Sealing Your Patio Pavers – 11 Keys to Successfully Sealing Your Patio

Copyright (c) 2009 SaverSystems

When my neighbor first decided to install a paver-block patio, he chose paver stones for several reasons. He thought they would last longer than other materials like wood, or poured concrete, and that they would be maintenance free. While they do look great and they’re incredibly durable, it wasn’t long before he learned that they aren’t completely maintenance free.

After several seasons of rain, snow and sun, the patio didn’t look as good as when he had it installed. The sun was beginning to fade the color in some areas, the sand between the stones had been washed away, and weeds had started growing in the gaps between the pavers. He even began to see ant colonies forming using his precious paver sand as their new home.

The solution to his problem was fairly simple. It was time to clean the patio up and seal it for protection. “Just observe these simple 11 keys”, I told him, “and when you’re done your patio will look like it was done by the Pros!”

1. Take your time. With every project that I undertake, I can’t stress this point enough. When you rush a project through you make mistakes, and mistakes are what the pros are able to avoid. Sometimes it’s just a matter of cleaning the surface a little better, or rinsing things off a little more. Maybe it’s allowing a little more time between coats for your sealer to dry or waiting a few more hours before re-installing your patio furniture. The chances are much better that when the work is all done, you’ll look at the finished result and be satisfied that it turned out just as you had hoped it would.

2. Often times when you inspect the patio, prior to washing you’ll notice stains. Leaves that have remained on the patio can leave tannin stains. Iron furniture that sits on the patio can leave rust stains. Whatever stains you find need to be removed prior to sealing or they will become permanent, so now is the time to work on them. The simplest way to get the stains out is by using an acid cleaner. Conventional muriatic acid works well and it’s cheap, but I hate it. If you get it on your skin it burns and the vapors from it are just terrible. Instead, I use a “safer” cleaner, such as Defy Safer Masonry Cleaner. For severe stains, I simply pour a little cleaner at full strength on the stain and give it a few minutes to work before rinsing. If the whole patio is fairly dirty, dilute the cleaner 4:1 (four parts water to one part cleaner) and using a garden-type pump up sprayer, spray the entire surface with cleaner. Allow the cleaner to remain wet on the surface for 5 minutes or so, and then rinse using a power washer.

3. In regard to the prep work, sealing you patio isn’t much different than staining your deck or painting your house. Much of the quality of the job comes down to how well you prepare the surface.

Patios that have weathered will often times have mildew, moss and algae growing on the stones and in the sand between the joints. Weeds that have begun to grow as well as any other foreign debris need to be removed, and for a patio that means a good cleaning. The easiest way to clean things off is with a power washer.

Make certain that you select a washer with enough power to do the job. I try to never use anything rated less than 2400 p.s.i. Select a tip that will fan the water out slightly, 15° or so. Also, always work in sections.

Patios should be constructed so that water runs away from the home. So begin working near the house or the high side of the slope of the patio. Rinse debris down the patio’s natural flow, away from the house. You’ll loose some of the sand between the joints during the cleaning process and that’s ok. We’ll replace the sand once the patio is cleaned up. Just be careful not to blow out more sand than is necessary while doing your cleaning.

4. With the patio now cleaned, look around and inspect the condition of the pavers. Over time, paver stones can settle or shift, making them unlevel. If you have some bricks that are out of place, using a screwdriver and a stiff putty knife, pry the uneven stones out. Once removed, you can add a little sand, smooth it out with the blade of your putty knife, and re-install the bricks.

5. The last remaining step in getting the patio ready to seal is to re-grout the joints between the stones with fresh sand. This step isn’t hard, but it does take a little time so be patient. To do this, I use a fine grade of play box sand. Pour a small amount on the patio and begin sweeping it into the joints using a push-broom. Sweep in both directions; back-to-front and left-to-right to insure the joints get completely filled. As the sand gets used up by filling the joints pour a little more onto the patio and keep sweeping.

6. This is the part you’re going to love. Go take a break! Remember when we started I said to take your time? After all of the cleaning that we did, the ground under those pavers is soaking wet and needs to dry out. Give the patio a couple of good, hot sunny days to dry out before applying any sealer. If you don’t, you could end up trapping moisture under the sealer and the whole project will turn a milky white color…yuck!

7. It’s time to pick out your sealer now and the choices are solvent-based products or water-based products. I hate solvents! “Why?” you ask. Here’s why:

1. They’re bad for our environment.
2. They kill grass and flowers.
3. They smell terrible.
4. Everything has to be cleaned up with messy solvents.

Water-base 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 cured, water-based sealers such as DEFY Paver Sealer will harden the joint sand and lock it into place. This prevents it from washing out during future rains.

8. Every manufacturer’s product can be a little different so always read the directions. It only takes a few minutes but it will ensure that you have all the right information before you get started. Pay attention to details such as how many coats of sealer to apply, how long to wait between coats, how to properly apply the product and how to clean it up. There are any number of variations to these questions and more. Read the label first and you’ll be likely to get it right the first time.

9. Now the fun begins…applying the sealer. To do this, I love to use a garden-type pump up sprayer but I’ll warn you in advance, don’t buy a cheap one! The better sprayers (they usually cost over $50) have a metal fan-style spray tip and do a much better job than the inexpensive weed sprayers. When you’re looking for a sprayer, the key here is to look for a “fan-style tip”.

The patio edges can be cut-in using a 4″ nylon brush and then you’re ready to start spraying. Water-based sealers normally require two coats to be applied. Once you’ve cut-in the edges, spray the entire patio with the first coat. Then wait for the sealer to dry enough that it can walked on, and do the same thing all over again. If you get it too heavy and the sealer starts to puddle, use the brush to get rid of the puddling by brushing it out.

10. Ok, if a little is good then a lot must be better, right? No! Remember, we’re sealing concrete paver stones and these stones are sitting on a bed of sand. When the sand gets wet and then the sun comes out, these pavers need to breathe, meaning they need to let any water vapors pass through them. When too much sealer is applied, the water vapor can no longer pass through, which results in a white “blushing” effect or even potentially peeling. Limit your application to two coats and you won’t have a problem.

11. Ok, great job. Now for some maintenance. Blow the leaves off when they fall to keep them from staining. Rinse the dirt and debris that shows up over time. And as the weather begins to dull down the finish and the patio loses its luster, simply rinse it off and apply a light maintenance coat. Catch it before the patio gets too weathered and it’s really that simply.

So that’s it. That’s everything. Eleven keys to sealing your patio. Go ahead and try these eleven keys for yourself. See what the results are when you set out on your next project to do it like a pro. You might just surprise yourself!

About the Author

Dave Barnes is a 30-year veteran and nationally recognized product expert of the paint and coatings industry. He has worked in multiple capacities within the business, including having key responsibilities with both product formulations and field application design. He currently serves as Executive Vice-President for SaverSystems Inc., a manufacturer of water repellents for concrete, masonry and wood deck sealers.

NEW INSTALL PLUS PEEL AND SEAL REVIEW

Tupperware Midgets set of 4 in Orange Peel with White Seals $7.87 …

Gorilla Tape 1.88-Inch by 35-Yard Tape Roll $7.29 Gorilla tough… now on a roll The toughest glue on the planet is now a Tape! Bonds to things ordinary tapes can’t: brick, stucco, wood and more. Double-thick adhesive, strong reinforcing backing and a tough all-weather shell combine for a tape so strong it’ll leave you beating your chest with satisfaction. Hey, why settle for a “duck” when you have a gorilla? Measures 1 7/8″ x 35 yds., weighs 1 1…

M-D Building Products 5587 Self Adhesive Door Sweep, 36 Inches, White $2.24 Economy grade. Rigid vinyl with soft vinyl sweep. Self adhesive back will stick to all door types. Requires no nails or screws. Makes no holes. Flexible to compensate for carpet or uneven doors. 1 5/8” H. x 36” L….

Dap 18354 Seal ‘N Peel Removable Caulk, 10.1-Ounce $5.17 Dap 18354 10.1oz clear; seal n peel [PRICE is per TUBE]…

Ascend #10 Standard Window Envelopes, 30% Recycled, Peel-N-Seal, Security , 100 / box Peel-off strip keeps adhesive free from dust for longer shelf life. Made from recycled paper stock….

Folgers Products – Coffee, Regular, 33.9 oz. – Sold as 1 EA – Folgers Custom Aroma Roast Coffee Packs are made from rich, mountain-grown 100 percent Arabica beans that are custom roasted for 34 percent more flavor. Interlocking AromaSeal lid makes sure you enjoy fresh-tasting coffee every time. Snap-tight lid helps seal in fresh taste and aroma. The inner seal peels away easily and eliminates the need for a can opener. Coffee is designed for use in coffee-makers. $23.06 Folgers Products – Coffee, Regular, 33.9 oz. – Sold as 1 EAFolgers Custom Aroma Roast Coffee Packs are made from rich, mountain-grown 100 percent Arabica beans that are custom roasted for 34 percent more flavor. Interlocking AromaSeal lid makes sure you enjoy fresh-tasting coffee every time. Snap-tight lid helps seal in fresh taste and aroma. The inner seal peels away easily and eliminates the n…

Folgers Products – Coffee, Decaffeinated, 22.6 oz. – Sold as 1 EA – Folgers Custom Aroma Roast Coffee Packs are made from rich, mountain-grown 100 percent Arabica beans that are custom roasted for 34 percent more flavor. Interlocking AromaSeal lid makes sure you enjoy fresh-tasting coffee every time. Snap-tight lid helps seal in fresh taste and aroma. The inner seal peels away easily and eliminates the need for a can opener. Coffee is designed for use in coffee-makers. $18.25 Folgers Products – Coffee, Decaffeinated, 22.6 oz. – Sold as 1 EAFolgers Custom Aroma Roast Coffee Packs are made from rich, mountain-grown 100 percent Arabica beans that are custom roasted for 34 percent more flavor. Interlocking AromaSeal lid makes sure you enjoy fresh-tasting coffee every time. Snap-tight lid helps seal in fresh taste and aroma. The inner seal peels away easily and eliminates…

Avery High Visibility 2 1/2 Inch Diameter White Labels 300 Pack (5294) $7.88 Capture attention with these high-visibility labels! Ideal for priority messages addressing color-coding and identification warning labels and more. Print-to-the-edge capability for full-bleed designs. Label Size – text: 2 1/2″ dia. Label Color(s): White Border Color(s): N/A Design: N/A.Unit of Measure : Pack…

Ear Pads for Bose® QC® 2 / QC® 15 Headphones By HeadphoneMate $13.40 Replacement Ear Pads for Bose QC2 and/or Bose QC15 noise cancelling headphones by HeadphoneMate – This is not a Bose product, but it is a high quality product that was manufactured specifically to fit both Bose QC2 or QC15 headphones. These ear pads are made of quality materials, although you will find them not to be quite as soft as the original Bose ear pads. You will receive one pair of ear pad…

BAZIC #10 Peel & Seal White Envelope (40/Pack)(Pack of 24) $3.99 BAZIC #10 Peel & Seal White Envelope (40/Pack). Case/pack: 24/24.

BAZIC #10 Peel & Seal Security Envelope (30/Pack)(Pack of 24) $3.99 BAZIC #10 Peel & Seal Security Envelope (30/Pack). Case/pack: 24/24

Bubble Mailers Peel & Seal Large 9 x 11(Pack of 12) $2.98 Bubble Mailers Peel & Seal Large 9″ x 11″. 2 per package, 12 per case.

BAZIC #6 3/4 Peel & Seal White Envelope (65/Pack)(Pack of 24) $3.99 BAZIC #6 3/4 Peel & Seal White Envelope (65/Pack). Case/pack: 24/24.

BAZIC #6 3/4 Peel & Seal Security Envelope(Pack of 24) $3.99 BAZIC #6 3/4 Peel & Seal Security Envelope (55/Pack). Case/pack: 24/24.

BAZIC #6 Peel & Seal White Envelope (100/Pack)(Pack of 24) $4.99 BAZIC #6 Peel & Seal White Envelope (100/Pack).75 GSM Paper – 92 Brightness.

BAZIC #10 Peel & Seal Security Envelope (40/Pack)(Pack of 24) $4.99 BAZIC #10 Peel & Seal Security Envelope (40/Pack).75 GSM Paper – 92 Brightness.

Bazic 506524 No.6.75 Peel and Seal White Envelope Pack of 24 $42.9 No.63/4 Peel and Seal Security Envelope (65/Pack). Case/pack: 24/24. Manufactured to the highest quality available. Satisfaction ensured.

Bazic 506724 No.10 Peel and Seal White Envelope Pack of 24 $42.9 No.10 Peel and Seal Security Envelope (40/Pack). Case/pack: 24/24. Manufactured to the highest quality available. Satisfaction ensured.

Bazic 506824 No.10 Peel and Seal Security Envelope Pack of 24 $42.9 No.10 Peel and Seal Security Envelope (30/Pack). Case/pack: 24/24. Manufactured to the highest quality available. Satisfaction ensured.

Bazic 50635 No.10 Peel and Seal White Envelope Pack of 5 $65.81 No.10 Peel and Seal White Envelope (500/Box) Moisten to Seal. Dimensions: 41/8 x 91/2 (or 10.4 x 24.1 cm.) 20 lbs or 75 g/m2. Large package is suitable for office and home usage.

Bazic 574 24 10 Peel and Seal White Envelope Pack of 24 $46.02 Available in boxes of 50 white 10 envelopes. Simply peel the sticker at the flap and press to seal. 50 Envelopes. Size: 41/8 x 91/2 .

Bazic 506624 No.6.75 Peel and Seal Security Envelope Pack of 24 $42.9 No.63/4 Peel and Seal Security Envelope (55/Pack). Case/pack: 24/24. Dimensions: 35/8 x 61/2 (9.2 cm x 16.5 cm). Manufactured to the highest quality available. Satisfaction ensured.

Quality Park Products Grip-Seal Envelopes, Peel and Seal, 24lb., 6×9, 250/BX, WE(Pack of 1) $101.88 Quality Park Products Grip-Seal Envelopes, Peel and Seal, 24lb., 6″x9″, 250/BX, WEBooklet Grip-Seal Envelopes are durable all-purpose mailing envelopes. Ideal for mailing documents, catalogs, direct mail, promotional material, brochures and more. Op

30 Ct Antibacterial Peel Wipes(Pack of 24) $3.3 30 Ct Antibacterial Peel Wipes – Seal Moist Wipes 30Ct

Bazic #10 Peel & Seal White Envelope (500/Box)(Pack of 5) $32.99 Bazic #10 Peel & Seal White Envelope (500/Box) Size 4 1/8″ x 9 1/2″ or 10.4 x 24.1 cm. 20 lbs or 75 g/m2. Large package is suitable for office and home usage.

Bazic 575 24 10 Peel and Seal Security Envelope Pack of 24 $46.02 Available in boxes of 40 white 10 gummed closure envelopes. Security envelopes have a printed lining to ensure nothing is exposed. Simply peel the sticker at the flap and press to seal. 75 GSM Paper. 92 Brightness. Pack of 24.

Bazic 50645 No.10 Peel and Seal Security Envelope Pack of 5 $83.36 No.10 Peel and Seal Security Envelope (500/Box) Security Envelopes with SelfAdhesive Strip for easy closure. Size 41/8 x 91/2 or 10.4 x 24.1 cm. 20 lbs or 75 g/m2. Large wholesale bulk cheap discount envelopes package is suitable for office and home usage.

Business Source Peel/Seal Env, Reg, Plain, No. 10, 4-1/2×9-1/2, 500/BX, WE(Pack of 1) $107.78 Business Source Peel/Seal Env, Reg, Plain, No. 10, 4-1/2″x9-1/2″, 500/BX, WENo. 10 business envelopes require no moisture to seal. Simply peel back strip and fold closed. Protective strip keeps adhesive free from dust. No. 10 envelopes are made of 2

Sparco Products Peel-To-Seal Envelopes,Regular,No.10,4-1/8×9-1/2,500/BX,WE(Pack of 1) $126.35 Sparco Products Peel-To-Seal Envelopes,Regular,No.10,4-1/8″x9-1/2″,500/BX,WERemovable Strip Envelopes require no moisture to seal. Simply peel back strip and fold closed. Protective strip keeps adhesive free from dust. No. 10 envelopes are made of 2

Sparco Products Peel-To-Seal Envelopes,w/Wind,No.10,4-1/8×9-1/2,500/BX,WE(Pack of 1) $136.73 Sparco Products Peel-To-Seal Envelopes,w/Wind,No.10,4-1/8″x9-1/2″,500/BX,WERemovable Strip Envelopes with a window require no moisture to seal. Simply peel back strip and fold closed. Protective strip keeps adhesive free from dust. No. 10 envelopes

Bazic #10 Peel & Seal Security Envelope (500/Box)(Pack of 5) $40.99 BAZIC #10 Peel & Seal Security Envelope (500/Box) Security Envelopes with Self-Adhesive Strip for easy closure. Size 4 1/8″ x 9 1/2″ or 10.4 x 24.1 cm. 20 lbs or 75 g/m2.Large wholesale bulk cheap discount envelopes p

Bazic 572 24 6 .75 Peel and Seal White Envelope Pack of 24 $46.02 Available in boxes of 100 white 6 3/4 envelopes. Simply peel the sticker at the flap and press to seal. 75 GSM Paper. 92 Brightness.

Sealed Air Corporation Padded Mailers, Peel and Seal, 6×10, 25/CT, Kraft(Pack of 1) $38.68 Sealed Air Corporation Padded Mailers, Peel and Seal, 6″x10″, 25/CT, KraftHeavy-duty satin gold kraft padded mailer offers uniform inner batting to provide rugged, all-purpose protection. Padded mailers feature an easy closure. Simply peel away the