Best Brick Paver Sealer
Brick Paver Sealer
What is the best paver sealer to use?
2017 is here and time to review and apply a new Brick Paver sealer. This article is our top article on our Review site and there have been over 2400 Questions anAnswersrs on this topic. If you need advice on What is the Best Brick Paver Sealer for you, please ask below in the comment area.
Brick Paver Patios and landscaping blocks have become increasingly popular in the last 10-20 years. They offer an alternative to regular plain white concrete by adding old world charm which resembles walkways and streets of the 19th century. Brick Paver patios can be customized to be designed for any area. They are very popular for driveways, walkways, around pools, etc. Of course, with any exterior horizontal surface, there is a need for general maintenance with brick pavers by cleaning and sealing on a regular basis.
Brick paver sealers are water repellents and coatings that are specifically designed to be used on paver stones and block.
Paver sealers have 3 main functions:
- Seal and protect the pavers from UV degradation and fading.
- Enhance to pavers by either adding a wet look, shine or both.
- Solidify or stabilizing the jointing sand in between the individual stones
So what is the Best Brick Paver Sealer? Well, there isn’t one that stands out from the rest for all scenarios. To determine what paver sealer is best you must first understand the differences between the sealers and what you would like to achieve when done.
Solvent Based Paver Sealers
Traditionally, these are the most popular and have been around for the longest time. These paver sealers are typically high in acrylic solids and will darken the surface. Available in Matte, Semi-Gloss, and High Gloss shines. Due to changes in state’s VOC laws, solvent based sealers may not be available locally but rather purchased online.
Crystal clear in liquid form. Popular solvents are Xylene, Toulene, and other Aromatic Solvents.
Pros: Last about 2+ years. Darken the color more so than water based sealers. Add a higher level of gloss if desired. Typically only one coat is needed. A higher level of protection against UV degradation and fading. Better for vehicle traffic.
Cons: May need to be rolled on as many cannot be sprayed (too thick). Will not solidify joint sand as well as a water based version. Square footage is less, typically about 100-125 sq. feet per gallon.
Water Based Paver Sealers
Water based versions of paver sealers have been forced on the scene in the last 5-10 years due to low VOC (volatile organic compounds) laws. Currently, there are over 16 states in the US that restrict the availability of solvent based sealers. Water based sealers still contain acrylics but will have a lower solid content.
Milky white in liquid form that dries clear.
Pros: Easily applied with a garden type pump sprayer. Will penetrate better into the substrate and sand joints. Hardens jointing sand better. Square footage is better than solvent based sealers. Typically 150-200 sq. feet per gallon.
Cons: Multiple coats are needed. Will not darken as deeply or leave a high gloss like a solvent based paver sealer. Medium level of protection from UV degradation and fading. Softer acrylics can be prone to tire marks on a hot day.
Solid Acrylics vs Breathable (Styrene) Acrylics
When choosing a paver sealer is best to understand that not all acrylics are created equal. There are many paver sealers that contain inferior acrylics that will blush to turn white in color. Notably Behr Wet Look Sealer and H&C Water based sealer. Best for a paver sealer is one that does not seal the surface 100% but rather breathe. These sealers are less prone to trapping moisture, which may lead to the dreaded white haze. Most high-quality water based sealers will not blush as they are thinner in viscosity. Solvent based sealers containing a solid acrylic will have a tendency to blush/turn white. If you choose a solvent based sealer, make sure that it is a “Styrene” acrylic as these have tiny pinholes that allow the coating to breathe.
Joint Sand Stabilizing
A side function for paver sealing is the ability to help solidify or stabilize the jointing sand from erosion. While most paver sealers will do this to some extent, some are designed specifically for this purpose. Examples: SB-1300 and SB-7000.
Unfortunately, joint stabilizing sealers do not add a high level of gloss or a deep darkening wet look.
Wet Look Paver Sealers
“Wet look” sometimes gets confused with “gloss”. Using a paver sealer that will leave a “wet look” means you are darkening the surface similar to as if it was wet with water. These sealers may or may not contain a shine level of some sort.
Gloss Paver Sealers
Gloss sealers will add a shine to the surface ranging from matte to high gloss. In most scenarios, you will also darken the pavers with a wet look. These sealers may be prone to being slippery when wet.
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the different types of paver sealers that are available. If you would like help choosing a paver sealer please answer these questions in the comment are below:
- Wet Look? Yes or No
- No Gloss, Matte, Semi-Gloss, High Gloss
- Joint Stabilization Importance? Yes or No
- Easily applied? Yes or No
- Small description of an area that sealer will be applied to. Examples: Patio, Driveway, Pool Deck, etc
Answer 5 Questions in Comment Area to find the Best Paver Sealer for you!
Average Article Ratings Score
Wet look — No
Semi-gloss
Joint stabilization – No
Easily applied — Yes
Patio with cheap concrete pavers, most are very old and worn and others are 6 years old. Primary needs are to not absorb dirt, easier to clean, reduce growth of moss on the pavers
Try a clear water repellent like the Masonry Saver Heavy Duty All Purpose.
no wet
no gloss
no joint
easy (spray preferable but not required)
brick steps 10 years old, mold and fungus more than on house due to location. East Tennessee.
Use Super Seal-M
Yes
Semi gloss
Yes
Ease of application-doesn't matter
Outdoor patio of pavers- 15 years old and never been sealer. Live in restricted state
Super Seal VOC paver sealer.
Great article, very helpful! Thank you.
Wetlook? Yes
Gloss: Matte or Semi-Gloss (is Semi-Gloss more subject to tire wear on the driveway over time? If so, then Matte all around)
Joint Stabilization? Yes
Easily applied? Other factors are more important than "easily applied"
Our contractor is going to install Belgard Catalina Slate Pavers all around the house including driveway, walkways, patios and around a gas firepit. (major landscape job after remodel ripped up our yard) in warm, mostly dry No. California.
Try the Super Seal 25 for a semi-gloss or Super Seal Matte for a satin shine.
Yes wet look,
No gloss
Joint stabilization very important
Yes
Pool deck
Collen, try Supreme Shield Sb-600.
yes
matte or semi gloss (don't want slippery, tho)
yes, if it doesn't sacrifice the darkening of our old, bleached pavers
prefer easy, priority is the fresher look I'm hoping for
patio surrounding in ground pool
Thanks so much!!
No wet look
Matte or semi gloss
Yes
No preference
Patio
Try Super Seal 25 paver sealer.
1. Yes
2. Semi gloss/gloss
3.no
4.yes or no
5.patio formed bricks sienna color
our stones look great when they are wet from rain or hose but have a whitish have on them when they dry. Looks like two totally diff patio stones
Try the Super Seal 30 paver sealer.
Try the Super Seal 30 paver sealer.
1. Yes
2. Probably semi?
3. Yes
4 Yes
5. pool deck and sidewalks. Brick pavers are old, about 80 years. Will be removing mold and mildew first.
Concrete Pavers or Clay Pavers? Wet look and gloss sealers will not work on Clay Pavers and since they are 80 years old, they could be Clay Paver Bricks.
They are clay paver bricks. Thoughts on what would be best? The intent is to keep out mold and mildew and keep as much sand in place as possible. And preferably easy application.
Wet Look? Yes
Semi-Gloss or High Gloss
Joint Stabilization Importance? No
Easily applied? Yes
Sealer will be applied to patio and walkway
Craig, use the Super Seal 25 semi-gloss or Super Seal 30 Higher gloss.
1) Yes
2) Matte or Semi-Gloss
3) Yes
4) Yes
5) 12 year old brick paver patio in very wooded area that has never been sealed and struggling with keeping moss from growing between joints.
Kevin, try the Super Seal 25 for a semi-gloss or Super Seal Matte for slightly less shine.
1) No
2) No Gloss, Matte, Semi-Gloss are OK but no slippery please
3) Yes
4) Yes
Area that sealer will be applied to. Pool deck (pavers) and front patio area (pavers)
Fred, for this one, use the Surebond SB-1300.
1 yes wet
2 no gloss
3 yes joint stabilization
4 easily applied is the least of my concerns but it would be nice
5 20×40 foot driveway, 6×100 walkway keystone pavers
Look at Supreme Shield SB-600 or Surebond SB-6000.
After reading others' scenarios, I was sure you would recommend SuperSeal25 Semi-Gloss. Why did you recommend Supreme Shield SB-600 or Surebond SB-6000. Any idea what was used in the picture you have at the top of this article? I LOVE that look! Thanks again!!
Supreme Shield SB-600 and the Surebond SB-6000 are wet look sealer but with no gloss. The SS25 has both a wet look and a semi-gloss look.
Look at Supreme Shield SB-600 or Surebond SB-6000.
1. Yes
2. Semi or High Gloss (not slippery)
3. No
4. No – (would like to use roller)
5. Brick paver porch
Try the Super Seal 25 or the Super Seal 30 paver sealers.
1. Wet look – yes
2. Semi to high gloss
3. Joint stabilization, not important (already applied)
4. Easily applied – yes
5. Patio border (main area is cement with brick pavers as border)
Try the Super Seal 25 paver sealer.
Try the Super Seal 25 paver sealer.
1 yes
2 no
3 yes
4 yes
5 large drive way
Try the Supreme Shield SB-600.
Try the Supreme Shield SB-600.
1. Yes 2. Semi gloss 3. Yes 4.yes
5. Patio and pool deck
John, use the Super Seal 25 paver sealer.
1. Yes
2. Semi gloss
3. Yes
4. Yes
5. Driveway
Herb, try the Super Seal 25 semi-gloss paver sealer.
no. no gloss. yes. 👍. patio
Try the Surebond SB-1300.
Try the Surebond SB-1300.
1. Doesn't really matter
2. Matte or semi gloss
3. Yes
4. Yes
5. Lanai/pool deck.
Michelle, try the Super Seal 25 or the Super Seal Matte.
1 Yes
2 No Gloss
3 Yes
4 Yes
5 Patio/Walkway
Marty, try the Supreme Shield SB-600.
1 either
2 no gloss
3 joint stabilization yes
4 yes
5 pool lanai
Surebond SB-1300 for this pool lanai.
1 Yes
2 semi gloss
3 no
4 yes
5, Drive way, walks, patio and pool deck
Boyce, use the Super Seal 25 paver sealer for a wet look and a semi-gloss shine.
1. No ( really don't want to darken the color of pavers)
2. No gloss or matte
3. Yes
4. Yes
5. Pool deck and patio
Hello, use the Surebond SB-1300.
Thank you. How long will this protect before needing to reapply? Full sun all day. I live in Orlando FL
Couple of years.
1. Yes
2. Matte or Seminoles
3. Yes
4. Either
5. Pavers are in the morning pool area and Lanai. We live in central florida
Which sealer do you recommend? Thank you in advance!
Use the Super Seal 25 paver sealer for this.
1.yes
2.semi or matte, not high
3. yes
4.yes-roller preferred
5. patio near pool & hottub
Try the Super Seal Matte.
Try the Super Seal Matte.
1. Wet Look? Yes
2. High Gloss
3. Joint Stabilization Importance? Yes
4. Easily applied? Yes
5. Patio
Bill, use the Super Seal 30 paver sealer.
Wet look? Yes
Matte finish
Joint stabilization – yes
Easily applied – yes
Driveway
Try Supreme Shield SB-600 or the Super Seal Matte.
1.Wet Look? Yes
2.Semi-Gloss
3.Joint Stabilization Importance? No
4.Easily applied? Yes
5.Walkway and Porch
Sue, use the Super Seal 25 or the Masonry Saver Paver Sealer.
1. Yes. 2.semi gloss. 3. Yes. 4. Yes. 5. Patio.
Try Super Seal 25 paver sealer.
Try Super Seal 25 paver sealer.
Wet Look? No.
Semi-Gloss
Joint Stabilization Importance? Yes
Easily applied? Yes
brick paver Patio, 1000 sft.
mold resitsant please.
5 gallon bucket
Super seal 25 paver sealer. You will need about 10 gallons.
1.Yes
2.High Gloss
3.yes
4.yes
5.brick house
Brick on house or brick pavers for a patio?
1. Yes
2. No Gloss
3. Yes
4. Yes
5. Patio
Use Supreme Shield SB-600 for this.
1. No
2. Matte
3. Yes
4. Yes
5. Pool deck pavers
Surebond SB-1300 for this.
Surebond SB-1300 for this.