Home Improvement

DIY Guide on How to Seal Pavers

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 Pavers are an investment as they add value to your property by creating functional spaces in your front or backyard. While pavers do not require sealing for structural or performance reasons, Landscaping Hobart recommends that you protect your investment by sealing your pavers using our DIY Guide on How to Seal Pavers.

Decided on laying your own pavers? Check out Landscaping Hobart’s DIY Guide on How to Lay Pavers.

Advantages of Sealing Pavers 

Sealing your pavers means:

  • cleaning will be faster and easier;
  • they will be protected from the ice, snow, rain and sun;
  • a reduced chance of permanent staining;
  • enhanced colour from the pavers; and
  • a lower chance of weeds growing through or over your pavers.

Types of Sealers

There are two types of sealers, being water-based and solvent-based sealers.

Solvent-based Sealer

Solvent-based sealers have better penetration power, soak into the paver much faster and have less drying time when compared to water-based sealers. This makes solvent-based sealers better suited for dense pavers such as granite, porcelain or marble. However, solvent-based sealers contain high levels of volatile organic compounds, being hazardous chemicals that can cause injury or death when inhaled. Accordingly, it is important to use proper personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, sleeved shirts, long pants and a respirator) to avoid inhaling the solvent as it evaporates into the air. It is equally important to avoid sealing pavers on a windy day or with pets or children in close proximity.

Water-based Sealer 

The key benefits of using water-based sealers are that they:

  • can be bought in either high-gloss or matte finishes;
  • do not darken the surface of the pavers as much as solvent-based sealers;
  • are often much more durable and long-lasting;
  • much safer to use on your pavers as they do not release hazardous chemicals when evaporating; and
  • relatively cheaper when compared to solvent-based sealers.

Accordingly, water-based solvents are ideal for more porous pavers (e.g. tile grout or concrete) because it takes significantly longer to penetrate and so results in increased during time.

Tools and Materials 

You will need the following tools and materials to seal your pavers:

  • personal protective equipment;
  • bucket;
  • high pressure hose;
  • hard bristled broom;
  • paint roller and tray
  • sugar soap;
  • scourer;
  • sloth or a rag; and
  • sealer.

Step-By-Step 

  1. Sweep the pavers with a hard-bristled broom to remove any debris such as leaves or twigs.
  2. Use a high-pressure cleaner to eliminate any dirt, grime or moss from the surface of your pavers.
  3. Use sugar soap or another cleaning product and a scourer to remove any stubborn or persistent stains.
  4. Cover any areas or objects (such as poles or grass) with canvas cloth to protect them from sealer which may accidently land on them.
  5. Check that the pavers are completely dry before applying a solvent-based sealer. If you are using a water-based sealer, you can apply it while the pavers are damp.
  6. Stir the sealer thoroughly and apply to a small section of the pavers as a test.
  7. If there are no issues with the test, using a roller for large sections and a paint brush for the edges. Be sure to carefully read and follow the instructions on the back of the packaging.
  8. Wait for the first coat to dry, then apply a second coat. If using a spray applicator, you can apply this second coat while the first is partly wet.
  9. Wait for the second coat to dry and wait a full 12 hours before walking on it.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z_oi_Rt924]

 

Want help sealing your pavers? ContactLandscaping Hobart by emailing landscapinghobart@gmail.com or using the Quote page.

 

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