When installing a driveway,path or patio area you will commonly use pavers. These materials can be made from natural cut stone,brick and a variety of other rock-based products and will benefit from being sealed as a way to give better durability and longevity.
To ensure the best finish,it is important to first clean the paved area and make sure that any uneven areas are properly levelled out. You will then need to select the right sealer for the type of stone you are using. The sealer can be applied using one of two methods – spraying or rolling but the key thing to remember is to evenly cover each paver,this will give you the best result.
Choosing The Right Products For The Job
Water-Based Paver Sealer
If you have laid the pavers using joint sand,it is important to use a water-based sealer which can be sprayed on and will harden the sand. As a result of using this method,you will achieve an even coverage as well as a hard seal for the whole paved area.
- When using water-based sealers,it is worth remembering that they will not add a shine to the bricks and work better with naturally porous pavers.
- Speaking to a professional at your local home improvement store will help you to determine the type of pavers you have and will give you the benefit of understanding the best sealer for your needs.
- When using a water-based sealer,you will likely need to apply more than a single coat.
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Solvent-Based Paver Sealer
If you are looking to achieve a high-gloss finish to your pavers,using a solvent sealer will help you to do this. However,in contrast to water-based sealers,they will not give the hardness to the sand. Solvent sealers are excellent for adding shine and making the pavers appear darker in colour and are ideal for use with non-porous stones of a smooth nature.
- For stones which are not laid using joint sand and are tightly packed together,a solvent sealer is a great choice.
- With the thicker consistency of solvent sealers,the rolling method of application is a better option.
Following Product Instructions
When applying your sealer,it is important to carefully read through the product instructions before beginning. This will give you a better idea of how the sealer should be applied – either with a nap roller,a pump spray or both.
- If the sealer has a thinner consistency,spraying is a much quicker method but if you are using something thicker,a roller will make application easier. That being said,this is a slower process and may not provide you with as good coverage.
- There are some sealers which are applied using a pump spray but must then be rolled as a way of ensuring an even covering.
Using A Sprayer Or Roller
When applying sealer with a sprayer,it is important to select a tool that has a wide spray rather than a narrow jet. You will be able to find bug sprayers in many hardware stores which are ideal for this purpose.
It is important that,when using a roller you select one with an appropriate thickness – in many cases,the sealer will provide you with information on the correct size. It is important to adhere to this advice as this will ensure that the roller is able to reach into all the crevices and will allow you to avoid applying the sealer too thickly,resulting in an uneven coat.
Applying Your Sealer
Before you begin applying a sealer to the pavers,it is important that you thoroughly clean the area,not doing this will cause dirt and debris to become sealed onto the stone.
You should begin the cleaning process 24 hours before you intend to apply the sealer,this will allow them to properly dry out. You may use a jet washer,provided that there is no chance of loose joint sand being washed away,or you may opt for dish soap and hot water. In the case of stubborn marks,a rough broom will make removal much easier. This is especially important for areas which undergo high levels of traffic. However,if you have smooth stones,simply sweeping them may be sufficient.
Once your pavers are clean,you will need to ensure that they are level. This can be done by lifting any which are uneven and removing or adding sand as necessary,Not only will this prevent trips but will also provide a better aesthetic. In some cases,pavers are very tightly packed together so moving them may not be suitable,this is OK but keep in mind that a sealer will give better results on evenly paved areas.
Now you are ready to apply the sealer,first,choose an exit route from the area – this means you will be able to work towards it and avoid stepping on the sealer when you are finished,It is a good idea to work in a pattern as a way of being sure that you cover all areas.
- You may choose to seal around the edge of the area first and then work inwards.
- There is the option to work in sections,for example,3-feet by 3-feet squares.
If you are using a spray to apply your sealer,you should move the nozzle in a circular motion,this will keep the application consistent as well as giving you a more even coat. With that in mind,a thick coat of sealer is not necessary for a good finish,less is more and a thinner coat will work better. Do remember that when the sealer is still wet,it will look much darker than the final result.
Whilst larger paved areas will take longer to treat – in some cases,many hours,it is important to complete the job in one sitting as not doing so may cause you to lose track of what you have already done.
Clean-Up After Sealing
After you have finished applying the sealer,you will need to be sure that you clean your tools properly in order to avoid the sealer hardening and rendering the tools useless. Unless you want to throw the tools out,of course!
Your sprayer can be cleaned with water by running it through the system until it is running clear. If you have used a roller,this needs to be cleaned immediately with water and possibly a detergent.
In some cases,the sealer packaging will provide you with advice on cleaning as some sealers may require something stronger than water to properly remove them from your tools.
Thanks for reading this driveway improvement post. If you’d like more info on beautifying pavers,indoor or outdoor,visit the author’s website at CoverTec Products.