The world of paver sealers is paved with sealers that add a flavorful touch to the driveway or walkway of your home while protecting the underlying material from wear, tear, and debris over years of weather conditions and traversal. Pavers aren’t considered essential to home any more than sealant itself, but together, they ideally create an upscale appeal and prolong the longevity of your paving set.

There are several types of paver sealants to choose from as well as the equipment that’s used to ensure proper distribution. And in this article, we’re going to work out which sealers do the job best while explaining the ideal situations for each.

When looking for the right sealer, all pavers are going to use some form of durable stone that accepts coatings of any sort. The true distinction comes down to whether you want a more durable paver that accentuates the natural texture of the material underneath or a glossier finish that brings out the luster and color in the bricks.

Additionally, you need to keep cost in mind while assessing other factors such as weather exposure and frequency of traversal as well as how seriously you take the protection of the paver material; for instance, travertine slabs are quite expensive and should be well-shielded from external conditions to preserve their qualities. Altogether, these factors will determine the type of sealer that you should stick with when coating hardscapes around your home.

Generally, the various brands of sealers will come in natural texture, low-gloss and high-gloss varieties with matte varieties on the side.

There are two basic types that these come in: water- and acrylic-based. Acrylic sealers will impart the glossier feel at the expense of the sealer’s longevity, which averages 2-3 years but can lean significantly off either end of that spectrum depending on exposure conditions and the quality of sealer that you choose. Additionally, the technical application of the sealer is crucial to its look and function, and it’s essential to employ quality tools or confer with a specialist to ensure that the job is done right.

With the intro out of the way, you have the gist of paver sealers and what they’re good for. Let’s check out the best paver sealer picks on the market for your needs.

Best Paver Sealer Comparison Table

Best in Category

Concrete Coatings SuperSeal 2000 (1gal.) — Best Paver Sealer for a Wet Look

* Coverage is approximate and depends on method of application, surface, porosity and temperature.

While it does bring an intense odor upon application, it’s a powerful glossing solution that really beautifies your stone and hardwood surfaces like a champ. There’s not much to say for protection here, but as a premium wet-look offering, its orientation is more aesthetic than anything else. This will do the job in super-shiny form and function without a hitch, but be sure to completely clean the area before use.

Ultra Dry 70 Premium Sealer — Best Water-Based Paver Sealer

Would you believe that Ultra Dry 70 came up with the best water-based sealer in this review? Irony aside, this is a simple product that just works. It doesn’t take the do-all, see-all approach to sealing your pavers, but it’s highly effective for high-traffic zones due to its resistance to physical abuse. It works on most surfaces although it’s ideal for travertine and other costly substrates of natural origin.

KILZ Sealer — Best Block Paver Sealer

The one and only drawback of this product is that it doesn’t quite last forever, but if you can overlook this detail, you have a sealer that works on every surface with every applicator and applies a modest coat of sheen with fair protection on the side. It’s an excellent all-around sealer, but it’s ideal for patios and brick-based surfaces in general.

Armor AR350 — Best Concrete Paver Sealer

If there was ever a perfect sealer, this would probably be it. This does absolutely everything: It’s high-gloss for a beautiful presentation, really brings out the colors in the substrate, protects from a wide spectrum of external elements both natural and otherwise, and it lasts up to five years when properly applied. There are no complaints worth noting — it simply does it all without a hitch. Seeing is believing.

Ultra Dry 70 Premium Sealer — Best Travertine Paver Sealer

Winning the second round of Best in Category, this product doesn’t just make a great water-based sealer; it’s also ideal for travertine in particular. Preserving the natural look, this sealer is highly effective at protecting the substrate with exceptional resistance to physical abuse through traversal, driving and other conditions. Is it a coincidence that “travertine” and “traverse” are similar words? Well, this sealer makes it easy to walk with confidence over your high-cost investment.

Armor AR350 — Best Paver Stone Sealer

We almost gave this spot to the SuperSeal 2000, but while that sealer may look better, Armor’s offering is back for the second spot as a Best in Category product due to its exceptionally well-rounded balance between high-luster coating and multipurpose protection. Don’t forget about that five-year lifespan too. This product works well on most surfaces, but if you’re using a stone paver, this will do it best for natural materials as well.

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Best Paver Sealer Reviews

DuPont Premium – Best High Gloss Paver Sealer

This appears to be quite the pricey offering at first. It comes from DuPont, and that means it’s probably going to do the job well. Right off the bat, it’s an impressive product with its three-in-one sealing solution that enhancement, protection and joint sane locking factors.

These are essential to protecting and stabilizing the paver when the sealer is applied. DuPont’s product is, of course, weather-proof to boot and does the job in any condition for up to three years. That’s an average lifespan for glossy sealants, so we certainly can’t complain about it here.

Other benefits to note are that the gloss doesn’t yellow over time, and a single gallon covers up to 300 square feet of paver surface, which is staggering. We’ll wager that you won’t need double helpings of this sealant to coat your paver adequately although two coats are usually better than one. However, it’s at this exact moment you realize that the price tag is actually quite low compared to the competition just on raw coverage alone.

A small chunk of user reviews note that DuPont’s sealer tends to be penetrated by natural elements such as bugs, rain, and efflorescence, but most users had great success with it.

Advice on Application

Base Finish Service life Сoverage Important Limitations Indoor or Outdoor Solvent High-gloss,

Wet look Up to 3 years Up to 300 sq ft per gallon It should not be used on polished; non-absorbing; glazed surfaces For both indoor and outdoor areas

Best for: Pavers; Sidewalks; Driveways; Block walls; Brick; Poured concrete slabs (unpolished); Exposed aggregate concrete; Patios; Flagstone; Limestone; Sandstone; Travertine; Slate.

Verdict

We recommend this as a sound high-gloss sealing solution that covers quite a bit of square footage for the price and hails from a brand of excellent repute. Of course, be sure that you’re okay with the color-enhancing detail.

Pros Versatile, multi-faceted protection and locking solution

Versatile, multi-faceted protection and locking solution Covers considerably more square footage per gallon compared to other sealers Cons You may find that a double helping is needed to prevent penetration by the elements

Coming in a rather toxic-looking container — because let’s be honest, metal jugs scream “danger” in a special way that plastic ones don’t — you have a wet-look solution that’s ideal for indoor and outdoor stone surfaces of concrete, masonry, cementitious substrates and more.

There’s a potent odor about it that some may not be willing to deal with, but as a sealer, it’s quite an effective offering and is considered a gold standard among glossy coats for all purposes.

Because of the odor, you’re recommended to heavily ventilate indoor settings where this might be used.

We’d like to point out that in general, sealers that have a strong odor are more likely to pan out than ones that don’t. We couldn’t tell you why exactly; it’s probably an indication that a certain essential compound is present. Regardless, wherever you go in your search for the ideal protective coat for your pavers, keep in mind that a strong odor is going to be a given trait for most — not all — sealers, especially the glossy types.

With that said, the SuperSeal 2000 is an excellent product all-around and brings water resistance that is, for the most part, reliable. Keep in mind that you’ll need to clean the area thoroughly to prevent clouding.

Verdict

Concrete Coatings in mind; they know how a sealer is supposed to work. Also, there’s a matte version of this product for those who need the finest in natural-look sealing solutions. Keepin mind; they know how a sealer is supposed to work.

Pros Exceptional glossing effect

Exceptional glossing effect Really makes the colors pop Cons Overpowering odor initially

Do we trust a brand named KILZ? Setting bad jokes aside, this is a low-gloss solution that’s recommended for patios and other outdoor surfaces that see modest traversal but not overwhelming use.

It can be applied to nearly any thinkable substrate of natural or artificial origin. It also works with just about any applicator: sprays, rollers, pads, and brushes should work just fine. This is already shaping up to be a highly versatile product that should work great for beginner DIY projects since many sealers can leave disastrous damage if applied incorrectly.

Keep in mind that like with most sealers, you’ll need to ensure equal distribution over a completely clean surface, preferably one that’s been power-washed beforehand. The manufacturer doesn’t recommend attempting to thin the product.

Your result should be a non-yellowing, non-fading coat that preserves color and protects from scuffing, scoring or efflorescence in general. However, it’s not the most protective solution for your surfaces; it’s a middle-of-the-road offering that does a little bit of everything at an affordable cost.

Verdict

It’s hard to not recommend a well-rounded sealer, so we’ll give this one a thumbs up for casual surfaces that receive modest traffic. This will amply protect while applying a subtle shine that should look great.

Pros Works on nearly every surface imaginable

Works on nearly every surface imaginable Can be used with nearly every applicator imaginable

Can be used with nearly every applicator imaginable Generally looks good while also providing reasonable protection Cons Doesn’t last too long on heavily traversed surfaces



As an affordable travertine sealant, Ultra Dry 70 brings you the latest and greatest in stain protection for your costly paver materials. It preserves the natural look of the substrate, and it’s formed from a premium water base with penetrative properties for maximum infiltration.

It’s also great for limestone, marble, concrete and other materials as well. Due to its resistance to traversal, friction and abuse, it’s highly recommended for use in high-traffic residential and commercial zones.

Advice on Application

Base Finish Service life Сoverage Breathable Indoor or Outdoor Water Natural Long-term protection From 200 to 3,000 square feet Yes For both indoor and outdoor areas

Best for: Paver; Concrete; Granite; Grout; Tile; Veneer; Terra cotta; Marble; Quartz; Limestone; Sandstone; Travertine.

Verdict

That’s it. It’s a simple product with a simple goal, manageable price tag and no drawbacks worth noting. This is a solid recommendation for general sealing purposes when you want the natural look arm-in-arm with reliable protection.





Pros Premium water-based protection for costly paver materials

Premium water-based protection for costly paver materials Highly resistant to physical abuse Cons None

Are you looking to buy in bulk at a low dollar cost? DryWay wants to sell you a sealer that’s hit-or-miss on the performance scale, but if you can overlook the shortcomings, this should do mighty fine at the asking price.

It’s ideal for many of the same places you would use any sealer: driveways, sidewalks, garage floors and even bathroom tile if you’re bold. Treated concrete and masonry of all sorts should handle it fine, and water should be repelled effectively.

The compounds used in DryWay’s sealer are “inherently resistant” to UV radiation, oxidation and heat, but the biggest positive is that a proper coating procedure should, in theory, last you five years with this product.

Advice on Application

Base Finish Service life Indoor or Outdoor Water Natural Up to 10 years For both indoor and outdoor areas

Best for: Brick walls; Concrete garage floors; Driveways; Paver shop floors; Parking areas; Sidewalks; Patios; Porous veneer; Terracotta; Limestone.

Coverage

Concrete Blocks Poured Concrete Splitface Blocks Pavers and Brick From 400 to 600 square feet From 750 to 1000 square feet From 250 to 400 square feet From 600 to 750 square feet

Verdict

That’s all well and fine, but user reviews cite that it only lasts about one year in reality. If you’re okay with this, then we see no reason not to recommend it, especially as it sells cheaply. Give DryWay a shot if you need an effective water repellent, but you should probably use it on surfaces that aren’t frequented to maximize durability.

Pros Inexpensive

Inexpensive Effective waterproofing sealant

Effective waterproofing sealant Protects from UV, oxidation, and heat Cons Generally wears down after one year as opposed to the advertised five

Glaze ‘N Seal is a company that sells products to glaze and seal your pavers! That concludes this review; we hope you enjoyed it.

Just kidding — Glaze ‘N Seal has a feature-rich offering with tolerant temperature bounds and a 24-hour cure time. This is all to get the ball rolling on versatile protection against basic weather elements and natural conditions for most concrete and masonry substrates.

The water-repelling nature of this product is supposed to be exceptional, leaves a natural appearance and lasts over eight years if applied correctly. That’s actually quite impressive.

User reviews cite that you should be careful to completely wash the paver before applying this product because it tends to form nasty white spots if applied over debris, which causes uneven distribution and ruins that natural look you were after. Like with most sealers, the white spots can take weeks to form and typically result from calcium buildup and efflorescence.

Advice on Application

Where to Use Base Finish Coverage Service life Important characteristics Brick; Concrete; Stucco; Stone Water Natural 150 square feet per gallon 8 years or more LEED eligible

Verdict

Aside from that little caveat, this is a firm product that’s easily recommended for decade-long general-purpose protection.





Pros Lasts nearly a decade

Lasts nearly a decade Excellent water repellent Cons Can form white spots a little too easily if not applied with care

Whenever you see a black and gold label on something, it usually means that it’s a premium answer to your ordinary needs. However, extraordinary needs require extraordinary attention, and Aqua Mix has a single quart running for a high-roller price tag.

Before we judge the cost, let’s first look at what this product actually offers.

Firstly , it’s designed to be used with expensive paver materials : marble, limestone, travertine, saltillo, slate and more.

, : marble, limestone, travertine, saltillo, slate and more. Second off , this is actually recommended for kitchen counters that use these materials because it protects from the acidic or basic nature of certain food prep items.

, this is actually recommended for kitchen counters that use these materials because it protects from the acidic or basic nature of certain food prep items. Finally , it’s engineered specifically to present no sheen whatsoever and prevent long-term stains while maintaining the natural appearance of the substrate. Well, that certainly explains the price tag for such a small jug of juice: It’s a kitchen chemical.

It can also be used effectively on porous tile, which is remarkable considering that any other sealer would clot up and leave white filling or a plasticky look to such surfaces that rest so close to the eyes. As such, Aqua Mix was aiming for an extremely fine-grained sealer that would make your countertops and other prep spaces appear as though they’d never been sealed, to begin with.

One imagines that this would look exceptional in a naturally themed home that’s made from wood and stone. To top it all off, this product dries rather quickly, so you won’t need to worry about quarantining the kitchen space for a whole day.

Now, let’s discuss something else for a moment. There’s nothing wrong with this product; actually, there’s just one detail that’s outright dreadful, and it comes down to the inclusion of triclosan (brand name Microban). Triclosan, if you’re unaware, is an antibacterial chemical compound that seems ideal for kitchen surfaces until you take note of its classification as a pesticide with leeching properties. It’s a recognized risk to humans on a significant level. What we’re trying to say is, you could be poisoning your food with this product unless you place everything on barrier surfaces. Even then, other reviews point out that chalky residue sometimes rubs off the sealer, which could then cross-contaminate the food.

We’re going to say this: Don’t use this product for surfaces where food will be prepared. We know, we know — “That’s what it was made for though!” There’s nothing to say that you can’t use this on other surfaces in your home such as decorative shelving or a hearth, but even then, this is quite an expensive product on the whole.

Advice on Application

Base Finish Coverage Service life Indoor or Outdoor Water Natural 300 - 750 square feet per gallon Up to 15 years For both indoor and outdoor areas

Best for: Granite; Concrete (polished and unpolished); Grout; Porous tile; Terracotta; Clay paver; Marble; Terrazzo; Limestone; Brick; Travertine; Basalt slate; Cement; Bluestone porcelain.

Verdict

Because there are many positive statements about it, we’ll cautiously recommend it as a great sealer inside your home, but it’s probably not a safe solution if we go by the EPA’s judgment. Use at your own risk.





Pros Exceptional indoor sealer for porous surfaces and natural stone

Exceptional indoor sealer for porous surfaces and natural stone Preserves a convincingly natural appearance to surfaces Cons Employs triclosan, a high-risk chemical that’s classified as a pesticide with the EPA and poses a considerable threat to people in the environment that this sealer was intended to be used

Employs triclosan, a high-risk chemical that’s classified as a pesticide with the EPA and poses a considerable threat to people in the environment that this sealer was intended to be used Some users report a chalky residue with this product, which further increases the risk of contamination or poisoning from using this product in food spaces

If you’re looking for a pure acrylic solution that applies a slick layer of awesome to just about any substrate, this will be a viable option for you. Coming in a massive five-gallon tub, there should be enough here to cover roughly half a small two-car driveway unless you’re willing to roll with a low-gloss and possibly less-protected end result.

Nonetheless, applying EnduraSeal’s sealer to your pavers promises non-yellowing goodness and a considerable lifespan despite the absence of epoxy or urethane elements, which are typically used in sealers that need maintenance every five years or more.

This is intended to be a modestly priced offering that gives you the basic wet look with a little UV protection on the side along with the general buffering against traversal.

Reviews are glowing for this product although you may find that it leaves an odor behind on application. EnduraSeal is offering an alternative called EnduraSeal WB to take care of that issue in case you’re using the product indoors where proper ventilation is difficult or impossible.

The only issue to look out for is that proper application is absolutely essential with this sealer because it leaves white spots with slightly uneven spreading. Don’t let it pool, and if the sprayer alone doesn’t do the trick, grab a roller.

Advice on Application

Base Finish Coverage Indoor or Outdoor Solvent Semi-gloss "Wet Look" About 150-300 square feet per gallon Outdoor

Best for: Pavers; Concrete (stamped, stained, colored); Stone; Exposed aggregate; Terrazzo.

Verdict

This is a great, inexpensive solution that punches beyond its weight if you have the technical means of proper application. We recommend it for the confident and the frugal.

Pros Non-yellowing

Non-yellowing Long lifespan without the help of urethane or epoxy elements Cons Leveled-out spreading and proper application are high priorities to avoid white spotting

Coming as a versatile solution for stamped, exposed aggregate and decorative surfaces, this is a beauty-centric solution from Black Diamond that can be applied any way you’re equipped: roll, brush or spray.

It works on a variety of paver materials ranging from concrete to slate, and you can also apply it to masonry, garage floors, and patios. This is a nice option for polishing your pavers with a chemical-resistant coat, and defying tradition, it’s a water-based sealer that acts on many of the usual traits that are found in the acrylic variety.

Unlike other sealers, this one doesn’t darken the paver material for that “wet dog look”, but it still provides a glossy coat for aesthetic bonus points.

While the product is mostly cited with positive results, some users find that it leaves residue and darkened colors after applying. A few users also noted that it has a watery consistency that makes it impossible to apply uniformly to spray on a wall. However, the truly concerning point is the mass of comments that indicate this isn’t, in fact, a wet-look sealer at all.

There’s quite a bit of variation in the materials that users are noting this complaint with; these include bathroom tile, marble foyer flooring, garage and basement concrete, and even brick sidewalk pavers. The majority of users didn’t cite these complications, however, so your luck is optimistic with this offering.

Advice on Application

Base Finish Coverage Indoor or Outdoor Water Gloss "Wet Look" 150 - 300 square feet per gallon For both indoor and outdoor areas

Best for: Paver; Stone; Driveways; Brick walls; Garage floors; Patios; Concrete; Masonry; Exposed aggregate; Sandstone; Slate.

Verdict

We recommend this sealer for those who need an all-purpose beautifier and don’t mind a general lack of protection from the elements.

Pros Beautiful, glossy coat

Beautiful, glossy coat Works on nearly any surface

Works on nearly any surface Doesn’t darken the material Cons Some users find that it doesn’t actually leave a wet look at all

Some users find that it doesn’t actually leave a wet look at all There’s not much that it protects surfaces from

This highly protective solution from Eagle is designed to maximize the longevity of your pavers, floors and tile layouts in general. It provides an effective shield against water, oil and salt-based damage, and it helps restrict color fade due to sun exposure.

As a solvent-based chemical mixture, it adheres to the surface quite well, simplifying application and ensuring that the product sticks where you spray and roll it. The UV resistance is non-yellowing, and it’s advertised as self-priming with easy resealing. This is already shaping up to be a well-rounded guardian for harshly conditioned pavers in outdoor environments, and it all comes at a rather low dollar cost to boot.

The only negative citation that users had with this sealer was that it didn’t last as long as they needed it to. Naturally, when you invest in a product that’s designed to protect your pavers, you need it to last, and most such products do. However, the great irony in a protective sealer that fades within months could be enough to break the deal for some folks.

Advice on Application

Base Finish Coverage Indoor or Outdoor Solvent High Gloss "Wet Look" 100 - 200 Outdoor

Best for: Concrete pavers; Exposed aggregate (stamped/stained/colored); Driveways; Acid-stained surfaces.

Verdict

Still, this problem was only noted in a small percentage of those who used it, so we think this is a great low-cost recommendation for keeping your driveway and garage surfaces protected from the elements.





Pros Protection from a wide array of elements

Protection from a wide array of elements Non-yellowing UV resistance

Non-yellowing UV resistance Easy to apply, adheres well, primes itself and reseals quickly Cons It may not last as long as expected

This is a matte solution that’s designed to protect your paver with a breathable, clear, non-yellowing coat that’s resistant to spalling, cracking and pitting. It does just about everything: repels water, keeps salt out, protects from traversal by tire or boot, and gives the pavement a natural appearance.

It also blocks out efflorescence, mold, and mildew — a benefit that many sealers don’t deliver . The cost runs along the high end, and while it’s not the prettiest solution on the market, this solvent-based sealant certainly does a swell job of protecting expensive pavers such as limestone and granite.

Now, we have some bad news:

This product has been met with quite a few disagreements. First off, if you’re going to apply this to any surface that isn’t completely dark, get a professional to do it; otherwise, you run a serious risk of accidentally staining large chunks of the coated area. The stains are ruinous, unpredictable and can’t be solved in any way but to strip the entire coat and start over, or worse, upend the paver in its entirety and replace it altogether. This is a serious possibility that you could face with Foundation Armor’s SX5000, and the company’s representatives are noted for recommending that you scrub away the stains with acetone. That’s not an acceptable solution for a product in this price range.

Advice on Application

Base Finish Coverage Indoor or Outdoor Solvent Natural 125 - 250 square feet per gallon For both indoor and outdoor areas

Best for: Masonry; Concrete; Sidewalks; Aggregate; Building exteriors; Driveways; Paver; Patios; Brick; Walkways; Natural stone; Shop floors; Garage floors; Pool decks; Basement floors.

Verdict

That said, most reviews are glowing, so provided the product isn’t a lemon and it’s properly applied to the paver, you should have more than swell results that last for years. However, we’re going to say that this is definitely a sealer that you’ll want to hire a professional for. Otherwise, stay away.





Pros Exceptional protection from all elements

Exceptional protection from all elements Non-yellowing and breathable Cons Basically, don’t DIY this product unless the risk of destroying the paver sits well with you

Your paver deserves a solid sealer solution that balances protection with aesthetic, and that’s what Armor aimed for with their wet-look offering for natural stone materials. Because this type of paver is the most expensive sort, it’s ideal to protect it well while bringing out the best of its qualities, which is almost unfitting when you’d normally use a natural-look sealer for this purpose. Nonetheless, this is a solution that’s well worth the price no matter how you look at it, and if you were planning on a natural-look solution, this sealer alone might change your mind.

This is a breathable sealer that promotes a wet look with a satin acrylic coating. The bonding aspect has been optimized for easy application, and unlike typical acrylic sealers, this one brings considerable longevity that should last you up to five years on a proper double-coat. By locking out damaging UV radiation, a wide temperature range and hot tire pickup, fading and black smudging should be issues of the past.

Additionally, this is a great option for making the colors really pop in your paver, complementing the high-gloss characteristic and really telling the world that you’re all about smart style.

The AR350 mix also works nicely on patios, in garages and on basement floors. It can be used over concrete in addition to natural stone pavers of all sorts, keeping it a versatile answer to both residential and commercial requirements.

What’s really wonderful about this paver is that it works exactly as advertised with near-flawless ratings and reviews from users, and we think that the handful who were only half-satisfied with the results probably didn’t apply it correctly.

Advice on Application

Base Finish Coverage Service Life Indoor or Outdoor Breathable Solvent Gloss 150 - 300 square feet per gallon Up to 5 years For both indoor and outdoor areas Yes

Best for: Masonry; Concrete; Concrete driveways; Paver; Patios; Stamped concrete walkways; Basement, retail, garage floors.

Verdict

On that note, we have no real drawbacks to mention, and that makes Armor’s high-grade sealing solution a natural recommendation for pavers of costly and frugal types alike.





Pros Combines high-gloss, color-popping acrylic coat with significant durability — up to five years

Combines high-gloss, color-popping acrylic coat with significant durability — up to five years Works across a full spectrum of paver types but is especially good for costlier types

Works across a full spectrum of paver types but is especially good for costlier types Protects from a wide range of conditions including hot and cold temperatures, tire pickup and UV rays Cons None

Best Paver Sealer Buyer’s Guide

When shopping for a paver sealer, there is a wide range of options that you should consider first. Some of the things you should think about include the amount of sealer you need, the type of sealer that is suitable for your paving type, and the environmental effects your location has. We will be covering these types of topics and more in our paving sealer buyer guide.

Know Your Paving Type

The first thing we will cover in our buying guide is the importance of knowing your paving material type. Sealants come in a wide range of formulations that are designed specifically for different types of paving materials. Let’s consider poured concrete as an example. Poured concrete is one of the most common paving types seen in areas like garages and workshops.

Since it’s designed for those areas, it’s common for these paving materials to be exposed to oil staining. This means that you will likely want to stick with sealers that are designed specifically for concrete that help repel oil stains as well as water. Selecting a sealer that is incompatible with your paving type can actually damage it and will result in disappointing results. If you cannot identify what paving material you have, consider asking your home builder or a licensed professional.

How Much Paver Sealer Do I Need?

Calculating the amount of paving sealer you need is often one of the hardest parts of the buying process. To begin, you should start with calculating the square feet of your total paving area. For most areas, the shape is rectangular or square and this is very easy to calculate yourself. You simply need to measure the width and height of the area and multiply these two figures together. The resulting number is the square footage of your that you should use during the buying process.

Now that you have the square footage calculated, look at the product instructions carefully. You should see the approximate amount of square feet that each package will cover. One thing to be on the lookout for is that many sealers recommend multiple coats to achieve the best results. This will double or triple the amount of product you need to complete your sealing project. When in doubt, you should always purchase a little extra to make sure you have enough to complete your task.

Understand The Different Between Solvent-based and Water-Based Sealants

The vast majority of sealants that are currently available come in either solved-based or water-based formulations. Each of these formulas has their own distinct advantages and disadvantages to consider. To begin, we’re going to start with water-based sealants. Water-based sealants have a much lower VOC rating than other sealant types.

VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. These types of compounds have a very high vapor pressure at room temperature. What this means is that VOCs easily permeate the atmosphere and can be particularly dangerous in indoor spaces. From a safety standpoint, water-based sealants with a lower VOC rating are much safer for both you and the environment. This also means that they have a much lower odor level as well.

In addition to their lower VOC rating, water-sealants are also much easier to clean up and generally have a matte finish. While they are much safer to use indoors, you still have to pay careful attention to the manufacturer’s directions to make sure you are applying the product in a responsible manner.

As for solvent-based sealants, they have a much higher VOC rating and are characterized by a very noticeable smell. While some are formulated for use indoors, the majority of them are meant for outdoor use. These chemicals can have a much more drastic impact on the environment should they be stored or disposed of incorrectly. However, solvent-based sealants do have some benefits that make them ideal choices to consider.

For one, solvent-based sealants offer a wider range of stain protection options. The majority of sealers that you see that are resistant to oil stains will be solvent-based. In addition, solved-based sealants provide a long lasting shine that many users prefer.

Regardless which sealant type you select, you should always pay careful attention to the instructions on the package. Be sure to apply the sealant in an area with plenty of airflow and use appropriate protection when needed.

How To Identify Existing Sealant Types

In addition to their different beneficial properties, it’s important to know that solvent-based and water-based sealers are not always compatible with each other. If your paving area was already sealed with a water-based sealer, you can reapply a new water-based or solvent-based sealer on top. However, water-based sealers cannot be applied over existing solvent-based sealers .

For those of you who do not know what type of sealant was used on your paving area before, you can do something known as a Xylene test. Xylene is a type of solvent that is used in many industrial applications. To perform the test, you will only need a very small amount of Xylene.

Look for an inconspicuous area to conduct your test in one of the room corners. Using a quarter-sized amount of Xylene, pour it directly on your test area. Wait for the Xylene to sit for approximately 15 seconds before you wipe the excess off with a clean cloth. After a few seconds, gently touch the area to see if it’s sticky. If it is sticky, your paving area was sealed with a solvent-based product. If it’s not, a water-based solvent was used instead.

How To Choose The Right Paving Sealer

Using the information outlined in the previous sections, look for a product that is compatible with the type of paving material you have. Next, check to make sure the sealant type is compatible with any preexisting sealant applications you may have by performing the Xylene test beforehand.

The other factors you should consider are the weather conditions in your area and specialty stain types like oil exposure. You will want to select a product that protects your pavement surface from the most conditions possible that you frequently see in your area.

How To Apply Paver Sealer Safely and Effectively

When applying paving sealer, the most important thing to remember is that safety always comes first. Make sure that the area is well ventilated and use appropriate protective apparel based on the manufacturer instructions. Once you are sure that the area is adequately ventilated and that you have the right safety equipment, you can move onto the preparation stage.

The paving area should be completely free of surface contaminants. This includes dirt, dust, and other debris like oil spills. One great way to accomplish this is to use a pressure washer and an approved cleaner on your paving area to help break up surface deposits. Once you have fully cleaned it, you should allow the area to completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Now that the area has been properly cleaned, you should take the time to patch any visible cracks in the surface of your paving material. Make sure to use the proper type of crack repair product for your specific paving type. Once the cracks have been repaired, allow the area to fully cure before moving further on in the process.

Next, you should mix the product based on the manufacturer’s instructions. While a few products are already premixed, the majority require a large amount of stirring to make sure the solvents are distributed evenly. After mixing, you are ready to apply the sealant using a compatible brush or roller.

Most sealants use a brush device that has a squeegee attachment on the back end to help smooth out the product. Other sealants use specialized rollers to distribute the sealant evenly. Follow the manufacturer directions and use the appropriate application device that they recommend for their formula. Using controlled movements, apply the sealant evenly using small amounts across the paving area.

Many products recommend multiple coatings to achieve maximum results. When doing multiple coats, it’s important to allow ample curing time for the base coat to fully dry. When it does, apply your additional coats using the same application method and allow it to dry fully before using it.

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How Long Does Paver Sealer Last?

The exact length that your sealer will last will vary substantially from product to product. The majority of sealers available require resealing approximately every two to five years. Some of the more expensive options currently available can last for as long as ten years.

Factors like wear and tear as well as the environmental effects of your area will have a direct impact on the lifespan of your sealant product. Conditions like freezing temperatures and intense UV light can be particularly brutal to sealed paving areas. When in doubt, consider resealing your paving areas approximately every two to three years or when you begin to see water resistance fade.

Conclusion

Sealing your paving areas is the perfect way to enhance their appearance and protect them from a broad range of environmental hazards. By using high-quality sealants like the ones recommended in our article and the tips we offered, you can easily seal your own paving areas at home with minimal effort.