Shiny vs Wet Look Paver Sealer, What is the Difference?

This post was most recently updated on May 12th, 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.

Shiny Paver Sealer vs Wet Look

In 2024, my Concrete Sealer Reviews will remain your number one source for professional tips and advice for concrete and brick paver sealers. Below is an updated article for 2024 that discusses the difference between a shiny and wet-look paver sealer. I want your input if you have questions or have used a shiny or wet-look paver sealer! Feel free to leave me a comment with the pictures below.

Sealing pavers is an excellent way to enhance and preserve their appearance. Certain paver sealers bring out the pavers’ natural colors while locking out moisture, which helps maintain and increase their longevity. The sealer also helps solidify the sand joints and can help with weed growth and freeze/thaw damage in colder climates.

There are several different finishes involved with paver sealers. A matte finish will not alter the appearance of the pavers at all but will still preserve the surface and keep out unwanted moisture. Typically, a matte finish sealer is water-based. Besides a matte finish, you can also go for a shiny or wet look. So, what is the difference between a shiny vs. wet-look paver sealer? There is a slight difference in appearance and the formula that makes up either sealer.

A shiny or glossy finish is achieved using a sealer that contains a high percentage of the solid content of the acrylic. This type of finish darkens faded pavers as if they are wet while adding a shiny finish. A shiny sealer can enhance the natural reds and brown tones that are found in standard brick pavers. The high solid content of these types of sealers will leave a high-gloss shine depending on the amount of solids. The higher the percentage of solids, the higher the gloss finish. For example, a 25% solid content sealer would be considered a semi-gloss, while a 30% solid content sealer would be regarded as a high gloss.

Glossy Brick Paver Sealers

Here is the difference between a shiny vs. a wet-look paver sealer. Most wet-look sealers are solvent-based penetrating formulas. Wet-look sealers are not designed to add shine. It can be compared to how the pavers would look if they were sprayed with water. In fact, you can mist water on your pavers (as long as they do not already have a sealer on them that would repel the water) to see how they might look with a wet-look sealer. They will darken up and appear wet without a shiny or glossy finish. They will continue to appear wet even after the sealer dries.

Wet Look Paver Sealer

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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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