🧱 The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Trident Sealer

When it comes to protecting and enhancing hardscape surfaces, not all sealers are created equal. Whether you're a seasoned contractor or a property owner looking to protect your investment, choosing the right Trident sealer can make a world of difference in results, longevity, and client satisfaction.

Let’s break it down in plain terms.

🔍 What Are the Different Types of Trident Sealers?

Trident offers two main categories of sealers, each designed for different surface types, goals, and climates.

1. Film-Forming Sealers

These sealers create a protective layer on top of the surface.

• Great for enhancing color (wet-look or gloss)

• Provides a barrier against stains, UV rays, and moisture

• Common choices:
  🔹 Cyclone (joint stabilizer + sealer)
  🔹 Tsunami (satin finish)
  🔹 Hurricane CAT 3 or 5 (glossy film)

⚠️ Note: Film-forming sealers can become slippery—always use anti-slip additive if needed.

2. Penetrating Sealers

These absorb into the surface without changing its appearance.

• Ideal for natural look finishes

• Provides superior water repellency and salt protection

• Long-lasting: up to 10 years!

• Top picks:
  🔹 Jetty
  🔹 Sea Wall
  🔹 Break Wall
  🔹 Barrier (premium stain blocker)

💡 How to Choose the Right Trident Sealer

Use this checklist to guide your product selection:

1. Are you stabilizing joint sand?
   → Go with a joint stabilizing sealer like Cyclone.

2. Do you want surface enhancement?

   • ✔️ No enhancement → Jetty, Sea Wall, Barrier

   • ✔️ Some enhancement → Tsunami (satin), Typhoon (semi-gloss)

   • ✔️ Bold wet look → Hurricane CAT 3 or 5

3. Is stain protection critical?
   → Use Barrier, Trident’s strongest invisible sealer

4. Want something long-term with minimal re-application?
   → Penetrating sealers like Jetty and Sea Wall can last 5–10 years!

🧼 Surface Prep Matters

Before sealing, it’s vital to:

• Remove all dirt, grease, and debris

• Repair cracks and damaged substrate

• Clean thoroughly with Trident Cleaners (like EffBomb or OxyShock)

• Let the surface dry completely before sealing (minimum 24 hours)

✅ Pro tip: Re-sweep polymeric or joint sand before applying sealers like Cyclone.

🧰 Application Basics

Sealer TypeHow to ApplyCoverageLifespanCyclone, CAT5, etc.Spray/back-roll or squeegee~80–120 sq ft/gal2–4 yearsPenetrating SealersSpray or low-pressure roller~200–300 sq ft/gal5–10 years

Always follow manufacturer instructions, especially for temperature, dry time, and number of coats.

🏆 Why Contractors Trust Trident

Trident sealers are widely used across Canada and the U.S. for:

• Superior durability in harsh winter/summer climates

• Professional-grade performance for residential and commercial installs

• Client satisfaction from visible and lasting results

• Seamless integration with sand stabilizers and Trident’s full cleaning lineup

📎 Want Help Choosing or Applying?

At Contractor Chem, we don’t just sell products—we guide contractors to better performance, bigger margins, and fewer callbacks.

👉 Visit our Page to learn more
👉 Or apply for Contractor Pricing and save on bulk orders today!