Staining pavers is the same as painting a sidewalk, which is why we developed our paver dyeing process. Our process penetrates into the faded paver for long lasting results. Consider having to SEAL pavers every year.
Apply Paver Sealant to Enhance Faded Pavers
If you still think they need to be enhanced, you could use paver sealant to bring out the color of faded pavers.
Yes, you can change the color of your pavers with concrete stains and a basic understanding of color theory. Applying complementary colors can help neutralize the existing shade and change the color of your brick pavers.
Over time, the continuous high-pressure blast of water will erode the layer of color on the pavers and expose the stone and aggregate contained in them. Oftentimes, the stone and the aggregate do not retain the color of the pigments used and will appear dull.
Air pollution and particles from the wind can interact with the pigments in paving stones. This wears off the outer layer of the stones over time, causing them to fade. If you have an older patio that has had a lot of fading, you could have a paver patio service company come out and apply a wet sealant to it.
Paver sealers have a limited lifespan. Once you have sealed your pavers, on average, they can last three to five years. Factors, such as rain, traffic, and sun exposure can also have a negative impact on your pavers. Moreover, poor maintenance can also cause you to reseal the area earlier than expected.
Instead, try to stay within the color “tone”. If the siding, brick, stucco or wood is a warm brown, look for pavers within that color family. Likewise, if your home is a cool grey, look for grey tones. However, if you have a red brick home, don't feel you need to choose a brick-colored (or brick-sized) paver.
When you apply a sealant to your pavers, it gives them a clean, wet look with a glossy finish, depending on the finish of the sealant you use. It will not alter the color of the paver but will instead highlight the hue of the material and enhance the color of the pavers.
Mild detergent and water.
Mix some mild dish soap with water in a bucket to create suds, then use a brush or a sponge to scrub the surface of the pavers. If your pavers are textured or have intricate designs, this cleaning method can be gentler than a power washer.
CLEAN PAVERS WITH SOAP OR DETERGENT
Directly apply dishwashing soap or laundry detergent to the smudge and let it sit for at least 2 hours or longer if time permits. Reinforce it by pouring dish soap and water mixture. Use a bristle brush to scrub your paver lightly.
We are frequently asked, “Can pavers be painted?” We always say “Yes!” Painting pavers is a great way to breathe new life into worn-out areas around your home. You can update the outdoor spaces like patios, driveways, landscaping, and sidewalks with paint.
Similar to cleaning pavers with muriatic acid, avoid an intense concentration of bleach, as it can damage the pavers. Always test a small area first to ensure that the bleach doesn't discolor or damage the surface. Some bleaches are also acidic and can etch the surface of the pavers leading to a cloudy appearance.
We are now Re-Coloring / Re-Tinting / Re-Dyeing Pavers
We have a developed a patented dyeing process to restore faded pavers. Actual 'staining' of brick pavers has been around forever. We have to promote our process as 'staining', for the search engines. However, our process is a unique dyeing process.
One of the greatest pros of choosing staining over painting is that the stain penetrates into the concrete rather than just building up on the surface, as with paint. This results in a longer-lasting color that won't fade as quickly as paint.
Factor in the sunlight
James advises that “choosing pavers that are too light can create a blinding glare, as they're too bright, especially in summer”. On the contrary, dark pavers may absorb sunlight and heat during the winter months but can become too hot around a pool area in summer.
You can always paint your pavers or use a sealant for a more durable finish. If you have already stained your concrete pavers but want to change the color, you could apply one coat of sealant first and then follow up with an acid stain.
The average cost to stain a brick house exterior is $1,200 to $6,800 for tinting and professional labor. Staining a brick wall or pavers costs $300 to $1,200 for a 300 SF area. *Approximate paintable surface area. **All prices are for a single-color staining project.
Whilst vinegar will not directly dissolve concrete itself, but it will degrade the cement that binds your concrete slabs or flags together. Extended exposure to vinegar will also cause any polish or sealant on your pavers to erode over time, leading to bleaching, stains and weathering.
The reason that concrete brick pavers fade is simple. The manufacturers add dry-shake pigments in with the sand, small gravel, Portland cement and water that's used to create the brick. This pigment has the consistency of flour and, just like the Portland cement, it coats the surfaces of the sand and gravel.
The answer is yes. However, you can reduce the fading by investing in sealants and taking care of your pavers by killing weeds when they appear in between them and fixing them when they get loosened.
Manufactured concrete pavers are similar to many other driveway, patio, or walkway materials in one respect. Their surface is porous and can easily absorb stains.
A well-prepped patio with the right paint applied correctly could last another couple of years. A poorly prepped patio using the wrong paint won't last long at all. The weather conditions where you live and how often the patio is used will again affect how long before a repaint is needed.