Aqua Mix Sealers Choice Gold

This water-based sealant has meager VOC ratings while still being able to penetrate and seal up several different types of surfaces, including concrete, rock, stone, grout, and concrete tile. It can protect for up to 15 years, which is several times more than other sealant products. Unlike other concrete sealant products, the Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold is designed to cure in as little as four hours. You can purchase it through the Iowa-based Green Building Supply for $151.75 per gallon (at the time of publishing). Green Building Supply also offers its own brand waterborne concrete Penetrating Sealer for $55.99 per gallon.

Gulf Synthetics ConcreteRevive

Finding a concrete sealant that is zero VOC is not an easy task. Gulf Synthetics ConcreteRevive, however, is an entirely non-toxic water-based sealant that will protect and cover almost any concrete building material. ConcreteRevive can be mixed with colored paint to add color to your foundation or exposed basement walls instantly. This mixing ability allows you to combine two jobs into one. This product will leave zero odor once it has dried out and will dry to the touch within 10 minutes. If applying to a floor area, it should be safe to walk on it within a couple of hours. ConcreteRevive uses expand to a variety of concrete surfaces, including walkways, pool decks, driveways, garages, basements, concrete walls, stucco and brick exteriors, and more. It currently costs $240 for a five-gallon bucket.

TriCo Polymer

TriCo Polymer also offers a VOC-free concrete sealer that is safe for use on basement interiors. Their Clear Satin ConKrete-Seal is non-toxic while still providing maximum moisture protection for your basement. You can use it for new or existing concrete floors, basement, and concrete block walls. 

Conkrete-Seal is considered to be a flood-grade rated coating. It forms a robust, high adhesive micro-film that protects against mold, saltwater, and even pet urine. You can apply it on sub-floor concrete, under sill-plates. It also works well with green concrete, helping to cure by keeping the water level stable to prevent fast drying out that could lead to cracking. It currently costs $189 per 5-gallon bucket.

Note that each type of product's coverage of square feet per gallon will vary depending on the condition of the concrete surface as well as the application technique. If you are comparison-shopping for this product, make sure you understand the fine print, as the price per gallon may not be apples-to-apples in terms of coverage.

Bottom line

Basements are an essential part of millions of homes across the country. They are also one of the leading causes of bad indoor air quality inside our homes. Petroleum and solvent-based sealants can leach dangerous VOCs into our homes. Fortunately, any of the three water-based concrete sealants reviewed above are healthier alternatives that still offer superior performance.