Author

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Concrete Since 1993

As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing, deck staining, and concrete restoration. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior restoration. Scott and his Restoration Michigan company have restored over 10,000 projects in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the restoration industry and has contributed to numerous restoration forums and informative sites. In the spring of 1996, Scott opened his first Brick and Mortar storefront in Rochester Hills, MI. Scott relied on his experience and stocked the store with the best restoration products available. The store quickly became the go-to place for contractors and homeowners seeking the best products possible for their brick and concrete maintenance needs. In 2002, Scott opened his first eCommerce site selling the products he sold through his retail store. This allowed him to offer eCommerce solutions to both contractors and homeowners alike. Over the years, Scott has used and sold enough wood stains and concrete sealers to cover over 100 million square feet. In the past 10 years alone he has helped over 30,000 contributors on his sites with their restoration questions and concerns. He has written hundreds of articles on the subject and loves to help homeowners. His goal has always been to help consumers achieve better results through better products and better service than those provided by a local big box store. Scott is only biased toward the products that perform the best based on his own personal experience using the products and in his 20+ years of helping others. Scott has been approached about selling numerous different restoration products through the years but selects only the products he has used and trusts to perform. All the products he suggests through this site are sold through numerous online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott's eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them. You can also contact the manufacturer(s) directly for help locating products. eCommerce Sites Operated By Scott: www.opwdecks.com ConcreteSealerReview.com was conceived by Scott and is his way of giving back and helping promote the use of quality products for better results.

How to Seal Driveways From Salt and Erosion

by Scott Paul ~ Restoring Concrete Since 1993 February 20, 2024

Sealing Driveways From Salt and Erosion 2026

Concrete Sealer Review remains a trusted resource for concrete sealer tips and advice from professionals since 1993. Here we have an updated article on how to seal your driveway from salt and erosion to increase the lifespan of your concrete and brick paver surfaces. Any questions? Feel free to leave us a comment with any pictures below.

A driveway is obviously an important surface when it comes to the exterior of your home. Most of us take them for granted until it comes time to make costly repairs. In areas of the country that see cold winters, salt and erosion can be a huge problem for a driveway. Salt can eat away at the surface of concrete causing chipping and erosion issues. Moisture can also penetrate the driveway and create freezing and thawing damage in as little as one harsh winter season.

To protect your driveway from salt and erosion it is best to seal it. Sealing a driveway will stop most of the damaging effects of winter weather. The sealer will repel moisture and salt so the driveway surface is not harmed. When it comes to sealing a driveway there are a few steps necessary for a successful result. When the weather is appropriate for applying a sealer prior to winter, the surface should first be cleaned. Use a quality concrete cleaner along with a pressure washer to remove dirt, grime, mold, and mildew. The concrete cleaner will help break down these contaminants including tannin stains from sticks, leaves, and acorns so the surface is completely clean prior to sealing.

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Deep Wet Look Paver Sealer 2026

by Scott Paul ~ Restoring Concrete Since 1993 November 10, 2024

I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior paver restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in sealing and protecting. For info about who I am, please read my full bio here.

Deep Wet Look Paver Sealer

I am a trusted resource for brick paver sealer tips and advice from professionals throughout 2026. Here, I have an updated article about the benefits of applying a deep wet-look sealer to your brick pavers. Do you have any questions? Feel free to leave me a comment with any pictures below.

Applying a paver sealer to your brick paver surfaces is a great way to protect them from Mother Nature’s damaging effects. The elements can play a vital role in creating dirt, grime, mold, mildew, moss, and unwanted weed growth. Harsh UV rays can fade and discolor unprotected pavers. Locking out moisture and preserving the color of your pavers is one good reason to seal them on a regular basis.

Wet Look Paver Sealer

In addition to protection, some paver sealers can bring out the natural beauty of the pavers to help enhance their appearance. A deep wet look paver sealer will give your pavers a rich “wet look” that helps bring out the natural beauty in the brick. This deep, wet look keeps the pavers looking rich for several seasons. This wet look serves well on pavers and is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners today. This wet-look sealer also does a great job of solidifying sand joints between each paver. This helps reduce unwanted weed and moss growth as well as sand erosion.

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Acrylic Based Paver Sealers

by Scott Paul ~ Restoring Concrete Since 1993 May 10, 2024

Acrylic-Based Paver Sealer Tips

Concrete Sealer Review continues to be a trusted resource for concrete and brick paver sealer tips and advice from professionals. I have an updated article about the constraints of choosing an acrylic-based paver sealer for your patio or driveway. Do you have any questions? Feel free to leave me a comment with any pictures below.

Acrylic-based paver sealers are formulated to seal and protect concrete and brick pavers, leaving a wet look and high gloss finish. They can be applied to previously coated or bare surfaces. Many acrylic-based paver sealers are sold at local hardware, big box stores, and paint outlets. Doing some research on acrylic-based paver sealers leaves quite a bit of concern. When I tested these products, they performed less than expected, and some even made the surface look worse than before the application.

One of the problems reported by homeowners using acrylic-based paver sealers is an overall lack of gloss. These products are marketed to leave a beautiful “wet look” glossy finish, but in most cases, even after applying two coats, the finish has a matte sheen at best. Many customers leaving reviews report mainly a lack of that deep, rich look they were hoping for. Joint sand hardening is average, but nowhere near the solidity, a quality solvent-based paver sealer will provide.

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How To Seal Basement Walls

by Scott Paul ~ Restoring Concrete Since 1993 March 2, 2024

How To Seal Basement Walls in 2026

Concrete Sealer Review continues to be a trusted source for concrete and brick paver sealer tips and advice from professionals since 1993. Here we have an updated tutorial on how to seal your basement walls to protect against moisture damage. Any questions? Feel free to leave us a comment with any pictures below.

Basement walls can collect moisture due to the humidity of being underground. Moisture can also seep through the walls from the outside. To keep your basement walls in good condition, it is a good idea to seal them. Basement walls can be sealed to help lock out moisture, which may lead to mold, mildew, and erosion problems. It is best to seek professional advice or do some research prior to attempting this project.

Knowing how to seal basement walls will serve you well, this information can be found online. Here are some basic guidelines to help you with sealing your basement walls. Be sure the walls have been cleaned and are free of dirt, dust, and other grime that may keep the sealer from penetrating. It is best to use water and concrete or brick cleaner depending on what your basement walls are made of. Be sure there is proper drainage on the basement floor. If you cannot use water use a concrete cleaner and wipe the walls down to remove any contaminants. Allow the basement walls to dry for a day or two.

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What is the Best Polymeric Sand

by Scott Paul ~ Restoring Concrete Since 1993 March 4, 2024

The Best Best Polymeric Sand 2026

We at Concrete Sealer Review continue to remain a trusted source for concrete and brick paver sealer tips and unbiased reviews. We continue to recommend Surebond polymeric sand for its performance and cost. Any questions? Feel free to leave us a comment with any pictures below.

Every interlocking brick paver system involves the use of joint sand. This joint sand helps to reduce paver movement by bonding the system together. It is also a vital part of prohibiting weed growth, insect infestation, and sand washout. The proper type of sand needs to be used for the best results. Polymeric sand is highly recommended because once it is applied to the joints, it reacts with misted water and creates a binding agent that helps solidify the sand and locks the pavers together.

The best polymeric sand to use is a brand like Surebond. This special polymeric sand will bind the sand particles together when reacted with water but will not cause a problem known as poly haze. Poly haze is what happens when there is polymeric sand left on the surface of the pavers after the sand has been swept into the cracks. The pavers are then misted with water to activate the binding agent but in turn, it also reacts with the left behind layer of surface sand, creating a white haze.

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How to Seal Concrete Surfaces

by Scott Paul ~ Restoring Concrete Since 1993 February 21, 2024

How to Seal Concrete Surfaces 2026

We at Concrete Sealer Review are proud to be a trusted source for concrete and brick paver sealer professional tips and advice through 2026. Here we have an updated tutorial on how to seal your concrete surfaces. If you have sealed a concrete surface or have any questions, feel free to leave us a comment below.

Concrete is a very versatile material that can be used in many applications. It is most commonly used for driveways, sidewalks, porches, and patios. It can also be used for retaining walls, landscape edging, and other areas of construction. Concrete can last a very long time if it is maintained and protected from the elements. Unprotected concrete, especially in northern areas, can be subjected to freeze and thaw damage during the colder months. This most commonly causes cracking, chipping, and heaving of the concrete.

Ideally, you want to maintain the nice level clean surface that the concrete was when it was new. To stop any damaging effects it is important to maintain the concrete in several ways. First, the concrete needs to be cleaned periodically. This will remove contaminants such as dirt, grime, mold, and mildew, which can cause discoloration and attract and hold damaging moisture. In between cleaning maintenance, about every couple of years, the concrete should be sealed. This will help to waterproof the concrete so moisture cannot penetrate the surface. Sealing concrete is a great way to prevent freeze and thaw damage.

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How To Seal Brick Walls

by Scott Paul ~ Restoring Concrete Since 1993 February 22, 2024

How To Seal Brick Walls 2026

Concrete Sealer Review continues to be a dedicated resource for concrete and brick paver sealer professional tips and advice since 1993. Here we have an updated tutorial on how to seal brick walls. If you have sealed brick walls or have any questions, feel free to leave us a comment below.

Brick can come in a variety of forms and be used in many applications of construction. Whether a form of brick is used in house construction be it a retaining wall, chimney, pillars, the house itself, etc., it should be sealed to lock out moisture. Penetrating moisture can deteriorate the brick making it brittle. It can also lead to unsightly problems like efflorescence, fading, discoloration, mold, mildew, or algae. Sealing the brick with a quality brick sealer will provide a protective coat of armor against these contaminants and help to prolong the longevity of the brick.

Prior to sealing brick of any type the surface first needs to be cleaned. Use a quality brick cleaner to break up the dirt and grime. Using a pressure washer, clean the area of the bricks including the mortar joints to remove discoloring dirt, mold, mildew, and grime. If the bricks are suffering from salt leakage be sure to use efflorescence cleaner. If you do not have access to a pressure washer, use brick cleaner and warm water and scrub the brick with a stiff brush. After cleaning allow the brick to dry for a day or two.

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Concrete Cleaning Pro Tips and Help

by Scott Paul ~ Restoring Concrete Since 1993 November 11, 2024

I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior paver restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in cleaning, sealing, and protecting. For info about who I am, please read my full bio here.

My Top Concrete Cleaning Tips 2026

Thank you for continuing to visit Concrete Sealer Review throughout 2026 and beyond. I remain your trusted source for tips and advice for concrete and brick paver sealers. Here, I have an updated article about the best way to clean concrete. If you have any suggestions or questions, feel free to comment below.

Efflorescence On Brick

Prepping the surface is typically needed before applying a concrete sealer or water repellent. Prepping consists of cleaning with water and using a chemical cleaner specific to the stain you are trying to remove. Cleaners for concrete and brick pavers come in many different formulas.

Let’s look at the main reasons to clean and prep your concrete:

General Dirt and Grime Cleaning Concrete

When cleaning to remove dirt and grime, you may need water and a pressure washer. If the stains are stubborn, then a general all-purpose concrete cleaner or even bleach would help with the washing.

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How to Protect Joint Sand from washing Out Between Pavers

by Scott Paul ~ Restoring Concrete Since 1993 March 4, 2024

Protect Joint Sand from washing Out Between Pavers

Welcome to Concrete Sealer Review. We are back in 2026 with the latest tips and trends for your concrete and brick paver sealers. Joint sand can wash out between pavers from time to time. In this article, we tell you how to prevent this from happening. If you have any suggestions for the best way to protect joint sand from washing out between pavers or have any questions, feel free to leave us a comment below.

Brick pavers can increase the curb appeal of any property. They can also provide some extra outdoor living space where you can spend time with friends and family on a nice summer day. To keep your pavers looking good and structurally sound some maintenance is required. As rain, wind, and other types of weather begin to take their toll on paver surfaces, it’s important to maintain the surface to increase its longevity and beauty.

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How to Restore Color to Pavers 2026

by Scott Paul ~ Restoring Concrete Since 1993 November 10, 2024

I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior paver restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior paver sealing and protection. For info about who I am, please read my full bio here.

Tips to Restore Color to Pavers

This is my latest article on how to restore color to brick pavers. A common problem I hear about is when pavers lose their color over time. This article tells you how to restore color to your pavers. If you have any suggestions for restoring color to your pavers or have any questions, please comment below.

Brick pavers are an excellent choice for many landscape designs. They are versatile and come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. A new color paver design may be exactly what your property needs for increased curb appeal. But over time, the paver color starts to fade, and its appeal is inevitably lost. Restoring them will bring back color to the pavers.

Restoring Color to Brick Pavers

Knowing how to restore color to pavers can increase their longevity and beauty. The first order of business is to wash the pavers using a brick paver or concrete cleaner. Use the cleaner as directed, and for the best results, use a pressure washer to rid the pavers of contaminants like dirt, grime, mold, and mildew. Clean up the pavers and rinse them well. Then, allow them to dry for a day or two.

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