Once a sealer has been applied, a surface needs to remain dry for 24 hours post application. If the surface was wet to begin with or rain occurs too soon after application, the surface can become cloudy or blotchy.
If you experience any dew, accidental sprinkling of water or rain as the sealant dries, the sealant can become stained, cloudy, blotchy, or discolored and it will no longer be aesthetically pleasing. Simply don't seal your paver if there is even a remote chance of rain, fog, or a drizzle.
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.
Water-based paver sealers can be dry to the touch in as little as 3-6 hours, but as with the other paving sealers covered in this guide, we recommend you allow for a more extended period of drying time to let the sealer fully harden. Wait at least 12 hours before walking on the surface and 24 before driving.
In most cases, a sealer should only be applied to pavers that are completely dry. So confirm there won't be any rain in the forecast for a full 24 hours prior to starting your project. You also won't want to perform a sealing job in extreme temperatures. As a rule of thumb, 60-80 degrees is usually ideal.
How long do I have to stay off my pavers after they are sealed? Vehicles must stay off the sealed areas for 48 hours minimum. Foot traffic is generally ok after 3-4 hours.
What are the ideal weather conditions for sealing? Ideal conditions would be 75 degrees and sunny; however, anywhere between 50-90 degrees is generally fine. Take note that solvent-based sealants evaporate faster, so lower temperatures are better for application.
You pressure clean the pavers, re-sand the paver joints and then apply two coats of your favorite paver sealer and the job was complete.
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.
The Weather Conditions
Sealing your pavers when they're wet will cause the sealer to pool and can even cause it to run off the pavers, which will be a waste of money. It's best to wait for a dry spell with no rain in the forecast before you seal.
If it rains and the acrylic hasn't had a chance to cure, it will delaminate, and you will end up with white blushing and hazing throughout the sealed area. If you used a water-based acrylic, the delaminated coating would have to be removed using a coating remover like the Armor CR100, and then re-applied.
This usually goes away in a few days, but the bigger problem is that the product will take on a milky white appearance every time the sealer gets wet. The sealer will turn back to clear once the moisture has evaporated, and this oddity seems to have no effect on durability.
Sealer residue can sometimes feel a little greasy or sticky to the touch. In other words, sealer residue is the remaining sealer that was not wiped off properly after that 20 minutes.
Some paver sealers can provide a glossy sheen or "wet" look which many homeowners like. Not only do these brick paver sealing products enhance the natural beauty of the pavers with a shiny gloss look, but they also waterproof and protect against the elements. Paver sealer can also keep your pavers cleaner.
Decreased Drying Time: Properly sealed pavers do not allow water to absorb inside them. This significantly reduces drain time. Pavers that dry more quickly, are much less likely to support mold and algae growth or develop efflorescence.
Using a nap roller for sealer application will take several times longer than using a paver sealer sprayer and joint stabilization is difficult to achieve. Spraying is the preferred method of applying water based paver sealers as it allows enough sealer to get into the joints.
Choosing to seal your pavers will keep your color consistent and un-faded. Not only does choosing to seal your pavers keep the color untouched, but it can also increase the vibrancy of your colors. One largely agreed upon benefit of sealers is that they limit stains.
Enhanced aesthetic: The paver sealer enhances the curb appeal of your properties and provides perfect finish to the paved areas and at the same time stabilizes the joint sand by locking it in place. It protects the pavement against harmful UV rays and prevents fading.
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.
Never Too Late to Seal Pavers
It's always best to seal soon after a new installation. But, our proven system of repairing, cleaning and sealing will also bring back the original luster to old, dirty and fading pavers. Sealing is the final step in a comprehensive process.
Pressure Washing: Start by having the whole area pressure washed before sealing pavers. Grime and dirt can inhibit the paver sealant from penetrating. As a result, the paver stones may start pitting, and discoloration can happen. You are also likely to seal dirt beneath the coating.
Acrylics. Acrylic paver sealers, either solvent- or water-based, offer the most comprehensive ultraviolet (UV) resistance. Acrylic sealants can be breathable, depending on their solid content.
There are three ways to darken your pavers: sealing, staining, and painting, with the first being the less invasive option. The first thing you need to do before starting any process of darkening pavers is to clean them.
While a thorough cleaning, sanding, and sealing process can significantly hinder weed growth and prevent them from taking over your paver system, it is important to understand that sealing alone cannot completely eradicate weeds.