The best paver sealer ramps up your home’s curb appeal, protecting the paving stones against UV damage and weathering. It also makes it easier to clean, requiring only soap and water or a broom to remove mildew and dirt. However, there are many factors that go into choosing the right sealer. A professional hardscape installer is the best choice for assessing a site’s unique circumstances and recommending the appropriate product.
Depending on your desired finish, there are different types of paver sealers to choose from: a wet-look, a natural finish or a penetrating. Generally, higher acrylic or polyurethane concentrations produce wet-look finishes, and lower concentrations yield a matte finish.
Why You Need a Penetrating Sealer for Natural Stone: Expert Tips
A good sealer will prevent weed and moss growth by hardening the joint sand and limiting moisture penetration. However, proper joint sanding and surface cleaning are essential for this to be effective.
The type of pavers you have, soil conditions and your location will impact the results of any sealer application. For example, sand-based pavers can be prone to water penetration and may require a heavier coating than concrete block or clay brick pavers.
A solvent-based concrete sealer like Cryli-Tek 5505 will offer the best protection for paver stone surfaces, defending against sand loss, dirt, weeds and color fading. It is a popular choice to reseal pattern imprinted concrete (PIC). A solvent-based product will require two coats and will have a strong odor. A water-based sealer, on the other hand, is safer and less likely to contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds). However, it is not as durable or form a thicker coating than a solvent-based sealer.
