How to Seal Brick Pavers: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

How to Seal Brick Pavers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hi, I’m Scott Paul, a licensed exterior restoration contractor with over 30 years of experience in preserving and protecting exterior pavers. This guide to how to seal brick pavers is based on my own hands-on field experience, not manufacturer claims. See my full credentials and background here.

In this updated guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to seal brick pavers to achieve professional results. Whether you’re sealing a porch, patio, sidewalk, or driveway, properly sealing your pavers can significantly enhance their appearance and durability. If you’ve run into any issues, have suggestions, or need help, feel free to comment below — I’m here to assist!

Table of Contents

• Why Seal Your Brick Pavers?
• Plan Your Project Around the Weather
• How to Seal Brick Pavers: Step by Step
• Photos
• Video: How to Apply Brick Paver Sealer
• Video: Best Brick Paver Sealers
• FAQ

Why Seal Your Brick Pavers?

Sealing brick pavers is a straightforward project that even a DIY enthusiast can tackle. The benefits go beyond aesthetics, offering long-term protection for your investment. Here are the top advantages of sealing pavers:

• Prevents Sand Erosion: Keeps the joint sand in place, maintaining the stability of your paver installation.
• Reduces Weed Growth: Inhibits weed seeds from germinating in the joints.
• Deters Ant Colonies: Discourages ants from building nests in the paver joints.
• Blocks Harmful UV Rays: Protects against fading caused by sun exposure.
• Reduces Mold/Mildew Infiltration: Prevents moisture buildup, minimizing mold and mildew growth.
• Increases Longevity: Extends the lifespan of your pavers by protecting against wear and tear.
• Enhances and Adds Gloss: Enhances the brick paver’s natural beauty.

Plan Your Project Around the Weather

Before you dive into brick paver sealing, be sure you plan the project during permitting weather. You will need a minimum of two dry days in a row to complete the project.

How to Seal Brick Pavers: Step by Step

Step 1: Clean the Pavers

The first step in how to seal brick pavers is to wash the entire paver area with a pressure washer. Use a brick or concrete cleaner to help break up dirt, grime, mold, and mildew. Be sure to blast all the old sand joints and weeds away. Always wear safety glasses to protect yourself from flying debris. Wash off all the debris and rinse well so no puddles are left on the bricks. After cleaning, you need at least two days of dry weather before continuing.

Step 2: Re-Sand the Brick Paver Joints

After the brick pavers have dried for 24 hours, re-sand the joints before sealing. It’s best to use polymeric sand designed for paver construction. Open a bag of sand and spread it around on the paver surface. Use a push broom to sweep the sand, filling in the cracks. Continue until all the joints are entirely packed with sand. Use a leaf blower to remove any excess sand left on the surface. Mist the pavers with water to help pack the sand and lock in the pavers. Now let them dry for another day.

Step 3: Seal the Brick Pavers

In new paver construction, the previous step may already be complete, and the pavers are now ready to be sealed. Remove any debris with a leaf blower or broom. Choose a high-quality brick paver sealer — there are numerous finish choices, from a matte finish to a “wet” look, depending on your preference.

Apply the brick paver sealer with a good contractor-grade metal pump-up sprayer. Note that an inexpensive plastic sprayer will not work. Depending on the product, two coats may be necessary — two coats are required if you’re using a non-slip additive in your sealer. The paver sealer enhances the natural beauty of the surface, solidifies the joint sand to create a weatherproof seal, and helps keep weeds down.

Best Brick Paver Sealer Photos

Step 4: Apply an Even Coat

Start at one end, applying an even coat of paver sealer. Be sure to cover all the bricks and sand joints. It may be necessary to cut the edges with a brush. Once the surface is thoroughly and evenly covered with sealer, rope off the area to keep people and animals off the sealed brick pavers for the next day or two while the sealer cures. Follow the cleanup instructions on the sealer container for cleaning tools and sprayers.

Step 5: Maintain the Seal

Sealing your brick pavers every several years will keep them looking new and give you many years of use and enjoyment. Whether you handle this project yourself or hire it out, the important thing is that the brick pavers and sand joints stay protected from harsh weather conditions, water damage, weed growth, mold/mildew, anthill activity, and sun fading. Keeping up with maintenance ensures prolonged beauty and many years of use.

How to Apply Brick Paver Sealer Easily — Video

The Best Brick Paver Sealers — Video

How to Seal Brick Pavers: FAQ

How long do brick pavers need to dry before sealing?

Plan for at least two consecutive dry days after cleaning before you apply sealer. If you’re also re-sanding the joints, add another full day of drying after that step before sealing. Sealing over damp pavers traps moisture underneath and is one of the most common causes of hazing or peeling.

Do I need to re-sand paver joints before sealing?

Yes, if the existing joint sand is low, washed out, or missing. Use polymeric sand designed for paver construction, sweep it into the joints with a push broom, blow off the excess, and mist with water to lock it in place. Let it dry for a full day before sealing over it.

How many coats of sealer do brick pavers need?

One coat is often enough, but two coats may be necessary depending on the product, and two coats are required if you’re using a sealer with a non-slip additive. Apply each coat evenly, starting at one end and working across the surface to avoid overlaps.

What kind of sprayer should I use to seal brick pavers?

Use a contractor-grade metal pump-up sprayer. An inexpensive plastic sprayer will not hold up to most paver sealers, especially solvent-based formulas, and can fail or degrade mid-application.

How long do sealed brick pavers need to cure before use?

Keep people and pets off the sealed surface for one to two days while the sealer cures. Rope off the area if needed to prevent foot traffic or paw prints from marking the fresh sealer.

How often should brick pavers be resealed?

Reseal every several years to keep pavers looking new — the exact timeline depends on the product used, traffic levels, and weather exposure. Watch for fading, reduced water beading, or a dull appearance as signs it’s time to reseal.

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Concrete Since 1993 Owner

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 and concrete/brick paver sealing. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter, concentrating more on exterior wood and concrete/paver restoration. Scott and his Pressure Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 projects in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the concrete and brick pavers restoration industry and has contributed to numerous forums and informative sites. All the products he suggests through this site are sold online and in retail stores, allowing consumers to choose their means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites sell many of the top brands he endorses, and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered, feel free to purchase from one of them.

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