If you have brick pavers on your property, then it’s important to keep them sealed. Sealing brick pavers is a process that helps protect them from weathering and staining. In this guide, we will walk you through the sealing process step-by-step. We will also discuss the benefits of sealing your brick pavers and provide some tips for maintaining them. Let’s get started!
Take a look at waterborne sealers
Waterborne or water based paver sealer is designed to resist fading, color loss, and wear caused by water and sunlight. It’s also eco-friendly because it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. Some waterborne sealers penetrate the surface of the pavers to form a protective barrier against stains and damage.
Film Forming water based paver sealers form a protective coating on the paver surface. You can spray both types of sealer on your patio, driveway, pool deck, or walkway and make sure enough gets into the sand joint as it will lock the sand into place providing joint stabilization.
Both types of waterborne sealants can be applied while there is moisture present on the concrete pavers or bricks. Damp is okay, but not standing or puddling water.
Solvent Based Sealers Harm The Environment
Solvent based paver sealers provide excellent resistance against staining and fading. However, they are not as eco-friendly as waterborne sealers because they release harmful chemicals into the environment. If you choose to use a solvent based sealer, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Moisture trapped between the coating and the concrete paver or bricks can cause a whiting or blushing issue and trap efflorescence. Solvent sealer can provide a wet look or gloss but will not lock the sand joints or inhibit weeds, mold, or ant mines.
Generally only one coat of the sealer is applied with a roller or/and brush. Not a pump-up garden sprayer. Two coats are not necessary and a second coat will not improve the performance of the sealer but might cause hazing if the excess is not removed.
If a second coat is applied, it must be allowed to cure for at least 48 hours before foot traffic is allowed on the surface.
If using a roller, use a short nap roller and apply the sealer in a crosshatch pattern overlapping at least two inches. Work the sealer into the joints with a brush.
It is important to not allow the sealer to puddle on the surface as this can cause hazing. If puddles do form, immediately spread them out with a brush or back roll with the roller.
More is Definitely Not Better
It’s important to note that you should never over-seal your brick pavers. Doing so can actually cause more damage than good. When sealing brick or concrete pavers, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. And be sure to apply a thin, even coat of sealer.
Sealers can Darken Pavers
One of the most common complaints about sealing brick pavers is that it can darken the color of the pavers. This is especially true for light-colored pavers. If you’re concerned about your pavers losing their color, be sure to test the sealer on a small area before applying it to the entire surface.
Acids Can be Great Cleaners But
Do not use acid on sealed pavers. Acid can damage the sealer and leave your pavers vulnerable to staining. If you do use acid, be sure to rinse the area well with water afterward. Mild acids are great for removing efflorescence before sealing a paver patio, driveway, or walkway.
Brick Paver Sealing is an Important Part of Paver Maintenance
Sealing brick pavers is an important part of paver maintenance. By sealing your brick pavers, you can extend their lifespan and keep them looking like new for years to come. With just a little bit of care and attention, your brick pavers will continue to enhance the look of your property for many years to come.
Maintaining Your Paver Patio Sealer
To maintain your paver patio sealer, be sure to reapply it every one to three years. You may need to reapply more frequently if your pavers are exposed to harsh weather conditions or if they are regularly used.
If you notice any wear or damage, be sure to repair it as soon as possible. By following these simple tips, you can keep your brick pavers looking new for years to come.
Sealing brick pavers is important to do and we provided a step-by-step guide on how to do it! A benefit of sealing brick pavers will help protect your driveway, patio, pool deck, and walkway from stains weathering, erosion, UV rays from the sun, and erosion from rain and downspout runoff!
Be sure to pressure wash the pavers and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before applying the paver sealer.
When you seal brick pavers it’s important not to over-seal them as this can cause more damage than good! When sealing pavers applying a thin, even coat is key. You should also avoid using acid as a cleaner on sealed pavers as it can eat away at the sealer.
Maintaining your paver patio or driveway sealer is easy – just reapply every one to three years and repair any wear or damage as soon as possible! The sealer can last up to 5 years if out of the elements.
Paver sealing can be an easy DIY project depending on which type of sealer is used. Sometimes it’s best to hire a professional paver sealing contractor, especially when using a water based two component urethane sealer.
First, Take your Time to Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions for Sealing Brick Pavers
Paver sealer can be water based or solvent based. Water based sealer is eco-friendly because they don’t release harmful chemicals into the environment. They will not harm the environment, vegetation, and are safe for pets and people.
The best water based paver sealer we have found is SealThane Paver Sealer. It deeply enhances the colors of the paver, provides excellent stain resistance, forms a durable protective coating on the paver surface, and provides excellent protection from stains while resisting, mold, algae, and fading due to UV rays. It will also inhibit weeds and ant mines by locking the sand joints.
Solvent based sealers provide excellent resistance against staining and fading due to UV rays but should be used with caution. They can be harmful to the environment, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before use. They are also becoming increasingly difficult to get due to government VOC regulations.
Is There a Preparation Process Before Applying Paver Sealant?
Preparation is key to any sealing project, but it is especially important when sealing brick pavers. Pavers must be clean and dry before sealing.
To clean pavers, use a pressure washer with a flat surface cleaner and detergent designed for cleaning brick. Be sure to rinse the area well afterward. For best results, allow the pavers to dry for 24 hours before sealing.
To prepare the area to seal, you will need to clear away any furniture or other objects that may be in the way. You will also need to tape off any areas that you do not want to get sealer on. Once the area is prepared, you are ready to begin to seal brick pavers.
Cleaning Brick Pavers is a Must
You must clean your brick pavers before they are sealed. You will want to use a pressure washer with a flat surface cleaner and detergent designed for cleaning brick. Be sure to rinse the area well afterward.
For best results, allow the pavers to dry for 24 hours before sealing unless using a water based sealer that can be applied to damp surfaces such as SealThane.
Read the Pail and Follow the Directions
Read the manufacturers directions on the pail before beginning your project. This is important because each type of paver sealer has different instructions that must be followed for best results.
Once you have read the instructions, it is time to seal your brick pavers! To do this, you will need a pump sprayer, backpack sprayer, or battery powered sprayer depending on the square footage of the project. We recommend using a backpack pump sprayer or a battery operated sprayer for large projects.
Applying the Paver Sealer
Start by applying the sealant to the perimeter pavers first and then move inward. This will ensure that you do not get sealer on any areas that you do not want it. To apply the sealer, hold the tip of the sprayer 12”-18” from the surface of the pavers and apply an even coat. Be sure not to overlap each paver as it can cause a striping effect and an inconsistent finish.
Generally, two coats of sealant are applied but be sure to read the manufacturers directions. Once all of the pavers are sealed, allow the sealer to dry for the amount of time recommended in the manufacturer’s instructions before using the area.
Is a Paver Sealant Finish Better than Another?
A wet look paver sealer will darken the pavers and give them a shiny or glossy, wet look finish. Some people prefer A natural finish paver sealer over a wet look as it will enhance the colors of the pavers but not change them and will provide a matte finish. The type of finish you choose is a matter of personal preference.
How often should paver sealer be reapplied?
Paver sealer should be reapplied every one to three years depending on the amount of traffic and exposure to the elements. If you live in an area with a lot of rain, snow, or ice, you will want to reapply the sealer more often. You can tell it is time to reseal when the pavers start to look dull or the color starts to fade.
Do all paver sealants offer the same basic protection?
No, all paver sealants are not created equal. Some are designed to provide better protection against the elements while others are designed to provide better stain resistance. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s directions to see what type of protection each paver sealer offers.
Sealing Brick Pavers is not a Do-It-Yourself Project
It isn’t a DIY project to seal brick pavers. You will need to hire a professional to do this for you. The professionals at Apex Paver have the experience and expertise to get the job done right. Contact them today for a free estimate!
Re-Sanding Joints Between Pavers
As your pavers settle over time, you may find that the joints need to be re-sanded. This is a simple process and can be done easily with a few tools. You will need a putty knife, jointing sand, and a broom. First, use the putty knife to remove any old sand or debris from the joints.
Next, pour the jointing sand into the joints and sweep it in with the broom. Be sure to fill the sand joints an eighth of an inch below the chamfered edge with the correct joint sand, a mesh 20-30 joint sand (ASTM-C144) and then use a leaf blower or brush to remove any excess sand above the chamfered edge of the joints.
Level Uneven Pavers
If you find that some of your patio or pool pavers are uneven, you can level them by removing and resetting them. To do this, you will need a chisel and hammer. First, use the chisel to loosen the paver. Next, tap the paver with the hammer to remove it from its setting.
Once the paver is removed, level the area with leveling or base sand and then reset the paver. Be sure to tap it into place with the hammer. Repeat this process for any other uneven pavers.
If you dont want to do the job yourself, find a contractor to do the job that is familiar with resetting concrete pavers and bricks. A contractor that has installed concrete pavers or bricks and patios before and has experience in leveling a patio or entire area is probably the right contractor for the job.
How to Seal Brick Pavers Updated for 2022
To seal a concrete paver patio, driveway, pool deck, or walkway, spray the sealer using a pump-up or battery operated sprayer. After you pressure wash the patio pavers or bricks and the entire area is completely clean and all dirt and debris have been removed, a medium coarse fractured angular sand needs to applied to the sand joints.
Make sure there is enough sealer to do the job and seal the entire patio stones, driveway, pool deck, or walkway. Square footage or coverage varies by brand, the porosity of the pavers, and the width of the sand joints. Less sealer will be used next time
A non-chlorinated washed pool filter sand can be used to fill the sand joints an eighth of an inch below the chamfered edge. If there is no chamfered edge, the sand is applied an eighth of an inch below the top edge.
Do not use mason sand or play sand as both types of sand are too fine and will stabilize the joints or lock the sand into place.
Make sure the entire area is completely dry before brooming the sand into the joints unless using a “wet sanding” method. More information about wet sanding can be found by clicking here.
If brooming the sand into the joints, angle the broom at 45 degrees across the paver stones or bricks and allow the sand to fall into the joints. Do not down press too hard as the sand can be removed from the joints.
When ready to seal, mix the sealer or dilute the sealer according to the manufacturer’s directions. Spray enough sealer onto the concrete pavers or bricks and into the joints to allow the sealer to penetrate the sand joints and lock the sand into place providing joint stabilization.
Multiple coats of a wet look sealer can be applied to the paving stones to achieve a gloss. If choosing to seal with a natural look, a matte finish with some enhancement will be achieved. Be careful not to apply too many coats as it can induce slippery conditions. When the job is completed, be sure to stay completely off the pavers for at least 72 hours.
What are the ideal weather conditions when you seal?
The ideal weather to seal is when the temperature is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and there is no chance of rain until at least the next day. If you have to seal and the temperature is below 60 degrees, you can use a space heater or heat lamps to help dry the sealer or seal when the sun is directly on the concrete pavers warming them enough to seal.
Advantages to Seal Brick Pavers
When concrete pavers and bricks are sealed, it provides numerous benefits. First, sealing the joints stabilizes the sand preventing wash out and insect infestation. Second, it strengthens the bond between the pavers and the sand keeping your patio, walkway, or pool deck looking great for many years to come.
How long Should I Wait Before Sealing Pavers for the First Time?
You can seal immediately after they are installed. However, it is best to wait at least 30 days – 60 days is better – to allow the pavers to fully cure before they are sealed. This will ensure the sealer adheres properly and lasts longer.
Final Thoughts
When your concrete or brick pavers are sealed, is a vital step in preserving their appearance and function. Not only does it keep out insects and stabilize the sand, but it also forms a stronger bond between the paver and the sand substrate. This will help to prevent washout, dirt buildup, and maintain the look of your patio, walkway, or pool deck for years to come. If you’re looking for a quality sealant that will do the job right, explore our line of brick paver sealers today!
