After 18 years of dealing with the question of how to seal pavers the right way, my best recommendations are as follows: Spray apply rather than roller apply. Use water based sealers rather than solvent based. Use urethane sealers rather than acrylic sealers.
For large scale applications sprayers are faster and more efficient; whereas paint rollers are less expensive and are more readily available. If you are going to be applying a decorative acrylic sealer or an epoxy floor coating it is best to use a 1/4″ or 3/8 nap roller.
Block paving sealers can be applied by sprayers, rollers or brushes. Sprayers will provide the best results as it is less likely that the Block Paving Sealer will interfere with the sanded joints. Brushes and rollers are fine for application, but take care when sealing over joints for best results.
One of the best paver sealers is the Siloxa-Tek 8500. It is a penetrating concrete sealer designed to treat a variety of applications with an emphasis on hydrophobicity and reduction of water uptake. It dries completely clear with a natural finish that will not change the look or appearance of the susbtrate.
Black Diamond Coatings recommends a combination of both a sprayer and a roller. To truly be a Paver Whisperer, you must make sure the sealer is applied evenly to the surface. Using the spray technique and back rolling any puddles will result in a smoother application and a smoother finished product.
If it gets saturated, then there's a good chance you'll have to go through the whole sealing process again, from the beginning. However, even a light shower after, say, four hours of the sealant being applied might mean that you need to put down another coat once the weather dries up.
A heavy downpour will devastate a freshly-sealed pavement, and a shower will often cause intense 'spotting'. Even a light drizzle can, and often does, cause a milkiness to the finished result, and there have been cases where an overnight fog, mist, or dew has wreaked havoc.
12" Industrial Roller Kit with medium roller designed for applying block paving sealer, patio sealer or tarmac restorer. This long handled roller kit is combined with a heavy duty large sealer/coating scuttle for large jobs. This allows the most efficient and fastest application of sealing materials.
Although the Universeal range of paving sealers only take a few hours to dry, it is probably best not to walk on your paving for up to 4 hours. If the sun has been out, then at least 2 hours is recommended. It is also recommended that heavy foot traffic should be avoided for 7 hours.
Curing Time
If the sealer is not cured correctly, water can cause white marks or stains on your pavers and can even be trapped beneath the layer of sealer. It is very important not to walk or drive on sealed pavers at least 24-48 hours after application.
Fall or spring is a great time of the year to seal pavers. Cooler weather allows the sealer to penetrate into the pavers unhindered. Pavers will have an adequate amount of protection for when it's time to seal again. Make sure to keep leaves and other debris off the pavers while they are drying to avoid blemishes.
Airless and HVLP Sprayers
Airless and HPLV (High Velocity Low Pressure) sprayers make great options if you're looking for a great way to apply your sealer coating. They generally offer a variety of adjustable tips so you can get the job done – no matter what your need.
Roller and paint tray must be solvent resistant
Roll the sealer using a nap solvent-resistant roller (preferred 3/8”) with a thin coat as you go along with each section (avoid back rolling).
Once applied, sealers create a chemical reaction and the outside temperature decides how fast that reaction occurs—or if it happens at all. Most manufacturers recommend 50 to 90 degrees as the ideal temperature range for applying concrete sealer.
The universally accepted temperature range for sealer application is 50 F to 90 F. There are exceptions, so make sure to consult the product data for the particular sealer you are using. Three common sealing issues in hot temperatures are resin strings, blisters and diffusion.
Most experts recommend waiting for at least 24 to 48 hours before sealing the new pavers after installation. This gives the pavers time to settle and ensures that they're completely dry before being sealed. If you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, it's best to wait even longer to seal the brick pavers.
Sprayer. One of the fastest ways to apply sealer is with a sprayer. This can be done with an ordinary garden sprayer, so long as it has been well-cleaned before you use it. This is also one of the easiest ways to seal a deck, as there is very little mess.
Solvent resistant pump-up sprayers are more suitable for solvent base sealers and can equally be used for water base sealers. These sprayers are equipped with Viton seals and gaskets and metal, brass or Teflon tips.
How Much Does It Cost to Clean and Reseal Pavers per Square Foot? In total, you should expect to pay around $2 per square foot to clean and seal pavers. The price may vary between $1 and $3 per square foot, depending on the sealant and method of cleaning.
Your concrete pavers will look better than new. 5 gal. bucket covers approximately 500 sq. ft.
Most contractors and manufacturers recommend sealing pavers for the many benefits. Both concrete and brick pavers are porous materials that can change quality and appearance when they absorb liquids.