Sunday, March 24, 2024
HomeBuildHow To Seal Patio Pavers

How To Seal Patio Pavers

How To Strip Sealer From Pavers

DIY Sealing A Paver Patio with Fire Pit the last step

Milky white or yellow spots can be a sign that its time to strip the sealer from pavers. Although its an easy process to follow, you must keep some points in mind during the task.

In this article, we will discuss how to do the work safely, both for you and for your pavers. After all, you know how significant your investment is, and you dont want to damage it.

Sealing Brick & Sealing Stone

A lot of people who get pavers arent sure if it matters what type they get when it comes to cleaning and sealing them. Because there are several variations, you should learn about that specific paver and what sealing can do for them. Brick is very porous and absorbs things easier than other types of pavers. You will notice that over time, brick in general, can discolor and shift. When you seal brick, you are not only bringing the true colors out, but you are actually enhancing them. It also helps to keep moisture out and prolong the life of the bricks.

When sealing stone, you are taking a preventative measure to help their life span. As the sealant sinks into the stone, it helps to prevent it from wearing. The ideal time to get the sealing done is before the rainy and hurricane season. Having your stone pavers sealed is ideal to keep other contaminants out and let their light color remain that way all year long!


If you are considering whether to get your pavers sealed or not, we recommend that you do! If you are looking for a way to keep your pavers looking clean and new for years to come, this is a necessary item. You will love the look of your pavers on your driveway, walkway, pool deck or other surfaces! For any other questions or concerns, head to our site and read about your pavers options.

For more information on our services, call us or connect with us on or ! We would be happy to install your pool deck, driveway, fire pit, patio, and more!

Mix Up A Mild Cleaning Solution And Apply

As durable as brick is, its also a fragile material that can be severely damaged if you use harsh chemicals to clean it. Start by thoroughly mixing up a bucket of warm water and a mild degreaser detergent. Once youve got that all mixed up, pour some onto the paver surface and use a stiff-bristled broom to scrub it, working in small areas.

As you work in small sections, the broom bristles will loosen up dirt and stains on the surface, but the bristles can also be harsh on the pavers so make sure you are scrubbing in different directions to avoid wearing down the same spot.

Don’t Miss: How To Make A Paver Patio On A Slope


Take A Look At Waterborne Sealers

When you choose your sealer, youll find that the two choices are solvent-based and water-based. I hate solvent-based sealers for the following reasons:

  • Theyre bad for our environment
  • If they get on my grass or flowers they kill them
  • They smell terrible
  • Everything has to be cleaned up with messy paint thinner

Water-based sealers are a much better choice. Besides being both easy to use and easy on the environment, they offer another amazing advantage they stabilize the sand. When water-based sealers cure, they will harden the joint sand and lock it into place. This helps to keep the joint sand from washing out during future rains. An example of this type of product is MasonrySaver Paver Sealer. Its a great brick paver sealing product that will stabilize the sand as well as give a rich, paver sealer wet look. Some of the older water-based sealers had a tendency to blush, or cloud up if they encountered any moisture or rain, but the MasonrySaver product is much more forgiving and virtually blush-resistant.

Apply Two Coats Of Sealer

Brick Paver Patio Design, Installation, and Maintenance ...

Pour the sealer into a paint roller tin and use a long roller brush to apply the sealer onto the paver surface. Make sure youre working in sections thatll keep you from getting trapped in a corner. Follow the sealant instructions on how much drying time to allow after the first coat then apply the second coat. Youll know the pavers are absorbing the sealant properly when the pavers start to darken in color.

Youll also want to keep the sealer from pooling in any areas on the surface if you notice this happening, simply continue spreading the sealer with your roller brush.

Recommended Reading: How To Clean Patio Furniture Cushions


How To Seal & Maintain Concrete Interlocking Pavers & Brick

Unsealed interlocking pavers & brick are subject to staining, fading, sand loss, and can sometimes develop weeds and mildew growth. With proper sealing and maintenance your pavers will be more likely to have a long lasting, beautiful and durable life and appearance. The sealer selection for Interlocking Pavers, brick and other types of sand set pavement material is generally based on the desired finished look and the degree of stain-resistance required as well as the need for joint sand stabilization. MOst paver installations will benefit from a sealer that has joint sand stabilization properties. Use of Glaze N Seals Paver & Joint Stabilizer will protect from stains, oil, and fading as well as sand erosion.

How Do You Seal Concrete Pavers

Concrete paver sealer can be applied using a spray, a roller, or a combination of both.

One of the key things to remember is that this is a job that has to be completed in one go to get a smooth, even appearance and to ensure that its 100% coated. So, if youre sealing a large area such as a driveway, make sure you have the time and energy before you start

Youll also need to check the weather forecast, as youll need a run of at least three dry days to complete the job. The outside temperature should be between about 40 and 75 degrees fahrenheit: either side of this is too cold or too hot for decent curing. Make sure any kids and pets are well out of the way before you begin, and youll also need to keep them off the pavers for a while afterwards, until the sealer has cured.

  • Sweep and wash the concrete pavers the day before you want to seal them, to make sure theyre dry
  • Read the instructions on the sealer. Thicker sealers will ask you to use a roller, while lighter ones should be fine with the sprayer
  • If youre spraying the sealer onto the surface, use a sprayer with an adjustable nozzle so you have more control. A fan-shaped spray works best, and never blast it
  • If youre using a roller, choose a thick one to make sure it penetrates the gaps between the pavers
  • Apply the sealer as per the instructions. Work in a clear pattern so you know which areas have been coated. If youre using the spray method, move the sprayer in circles
  • Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Patio Heater


    Before Sealing Brick Pavers: Clean Them

    Before applying sealant, youll want to wash the entire area with a pressure washer. You dont want to seal dirt, grime, or mildew into your bricks. And the best way to remove it before sealing is by using a pressure washer. Youll also want to make sure that you get any sand joints and weeds blasted so that the area is completely clean.

    When And How Often Should You Seal Your Concrete Pavers

    How not to seal patio paver joints

    Some manufacturers require that you wait one year after installation before applying a sealer to allow the natural process of efflorescence to occur. Efflorescence is the natural release of salts from your pavers. It appears as a white, dusty looking build-up. It does not harm your pavers and can be removed by sweeping. Some pavers do not require any waiting period and can be sealed immediately after installation. Your contractor will know the requirements for the paver you choose.

    After the first year, you can seal your pavers. Generally, once you’ve applied a sealer, you’re covered for 3 to 5 years before you’ll need to reapply them. Again. Consult with your contractor. If your pavers were sealed upon installation, they will know which product you should use for subsequent 3 to 5-year sealing

    If you have any questions about maintaining your paver surfaces, or if you’re planning a hardscaping project for your Sonoma County home, give the experts at Bayside Pavers a call at 1-866-287-2837. We can help you design the perfect outdoor space to meet your family’s unique needs.

    If you’re in the San Francisco Bay area, our location in Concord, CA at 2455 Bates Ave, Ste K, services East Bay and South Bay homeowners. Our Santa Rosa, CA location at 1619 4th Street Ste 12 can help you with your North Bay hardscaping projects.


    Recommended Reading: Cleaning Plastic Patio Furniture

    How To Clean Pavers Before Sealing

    If youve decided to seal pavers that were previously installed, your first step will be to restore them to a like-new condition. Use a screwdriver to scrape out any weeds, and prevent their return with a commercial or home-made weed killer.

    Clean pavers are essential to the sealing process. Dirt, dust and grime interfere with the sealers performance, and once youve sealed them in, they are a permanent part of your hardscaping.

    You can scrub the pavers to remove accumulation using a stiff-bristled brush, but a power washer will be faster and easier. They can be rented for an afternoon or a weekend at many home improvement centers.

    Video on How to Clean and Seal Pavers:


    Clear Out Moss And Weeds

    Using a handheld brush with stiff bristles, brush away any moss that might be growing on or between the pavers and pull the weeds out from inside the joints. Once youve loosened all the organic growth, brush that completely off the paved surface.

    If its not possible to remove it by hand, spray the weeds with vegetation killer then wait at least 2 weeks before you clean and seal the pavers.

    You May Like: Antique Patio Chairs

    You May Like: Pea Gravel And Epoxy Patio

    Advantages Of Sealing Brick Pavers

    While it is always best to seal pavers as soon as they are installed, you can also clean and seal brick pavers that are old and fading to restore their original luster and beauty. There are several advantages of sealing pavers.


    • Prevents erosion of the sand
    • Prevents the growth of weeds and grass in the joints
    • Prevents the growth of moss
    • Blocks the UV rays from the sun which causes fading
    • Reduces the infiltration of mold and mildew
    • Increases the durability and longevity of the brick pavers
    • Enhances the beauty of the brick pavers
    • Deters ants and other insects
    • Makes the routine cleaning of pavers much easier
    • Enhances the color, brightness, and texture of the pavers
    • Provides protection from salt damage
    • Resists the harsh weather conditions
    • Repels grease, oil, stains, and grime
    • Reduces the wear and deterioration of the surface
    • Reduces cracks and loosening of the brick paver
    • Enhances and preserves the beauty and value of pavers in the long run

    Where To Use Patio Paver Sealer

    To Seal or Not to Seal? « Patio Supply

    This product is step 2 of a 2 step process. First, clean your clay, concrete, or stone patio with MasonryDefender All Purpose Masonry & Concrete Cleaner and then protect using this product.

    Perfect for patios of all masonry materials including:

    clay brick
    natural stone

    MasonryDefender® Patio Paver Sealer can be used on most types of horizontal, above grade concrete and masonry applications including: clay brick, clay paver stones, cement paver stones and natural stone. It gives pavers a low-gloss sheen.

    Read Also: Hurricane Proof Outdoor Furniture

    Concrete & Brick Patio Paver Sealing Services

    You invested in a beautiful paver patio or driveway and it looks pristine. Why not protect that investment with cleaning & sealing? A sealer protects pavers from stains, fading from UV rays, and weathering. It also extends the lifespan of polymeric joint sand and reduces issues with moss. We recommend sealing a new paver patio approximately 4-12 months after installation.

    If you have an older paver patio, it has likely faded and worn over the years. Perhaps theres weeds and moss in the joints. Over time brick patios and driveways become dirty and dull cleaning the pavers, refiling the joints with sand, and sealing will restore much of the beauty that you enjoyed when it was new!

    Read Also: Refurbish Wrought Iron Patio Furniture

    Sealed Pavers Vs Unsealed

    Sealed pavers are resistant to weed growth, moisture damage, mold, mildew, and moss. They have an attractive shiny finish that accentuates pavers of any material.

    Though the sealant should be reapplied every three to five years, the extra expense and effort is worth it to keep your hardscaping looking like new. Plus, sealing your pavers protects them from fading in the sun.

    Unsealed pavers have a less finished appearance, and the colors may appear dull. They absorb water and are vulnerable to moisture-related damage. Lack of sealant allows water to penetrate the pavers foundation, which can shift when it becomes waterlogged.

    Unsealed pavers set with polymeric joint sand are resistant to weed growth. Standard joint sand provides minimal protection from weeds.

    Visit our gallery to see types of brick paver ideas.

    Recommended Reading: Keep Flies Off Patio

    When Sealing Pavers Porosity Matters

    Pavers can also be differentiated between permeable, pervious, and porous. While there is a compositional difference, the terms generally describe materials that allow water to penetrate the surface . The truth is, surface porosity varies greatly and when it comes to choosing a sealer, porosity matters!

    Manufacturing techniques come into play. Chemical additives often used in the mix reduce porosity . This can potentially interfere with the absorption of a penetrating sealer. Causing the sealer to build-up on the surface, change friction, and potentially appearance.

    When a penetrating sealer is unable to be used, there are other options to choose from. High gloss finish sealers, topical-type membrane coatings can be used acrylic, polyurethanes, clear epoxy, and waxes. Not all these sealer options are suitable however! There is more upkeep and need to reapply clear topical sealants.

    Knowing the type of pavers you have is crucial when selecting a sealer. Certain surface are inherently more accepting of RadonSeal Paver Sealer than others, which include:

    You can review our Sealer Guide for quick reference, but knowing the type of pavers will help answer such an open-ended question. Certain pavers are inherently more accepting of LastiSeal than others, which include:

    • Brick

    Pavers that often vary in surface porosity:

    • Granite

    How To Apply Seal Over Brick Patio Pavers

    How To Reseal Patio Pavers
    • Written by Elizabeth Pflaum on Jan 05, 2010To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.Reviewed by

    Brick patio pavers make a durable patio that can hold up to the elements, but they do require maintenance. Seasons of rain, sun, and snow can cause the color to fade, the sand between the stones to be washed away, and weeds to grow between the pavers. A successful application of a high-quality sealer will help protect the look of your patio for years to come.

    Step 1 – Select Your Cleaning Materials

    You really need a power washer to start this job, which you may be able to rent locally if you do not own one. It is important to get a power washer that can do the job right as well, so consider using a power washer that, at a minimum, is greater than or equal to 2400 psi. You will need a tip that can fan out the water slightly, too.

    You will also need to select the right cleanser. An acid cleaner is inexpensive, but it can burn your skin. Instead, I suggest a masonry cleaner.

    Step 2 – Give Your Brick Patio Pavers a Good Cleaning

    Sweep your patio well first to remove dirt and debris. All weeds, foreign objects, and stains must be removed or you will seal them permanently into the brick pavers.

    Step 3 – Level Your Bricks

    Step 4 – Fill the Joints

    Step 5 – Let Your Patio Dry

    Step 6 – Spray on Your Seal

    Don’t Miss: How To Build A Fire Pit Patio With Pavers

    How To Maintain Your Patio

    With spring in full swing, its time to get your garden back to its pristine best and we arent just talking about the plants and flowers that survived the winter frost.

    Your patio also needs a generous helping of TLC to prepare for the family barbecues and summer parties in the glorious British sunshine. Thats why weve pulled together this patio cleaning guide to help you care for your outdoor space.

    From how to clean a patio to sealing a patio, continue reading, below, to get your pavers summer-ready.

    Paver Sealing Application Tips:

    • Like with painting, its best to keep a wet edge on a continuous area. In other words, dont let a section dry before you finish. Once you start working, keep working.
    • An application sprayer makes it easier to work faster.
    • Apply paver sealant to saturation. Get the pavers good and wet to make sure all crevices are covered. Then use a dry roller to soak up the excess to avoid lines and drip marks.
    • Always follow the manufacturers instructions.
    • When in doubt, hire a professional. To find qualified contractors in your area, visit the Belgard contractor locator.

    . . .

    Read Also: How To Arrange Potted Plants On A Patio

    Maintaining Your Paver Patio Sealer

    Okay, great job. Now theres just one more thing paver sealer maintenance. Blow the leaves off when they fall to keep them from staining, rinse the dirt and debris that seems to just show up over time, and, as the weather begins to dull down the finish and the patio loses its luster, simply rinse it off with a garden hose and apply a light maintenance coat of paver sealer. Seal the paver stones before the patio gets too weathered. Its really that simple.

    So thats it How to seal pavers on your brick patio. Go ahead and try sealing pavers yourself and see what the results are when you follow these tips. You might just surprise yourself!


    RELATED ARTICLES

    Most Popular