The primary reason why your pavers are fading is because of their continual exposure to sunlight. The rays of the sun are so powerful that they can cause any pigmented item to fade. This includes fabrics, containers, and even the pigments used in manufacturing the pavers.
In order to keep your pavers from fading, it is important to seal them. Even the toughest of pavers don't stand a chance against the sun, with concrete even fading over time because of the UV rays. Choosing to seal your pavers will keep your color consistent and un-faded.
Typically it only takes 5-7 years before they will show very noticeable signs of fading. Most people don't realize this until it's too late. In the past, the only thing available to restore faded pavers, would be to STAIN the pavers.
Because the pigment that's added to a concrete paver is not inherent to the material, the color can fade, eventually exposing the color of the aggregate and perhaps resulting in a completely different change in color from the original color of the concrete paver. Dark pigments are often more likely to fade over time.
The simplest path to reviving tired pavers is to apply an acrylic-based semitransparent concrete stain, such as Behr Premium Semi-transparent Concrete Stain ($27/gal.; Home Depot) or Valspar Semi-transparent Concrete Stain ($28/gal.; Lowe's).
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.
If you still think they need to be enhanced, you could use paver sealant to bring out the color of faded pavers. The use of paver sealant is a bit controversial because it blocks water from evaporating on the surface of the pavers. This could lead to problems down the line if you're in an area with heavy rainfall.
Every stone will fade in time and get lighter with age. As you may expect, lighter stones fade faster because they are starting with a weaker color. Choosing paving stones in dark colors means that you can expect them to fade less dramatically. It will take more time until the color significantly fades.
A common problem that often arises with newly installed pavers is the appearance of a white haze that won't seem to come off. The most likely cause of this is a naturally occurring phenomenon called efflorescence.
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. Plus, the color will stay looking new because sealers provide protection against UV rays that can cause fading.
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.
Despite the practicality of the material, its resistance to external factors, pavers fade away. It is a natural process that is difficult to prevent but can be slowed down with proper and timely maintenance.
The acetic acid in vinegar is a little stronger than acid rain, so exposing your pavers to this substance can lead to bleaching, corrosion and the loss of protective sealant.
The basic rule of thumb is every 3-5 years. For film-forming sealants, you will be able to notice when the physical barrier is showing signs of wear. For non-film-forming sealants, you will begin to see a significant color change of pavers during a rain when the sealant is wearing thin.
After installation, the best time for sealing pavers is when the new pavers are dry and free of any dirt or debris. Most experts recommend waiting for at least 24 to 48 hours before sealing the new pavers after installation.
Exposure to sunlight is the primary reasons why pavers fade. The sun causes fading of any pigmented item, from fabrics and paint to the pigments in the stones. You might notice some mottling of the color of your paving stones as the years go by. This is because the pigments do not penetrate into the aggregate.
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.
A paver sealer will help to protect the pavers from weather damage, stains, and general wear and tear. It can also make the pavers look shiny and new again. Paver sealers come in different types, so be sure to read the labels carefully before purchasing one.
There are three ways to darken your pavers: sealing, staining, and painting, with the first being the less invasive option.
Similar to cleaning pavers with muriatic acid, avoid an intense concentration of bleach, as it can damage the pavers.
One particularly effective stone enhancing sealer that works on concrete pavers too is Ager Tiger. Using this product to darken and seal virtually all of your concrete stone surfaces is easy. The product is designed to enhance the colors and create a protective barrier on porous stone surfaces, including pavers.
Usually, hosing them down once a month is sufficient. Use soap and water, if the pavers are still dirty after sweeping and water hosing, make a solution of soap and water. You can use dish soap, laundry detergent, or any type of general-purpose cleaner. Never use bleach on your pavers, as it can damage the surface.
Dish Soap: A great way to clean patio pavers without removing any sand or decorative texture is by simply cleaning with a gentle soap or degreaser like Dawn. Add the dish soap to a container of water, then start lightly scrubbing the dirty spots with a rag, sponge or a stiff-bristled brush.
The phenomenon of efflorescence occurs when water soluble salts migrate to the surface of the paver with the help of water (i.e., condensation, rain). Once the mixture of water reaches the surface, it mixes with the carbon dioxide in the air and creates a white haze/film that covers the pavers.