How to Seal a Seaglass Concrete Walkway for Lasting Durability

After installing a decorative concrete walkway embedded with hundreds of pieces of Lake Erie seaglass, a harsh Buffalo winter caused many of the glass pieces to loosen and fall out. The concrete itself held up well, but the seaglass needs a secure, long-lasting bond.

Recommended Sealant

A high-solids, solvent-based (oil-based) masonry sealant is the best choice for this application. It penetrates deeply and creates a thick, viscous film that locks the remaining seaglass in place while providing a suitable adhesive bed for re-securing the lost pieces.

Product Suggestions

• Rez-Seal or Super-Rez-Seal (by Euclid Chemical) – commercial-grade, high-solids solvent-based sealers.
• If these are unavailable, visit a local masonry supply house or commercial paint store and ask for a high-solids, solvent-based masonry sealant. These products are typically not stocked at big-box home stores.

Application Tips

1. Clean the walkway thoroughly and let it dry completely.
2. Apply the sealant generously over the existing seaglass to encapsulate and hold it.
3. For missing pieces, butter the back of each seaglass fragment with the same sealant and press it firmly into the void.
4. Allow proper curing time per manufacturer's instructions before foot traffic.

This approach will restore the walkway's appearance and protect it against future freeze-thaw cycles.