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).
You can restore patio bricks by first evenly and thoroughly pressure washing the bricks then letting them dry for a day or two. After they're dry, apply a polymeric jointing sand between the stones. Finally, sweep off the excess sand and apply a paver sealer to enhance the natural colors of the brick.
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.
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.
It is common to mix bleach with water; however, you can also add other ingredients to make it more effective. Similar to cleaning pavers with muriatic acid, avoid an intense concentration of bleach, as it can damage the pavers.
Warm water alone is typically sufficient in cleaning exposed brick but if the wall is particularly dirty, then the dish detergent and table salt mixture can cut through grease and stains. Apply it to the brick and let it sit for about 10 minutes before using the brush to scrub away the dirt.
Acid-washing is often the best cleaning method for brick, as it helps bring out the material's inherent color.
Cleaning brick pavers
Cleaning pavers with vinegar is a great way to get rid of stubborn moss, algae and stains on brick.
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.
When properly installed, brick pavers are known to last you a lifetime. The average lifespan of a good quality brick pavers installation typically falls between 50 and 100 years. It may last longer in some cases. When it comes to measuring strength and durability, brick pavers win the race.
They can undergo sand erosion; the sand joints can have mildew growth and weed growth. Some parts of the paver surface can become unleveled over time. For this reason, pavers need to be sealed. The sealing process will involve choosing the correct sealer used for sealing brick pavers.
Luckily, you can restore most brick damage using everyday tools. For dirty and stained bricks, surface cleaning and applying a sealant may be enough. If your brick is cracked or loose, however, you may need to repair the damage with mortar. With time and a little elbow grease, your brick will look as good as new!
Mix equal parts vinegar and water and pour into a spray bottle. Spray on the bricks and let is sit for a few minutes. Use a sponge mop to clean the bricks. If the bricks are very dirty, use a nylon-bristled scrub brush and put some elbow grease into the scrubbing.
Scrubbing With Borax
For regular cleaning of brick patios, you can opt for a milder cleaning solution. Mix one tablespoon of borax with a gallon of warm water. Pour the solution on the brick and scrub with a stiff brush.
On the other hand, baking soda is useful because it is slightly abrasive, which is excellent for the rough surfaces of paving slabs. When it is mixed with water, it can dissolve dirt and grease, and like vinegar, you'll only need a brush or broom when cleaning.
As mentioned earlier, it is very easy to restore the color to brick pavers. Wet-look sealers are highly recommended because they help restore some of the original colors and prevent future fading, but without changing an existing color.
To replace sand that has been washed out, simply pour joint sand over the pavers. Next, sweep it into and across the joints using a stiff push broom. Keep the depth of the sand at ¼ inch from the surface of the paver. Afterwards, you can sweep the excess joint sand between pavers and store it again for future use.
Efflorescence doesn't cause long-term damage to your stones, but it can make them look dull and white. Treating your paving stones with diluted muriatic acid removes the deposits and helps them look good as new.
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.