If you’re looking for a guide on how to seal pavers, you’ve come to the right place. Sealing your pavers is an important step in preserving their appearance and extending their lifespan. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of sealing your pavers, step-by-step.

We’ll also provide some tips on how to make the process go as smoothly as possible. So, whether you’re a homeowner who’s just installed a new paver patio or driveway, or a contractor who wants to get in to the paver sealing industry, read on for everything you need to know about how to seal pavers!

Why Seal Concrete and Brick Pavers & Why You Should Do It?

Sealing your pavers is an important step in preserving their appearance and extending their lifespan. In addition to protecting your pavers from the elements, sealing them will also help to prevent staining and fading. By sealing your pavers, you’ll be able to enjoy them for years to come!

Learn The Secrets of Paver Sealing and Cleaning: A 22 Step Guide

There are two main types of sealers: film-forming and penetrating. Film-forming sealers form a protective barrier on the surface of the pavers, while penetrating sealers soak into the paver to provide long-lasting protection. Both types of sealers have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

Disadvantages of Sealing Pavers

There are none. Sealing pavers will increase the longevity of your brick and concrete pavers and protect your investment.

First, take your time and learn about paver sealing

Before you get started. It’s important to understand the process and what products are available. There are many different types of sealers on the market, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

Next, make sure you have all of the necessary supplies before you begin. You’ll need a water based paver sealer, joint sand, an battery operated or pump up sprayer, a pressure washer, flat surface cleaner, and a turbo tip.

Level uneven pavers before you start

If you have any uneven pavers, now is the time to level them. Un even pavers can cause the sealer to pool in certain areas and create a uneven finish. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the pavers into place. If necessary, you can also use the correct sand to fill in any gaps.

Cleaning Brick Pavers

Now that you have all of the necessary supplies, it’s time to start cleaning your pavers. You’ll want to start by pressure washing your pavers to remove any dirt, grime, or stains. Be sure to hold the pressure washer at a 45 degree angle and use a flat surface cleaner attachment to avoid damaging the pavers.

Clean, and clean the surface some more

Once the pavers are sealed, any dirt trapped under the sealer will be extremely difficult to remove. That’s why it’s important to spend extra time cleaning before you seal. Once you’ve pressure washed your pavers, use a flat surface cleaner and wand with a mild degreaser and scrub any remaining dirt or stains before sealing.

The importance of joint sand in sealing brick pavers

Joint sand is an important part of the paver sealing process. The joint sand helps to fill in any gaps between the pavers and helps inhibit weed growth and ant mines once the pavers are sealed and the joint sand is stabilized and locked into place. However joint sand is the final piece to the puzzle of interlocking concrete pavers and creates a flexible paver system.

Re-sanding Brick Paver Joints

After cleaning the pavers and removing all of the old joint sand, you’ll need to add new joint sand before sealing. Use a medium coarse fractured angular sand to fill the joints an eighth of an inch below the chamfer edge. Be sure to evenly fill all of the joints between the pavers and a tamper can be used to compact the sand, however wet sand is a preferred method as the water carries the sand into the joints.

Can I use regular sand between pavers?

No, you cannot use regular sand such as play sand or mason sand between pavers. Regular sand is too fine and will wash away easily when it rains. You need to use a coarse, angular sand that is fractured so it will lock into place once sealed and help inhibit sand erosion.

Types of Sand that can be used for Brick Pavers

• Angular sand: This type of sand is the best for pavers because it locks into place and doesn’t wash away easily.
• Play sand: This type of sand is too fine to use for pavers because it will wash away easily when it rains.
• Mason sand: This type of sand is too fine to use for pavers because it will wash away easily when it rains.

Is polymeric sand better than regular sand?

It is only better if not sealing your pavers with a joint stabilizing sealer. If you are sealing your pavers, the polymeric sand is not necessary as the sealer will stabilize and harden the joint sand.

What are the benefits of polymeric sand?

Some benefits of polymeric sand are that it doesn’t wash away easily, it inhibits weed growth, ant mines, and it helps to stabilize the joints. Polymeric sand is not needed if using a joint stabilizing paver sealer.

Disadvantages of polymeric sand

Does not provide a protective barrier against the elements and the suns UV rays like a sealer does. Polymeric sand is also more expensive than regular joint sand.

How do I apply polymeric sand?

Polymeric sand is applied the same way as regular joint sand, by filling in the joints an eighth of an inch below the chamfer edge. Be sure to evenly fill all of the joints between the pavers and a tamper can be used to compact the sand, however wet sand is a preferred method as the water carries the sand into the joints.

Do you seal pavers before or after sand?

You seal pavers after adding sand to the joints. Once the joints are filled with sand, you can then apply a water based paver sealer. Paver sealers help to lock in the joint sand and provide a protective barrier against the elements and the sun’s UV rays and can deeply enhance the color of the brick or concrete paver.

How much sand do I need?

it all depends on how wide the paver joints are. A rule of thumb is 50 pounds of sand per 200 square feet.

Choosing the right sealers

Waterborne Sealer

A water based sealer is a sealer that is made up of acrylic polymers that are dissolved in water. Waterborne sealers provide good durability, UV resistance, and breathability. They are also the easiest type of sealer to apply and clean up.

Solvent-Based Sealer

A solvent based or oil based sealer is a sealer that is made up of acrylic polymers that are dissolved in a solvent such as mineral spirits or xylene. Solvent-based sealers provide good durability and UV resistance. They are also the most difficult type of sealer to apply and clean up, not only are they extremely harmful to the environment.

What are the best water based sealers?

The best paver sealer are two component urethanes and are usually applied by a professional paver sealing contractor. Two component urethanes are the best paver sealers because they provide the longest lasting protection against the elements, staining, and fading.

What is the best paver sealer for high traffic areas?

The best paver sealer we have found is SealThane by Inseco, INC and is sold online by The Paver Sealer Store. It is a two component urethane that provides a long lasting, durable finish that can withstand heavy foot and vehicle traffic.

Read the label on the pail of paver sealer and follow the manufacturers directions on how to properly apply the sealer.

When applying paver sealer, always read the label on the pail of paver sealer and follow the manufacturers directions on how to properly apply the sealer. Depending on the type of paver sealer you are using, you may need to apply multiple coats to achieve the desired finish.

Sealing Your Brick Paver Patio, Driveway, Walkway or Pool Deck

Once you’ve pressure washed your pavers, use a flat surface cleaner and wand with a mild degreaser and scrub any remaining dirt or stains before sealing. Before you apply the sealer fill the sand joints an eighth of an inch below the chamfer edge prior to paver sealing. Sealing helps protect your pavers from the elements and makes them easier to clean. Choose a sealer that is specifically designed for pavers and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Applying the sealer

To apply concrete sealer and paver sealer, use a low pressure pump up sprayer. Start by spraying the sealer in a even consistent pattern to achieve an even coat. Make sure to get enough sealer into the joints to lock the sand into place and stabilize the sand joints.

Once you’ve sealed the entire area, let them dry for at least 24 hours before walking on them, 48 hours before driving on them and 72 hours before replacing any furniture on your paver patio. Be careful not to apply too much sealer as it can induce slippery conditions.

Sealing pavers is a great way to protect your investment and keep your brick patio, driveway or pool deck looking like new. By following the simple steps above, you can easily seal your own pavers. Just be sure to read the label on the pail of paver sealer and follow the manufacturer’s directions to ensure the best results.

Are there any special considerations for sealing pavers around pools?

If you are sealing pavers around a pool, it is important to use a sealer that is specifically designed for pools. Pool chemicals can cause damage to regular pavers and natural stone pavers such as travertine, so be sure to read the label carefully before purchasing a paver sealer.

In addition, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly apply the sealer. For best results, it is typically recommended to apply multiple coats of sealer around pools. Let the pavers dry for at least 24 hours before walking on them, 48 hours before driving on them and 72 hours before replacing any furniture.

When is the best time to seal pavers?

The best time to seal pavers is typically in the spring or fall when the weather is mild. Avoid paver sealing during extreme heat or cold as this can cause the sealer to flash this can be avoided by using a water based paver sealer and wetting the pavers down prior to sealing.

Paver Sealing Tips

• Always read the label on the pail of paver sealer and follow the manufacturer’s directions on how to properly apply the sealer.
• When applying paver sealer, always start in a small inconspicuous area to test for desired results.
• If you are using a solvent based paver sealer, be sure to ventilate the area well and avoid contact with skin and eyes.
• If you are using a water based paver sealer, wet the pavers down before applying the sealer to avoid any flashing.
• Apply multiple coats of paver sealer for best results, letting each coat dry completely before applying the next.
• Let the pavers dry for at least 24 hours before walking on them, 48 hours before driving on them and 72 hours before replacing any furniture.
• Avoid sealing pavers during extreme heat or cold weather.

By following these simple tips, you can easily seal your own pavers and keep them looking like new for years to come.

How often do I need to reseal my pavers?

The frequency of how often you need to reseal your pavers depends on a few factors such as the type of sealer used, the porosity of the pavers, the amount of traffic and weather conditions. A general rule of thumb is to reseal every one to three years. However, if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions or heavy traffic, you may need to reseal more often. Be sure to inspect your pavers regularly and reseal as needed.

Conclusion on sealing pavers

Sealing your pavers is an important step in preserving their appearance and extending their lifespan. In this guide, we have walked you through the process of sealing your pavers, step-by-step. We have also provided some tips on how to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

If you are a homeowner who has just installed a new paver patio or driveway, or a business owner who wants to protect your investment, then read on for everything you need to know about how to seal pavers! Schedule an estimate today with Apex Paver Sealing and let us help you take care of your paver sealing project!