concrete floor in my house. l like that it lasts 7-10 years and it didn’t change the color of the concrete.
1. Is Armor as 5000 WB just as good?
2. Can I use a polyurethane or something similar to get a satin finish with out changing the color? (I don’t want a wet look)
thanks deb o.
can this sealer be applied on a driveway that has already has sealer on it or does the old sealer need stripped first
Yes
we bought an outdoor concrete water fountain and recently etched and restained the fountain with Behr semi transparent concrete decorative stain. we bought the sx5000 to protect the concrete and stain finish from water that will be constant. will this product work on stained concrete?
Yes
The question wasn’t answered as to whether the solvent based and water based products are equally good. Are they meant for different applications? Which is better for my flagstone pool deck and walkways?
Water-based sealers are easy to clean, provide a matte finish, have a mild odor, and have low VOC.
Solvent-based sealers are more complex to clean, provide a wet look finish, have a strong odor, and have high VOC.
If you previously sealed your pavers, can you apply a new sealer on top of what’s already there? Well, first, you need to know what type of sealer was originally used.
If a solvent-based sealer was originally used, you would want to reseal using a solvent-based sealer.
If it was a water-based sealer, you could safely reseal using either a solvent-based or water-based sealer.
A water-based sealer cannot be applied on top of a solvent-based sealer.
I bought a 5 gallon container of SX5000 in 2015 but never used it. Is it ok to use now or is the product now too old to be effective?
If you were able to keep the container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place, you could use it.
can i add an aggregate to this sealer to prevent decrease slipping on garage floor when wet
Yes, you can do that.
Application info says 1 coat required; 2 suggested. Will 1 coat offer the protection of 7-10 years as indicated on Foundation Armor website? Have total of about 2,600 sq ft. of exposed aggregate to seal. Two coats would be very expensive as well as the time it would take. Could I spray the sealer then use a roller to cross roll and spread to insure full coverage?
Yes, You can do.