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.
Try Concrete Stain
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).
When the calcium hydroxide reaches the surface of the pavers, a chemical reaction occurs with the carbon dioxide in the air. As it reacts with the carbon dioxide, the calcium hydroxide forms a water insoluble calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate creates the whitish haze on the surface of the concrete pavers.
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.
Sealers make bricks shine. Last, but not least is the sheen. Our sealers that we use at Paver Protectors offer a nice sheen and most companies have additional sheens available as do we. Our water-based sealers that enhance the color, they also enhance the sheen.
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.
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.
Staining concrete pavers can be an excellent choice. Whether you're aiming for a complete color transformation or a simple refurbishment, there are several methods and products at your disposal to achieve the perfect finish.
Water and mild dish soap is a popular cleaning solution because it's easy to find at home and it won't damage brick, but it will tackle stains. The BIA recommends using hot water for surface cleaning with a detergent. White vinegar and water, another common household cleaner, can also be used on mildew.
After you have invested in pavers, whether that be a patio, poolside deck, etc., it is important to seal your pavers in order to protect from the weathering UV rays. These rays, which are known to impact the skin negatively, also impact the surface of your pavers negatively.
A dish soap, like Dawn, is a safe place to start. The surfactants in dish soaps are designed to remove oil and grease, they're gentle enough to be used without issue on your pavers. In a bowl or bucket, mix the soap with water and pour it onto the stain and agitate. Rinse and repeat if needed.
Similar to cleaning pavers with muriatic acid, avoid an intense concentration of bleach, as it can damage the pavers.
Bleach: This alkaline solution may be effective for other household uses, but it can discolor concrete pavers that have been colored or stained.
Mix Solution of dish soap and water, and use a brush to scrub the pavers clean. Make sure to rinse the pavers thoroughly afterward. This process may need to be repeated for tough stains. A recommendation is to do this every few months.
OxiClean is a powerful concrete cleaner that works well on various materials, including pavement and grout. This concentrated solution provides excellent cleaning without leaving residue.
Baking soda is an amazing household cleaner, and it can work really well on your pavers too.
Pavers that are a few shades lighter than your property will still let your home stand out without confusing the eye. Another factor is the amount of sunlight your patio or driveway typically soaks in each day. The color of your pavers can change based on their exposure to the sun.
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.
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.
You're wondering what happens if you don't seal pavers. Your pavers won't disintegrate if you don't seal them, but they'll likely fade much sooner than if you applied sealant. You'll also need to clean them more often, and the stains won't be as easy to remove.
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.
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.