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Decorative concrete is a work of art, but it also has to be functional. That is why it is important for contractors to protect their work. And that is where sealers come in. The vast array of sealer products available on the market can often confuse a contractor who is looking for the right sealer for the job.

To help make that search easier, here's a breakdown of the general sealer categories, their characteristics and the situations each is best used in.

Sealers can be classified into two types: film-forming and penetrating. Film-forming, like its name suggests, creates a membrane - or film - on the surface of the concrete. These sealers do not react chemically with the concrete.

Film-forming sealers are often the better choice for decorative concrete because they provide a barrier of protection while highlighting the color and giving the concrete a finished look.

Penetrating sealers, unlike film-forming, do chemically react with the concrete. Instead of forming a protective layer on the surface of the concrete, these sealers penetrate into the concrete and act as a water repellent. They also give the concrete a dull, more natural looking appearance, says Bill John, manufacturing representative for sealer manufacturer TK Products in Minnesota. This type of sealer is generally used on non-decorative concrete.