How to Apply a Paver Sealer? Step by Step Guide

Whether your paver is made of brick, stone, concrete, or other construction material, it’s quite expensive to construct a paver. Therefore, you have decided to protect it from harmful elements and color fading. I assume that you already got a paver sealer for your need. 

So, you have decided to apply the seal yourself; this positive approach is praiseworthy even if you don’t know how to do it right. Applying a paver sealer is quite easy and straightforward. You don’t need to pay someone to do it for you. 

However, it can be time-consuming due to drying time, depending on the brand and formula. Here in this article, I will walk you through the entire process of applying the sealer.

Things You Will Need for Applying the Sealer

• Water-based sealers require sprayer, whereas solvent-based sealers require you to use a roller to seal the paver effectively. 

• Go through the instructions; it will say whether you will need a pump sprayer or a nap roller or both of them. 

• If you go with a sprayer, make sure the nozzle head is adjustable. It shouldn’t shoot narrow steam. Getting a bug sprayer is a cost-efficient option if you don’t want to spend much on a sprayer.

• For a roller, it should be thick enough to apply the sealer effectively. The instructions can pre-determine the size of the nap roller; for example, you may need to get a 1-inch thick nap roller.

Apply the Sealer

Once you get all the supplies needed for this job, you are good to proceed further.

Step 1: Washing and Drying the Pavers

The first and foremost thing to do is to wash and clean the pavers to remove dirt and grime so that there is no imperfection or cloudiness after you finish applying the sealer. If your pavers don’t have sand in between, consider power washing the pavers to do it quickly. 

Use hot water and dishwashing soap if the pavers have to take a lot of car traffic; it will remove grime and tire marks from the surface. If grime isn’t an issue for the surface, you can do a quick broom sweep to efficiently clean the pavers. When you are done with washing, let the surface dry for 24 hours before you proceed further.

Step 2: Leveling the Crooked Pavers

Areas that take frequent footsteps, pavers of that zone usually settle unevenly. To level the pavers, consider adding or removing sand underneath the material. You cannot do much leveling if the pavers are too tight to lift.

Step 3: Sealing the Pavers

You can seal the entire pavers at a time, or decide to do it by dividing into small sections to get the job done efficiently. Start from the outer areas that are away from the exit spot and apply towards the exit. It will make sure you don’t walk across the applied area once you are done.

Step 4: Spray or Roll the Sealer

Remember, less is better; so, don’t over-apply the sealer. Otherwise, the surface will be too slippery or darkened. Consider moving the nozzle circularly to make sure the sealer is applied evenly across all the sections. The surface can look a bit darker when the sealer is still wet; once it’s dried, the dark effect will go away.

Again, don’t spray too much sealer; it will take a long time to dry. Applying a light layer will do perfectly if you do it in the right way. 

Step 5: Do It at Once

You need to do the entire sealing process at a time to make sure you don’t overdo the sealing. It will take from 20 minutes up to a few hours depending on the size of the entire pavers. 

Step 6: Let It Dry

Depending on the brand and formula type, you will need to wait at least 24 hours to make it dry. If the sealer brand recommends applying a second coating, there will be instructions regarding the waiting time before you attempt the second coat. Usually, water-based sealers require a couple of coating to protect the pavers well.

There shouldn’t be any traffic, be it footsteps or car traffic before the sealer completely dries. 

Step 7: Clean Your Sprayer 

In case you use a sprayer, make sure you rinse it with water immediately after you finish applying the sealer. If the sealer sits for too long, it will be hard to remove later on. 

Final Words

It’s important to get the right sealer for your paver material and requirements. If the pavers have joint-sand, it would be best if you go with a water-based formula. It will further harden the joint and penetrate the pavers more effectively. However, using such a sealer will not make the pavers shine, rather keep its natural look.

If you have faded old pavers that require color enhancement, only then, consider getting a solvent-based sealer. These work best on non-porous and smooth stones.