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? Yes
Matte or Semi Gloss
Joint Stabilization? No
Easily Applied? Yes
Unilock Olde Quarry Sitting Wall and Unilock Ledgestone Coping Caps.
Try Super Seal 25 or Masonry Saver Paver Sealer.
Try Super Seal 25 or Masonry Saver Paver Sealer.
1 no
2 no gloss
3 no
4 not too importand long lasting more impertent
5 driveway and thin paver to porch over concreat
Try Surebond SB-1300.
Try Surebond SB-1300.
1 no
2 matte
3 yes
4 yes
5 driveway
Will you respond by e mail?
Yea
Matte
Yes
Yes
Drive and walk way
Look at the Super Seal Matte or Supreme Shield SB-600.
Look at the Super Seal Matte or Supreme Shield SB-600.
1) very wet look (most important)
2) gloss not important
3) joint stabilization not important
4) easy application
5) approx. 500 square foot or smaller patio ("sierra blend" pavers)
Supreme Shield SB-600.
Supreme Shield SB-600.
No
Matt
Yes
Yes
Driveway
Super seal Matte paver sealer.
Super seal Matte paver sealer.
Frank, for this, use the Surebond SB-1300.
Wet Look
Matte or Semi-gloss
Yes
Easy
Driveway (900 sq. ft.)
Gary, look at the Super Seal 25 or the Super seal Matte.
hello,
I have ants that come up from under the brick through the seams. Is there a sealer that can help prevent that?
Thanks,
Larry
No, it is not possible to stop ants with a sealer.
1 yes
2. semi
3. no
4 yes
5. patio around pool
Try the Super Seal 25 paver sealer.
Try the Super Seal 25 paver sealer.
1. Yes
2. I'm not sure, I don't want the surface to be slippery when wet, but I do want it to have a wet look.
3. No
4. Not important, prefer long lasting sealant
5. Backyard patio and outdoor kitchen area
My children also play basketball on that area. Not sure if that will damage the sealant in any way.
For this, use the Supreme Shield SB-600.
How do I prep the pavement for this? I have Nicolock pavers. I was told it needed to be dry for at least a week. Is this correct?
Pressure wash for the prep and let dry for 2 days.
1. No
2. No Gloss or darkening. We don't want to change the natural stone look.
3. **YES**. This is really the only reason as the company that installed our pavers recommended sweeping joint sand into the joints (they are tight and NOT polymeric) and then using a water based permeable sealer. Just looking for a brand recommendation.
4. Yes.
5. Driveway 26'x34', 6+ yrs since installation and losing some sand so weeds can grow (very few this spring, but this was the first time)
Thanks in advance for your advice
Surebond SB-1300.
Surebond SB-1300.
1. Yes
2. Semi or high gloss
3. No
4. Yes
5. Backyard Patio
Super Seal 25 semi-gloss or Super Seal 30 Higher Gloss.
Super Seal 25 semi-gloss or Super Seal 30 Higher Gloss.
1. yes 2. High Gloss 3. Yes 4. Spray or roller 5. Patio
Super Seal 30 Paver Sealer
Super Seal 30 Paver Sealer
We're doing a major landscaping project w/ various materials. Please give me your opinion as to the best sealer(s) to use with each:
A. Colored retaining wall blocks: From Joplin Building Materials
1. No
2. Semi-gloss
3. No
4. Yes
5. Stated above
B. Free standing wall block…rough, with colors of black, red & brown (autumn blend) Menards SKU #1795021
First…is it necessary to put a sealer on these? If so….
1. No
2. No gloss
3. No
4. Yes
5. Stated above
C. Flagstone Pavers…some gray; some autumn blend (reddish) Menards SKUs: 1791354 & 1791358
1. Yes
2. Semi-gloss
3. Yes
4. Yes
5. Stated above
D. Free-standing wall block for tree rings Menards SKU #1793408
First…is it necessary to put a sealer on these? If so….
1. Yes
2. Semi-gloss
3. No
4. Yes
5. Stated above
E. Pillar Blocks Menards SKU #1795064
1. No
2. No gloss
3. No
4. Yes
5. State above
F. New concrete driveway & garage floor, but cured over 1 year now
1. No
2. No
3. No
4. Yes
5. Stated above
Thank you so much for your 5-star post and your subsequent answers to my questions. GREAT help!
a. Hard to get a gloss out of blocks. Very porous. Better to use a penetrating sealer if desired.
b. No need for sealer but if you do: Super Seal-M or Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Sealer
c. Super Seal 25
d. No need for sealer but if you do: Super Seal-M or Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Sealer
e. Super Seal-M or Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Sealer
f. Super Seal-M or Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Sealer
no – semi- no- yes – 12×20 breezeway
Surebond SB-7000.
Surebond SB-7000.
1. Yes
2. High gloss
3. No
4. Yes
5. Backyard
Karen, consider using the Super Seal 30 paver sealer.
A) Nevada home with Holland stone pavers used for driveway, walkway, and backyard.
1. Wet look
2. Matte
3. Joint stabilization preferred, but longevity more important
4. Yes – easy application
B) backyard Nevada home with bench seating and planters made of Bellgard Weston stone and Celtic caps
1. Wet
2. Semi-gloss
3. Yes joint stabilization
4. Yes – easy application
C) Nevada home with covered concrete patio
1. Wet
2. Matte
3. No joint stabilization
4. Yes – easy application
D) Is there something you can spray on decorative rock to help keep their color as well?
a. Supreme Shield SB-600
b. Super Seal 25
c. Wet look sealers will not work on regular plain concrete. Dries blotchy and uneven.
d. Wet looks sealers will also not work on rocks or stones to retain color.