This post was most recently updated on January 30th, 2023
Why Seal Brick Pavers Updated
As of 2023, we have found that the Super Seal 30, Super Seal 25, and the Supreme Shield SB-600 are the most popular sealers for Brick Pavers. You can find reviews of these brands on our website. If you have any questions as to the best type of paver sealer for your project, please ask below in our Q&A area. We are here to help!
Why Seal Brick Pavers?
Brick pavers have become increasingly popular among homeowners in recent years. Areas around the home such as patios, porches, sidewalks, and driveways can be created with brick pavers and can certainly enhance the beauty of your property.
It is, however, important to note that like concrete, wood, and other surfaces, brick pavers will last longer if they are maintained regularly. The most beneficial thing you can do for your brick paver areas is to apply a brick paver sealer. When pavers are not sealed they can suffer from effects of erosion, weed growth, mold/mildew buildup, sun fading, ant activity, and discoloring. In extreme cases, brick pavers can shift, become loose, or settle causing low areas where water can puddle.
Brick pavers are normally laid on a bed of special sand (polymeric sand) that keeps them level and somewhat stable. The bricks are spaced evenly apart leaving a small gap in between. Additional sand is then poured onto the laid brick pavers and swept around to fill in the spaces and gaps. The excess sand is blown off and the new brick paver area is installed.
After a new paver installation, or after pressure washing an older paver area and re-sanding, a brick paver sealer should be applied to waterproof the surface. Applying a brick paver sealer will solidify the sand joints and help to lock the bricks in place. A brick paver sealant will also reduce weeds trying to grow up between the bricks. Because water beads up and will not be able to penetrate, mold and mildew are less likely to occur.
Another benefit or reason to apply a brick paver sealer can be to enhance the appearance. Though there are brick paver sealers that will protect the pavers without altering their appearance at all, there are some that can enhance it. Some brick paver sealers can provide a glossy sheen or “wet” look which many homeowners are in favor of. Not only do these brick paver sealing products enhance the natural beauty of the pavers with a shiny gloss look, but they too waterproof and protect against the elements.
Sealing concrete brick pavers
Sealing brick pavers can be a do-it-yourself project if you feel comfortable or it can also be hired out. The important matter is that the brick pavers and sand joints are protected from harsh weather conditions, water damage, weed growth, mold/mildew, anthill activity, and sun fading. Sealing brick paver areas and keeping them maintained will ensure prolonged beauty and many years of use.
Brick Paver Sealer Photos
Brick Paver Sealers Video
How To Apply Brick Paver Sealer Easily
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, concrete sealing, and deck staining. 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.
All the products he suggests through this site are sold through 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.
I have a 15 year old patio and two walkways made using larger format stone ‘slabs’ (for lack of a better term). The pieces vary in size from 2’X3′ to 1’X1′. They are a natural, porous material (perhaps marble or travertine?). When pressure washing, I have to be careful; otherwise chunks of the stone will chip off.
I want to clean the stone and install polymeric sand in the joints. Do you recommend using a sealer? If so, what do you recommend?
They are not concrete pavers so no, you should not use a paver sealer on natural stone.
Thanks. Should I look into sealers for natural stone? Any suggestions? I’m concerned that without any sealer applied, there won’t be anything to stabilize the poly sand.
You do not need to stabilize the sand since it is already a poly sand. If you want to try, look at the SEK Surebond SB-1300.
Which is the best sealant for clay bricks
Super Seal-M water repellent.
Hello! I have a front walkway of red brick, set in cement. Many bricks have little or no gap between them, some 3/16″. – 190 sq ft. I used to use polymeric sand every 2 years, but it doesn’t hold and read about epoxy as a better solution. I cleaned out all seams to 1 inch and am confused about which product to use. My daughter, who walks with canes, uses this walkway so it cannot be slippery. I am looking to seal the bricks so they won’t heave and with a product that lasts. Can you please advise? I… Read more »
You cannot fill the gaps of bricks with epoxy. I assume these are clay bricks, typically, they are set with no gaps. If you have gaps then they have moved over time and nothing is really going to fill the gaps properly.
Do you have pics you can post?
Thanks so much for your reply. Initially, I reached out to a company, SHS, who recommended a 2-part epoxy resin compound GFTK 835N. Their product sounds great but needs to be installed and is completely beyond my budget. Here are pics of the walkway. I greatly appreciate your help. Thank you.
Yes, those are clay bricks. The proper way to fix these gaps is to reset all the pavers so there are not any gaps. Sand fillers will not work well here. Never tried their epoxy but would be skeptical.
Thank you. I don’t have the option of reconstructing the walkway. I have to work with what I have. The bricks are cement set so I need to find the best way to prevent them from water, and heaving in the frost. I feel pretty stuck with this. Trying to find the best solution given my situation. I really appreciate your opinion.
We do not know of any way to fix outside of having them properly reset.
if I can’t “dull” the pavers, ( see my first message below) , can these pavers be colored/ stained? I plan to re-stain/ refinish the entire stamped concrete patio and I’d like these new pavers to blend in.
No, that is not possible.
I’m adding a path from existing stamped concrete patio that has a brick basket design to a new spa using 16×16 red concrete pavers with the same design. How can I dull the bright red color of these new pavers to blend with the existing stamped concrete patio?
You cannot dull pavers or stamped concrete.
How do you apply SB-600
Metal pump sprayer like a Chapin 1949 or roller.
I had our pavers professionally sealed with a “5 year warranty”. My problem is constant and numerous anthills are coming up between the pavers and none of our neighbors who had their pavers sealed have been having this problem. We had a heavy rain later the same day our pavers were sealed and I’m sure that had something to do with it. Would sure like to hear your expertise on this anthill problem.
Sorry, but no sealer will stop or prevent ant hills. Best to spray them with an ant killer spray.
BTW, no paver sealer will last 5 years. 2-3 years is the max.
I installed a patio and seems as though some of the poly sand left hazing on top of the pavers but only on the spots that were scuffed from the compactor, when wet the patio looks awesome but when dry it looks like leopard print. I’m looking for a cleaner that will break down And rid the haze spots and then a sealer recommendation. I feel as though the spots cannot be seen when wet because the poly sand and pavers are more alike in color. Seeing as I will most likely not be able to get rid of all… Read more »
See this about poly sand haze: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/what-is-poly-sand-haze/
Seal with Supreme Shield SB-600 after for a wet look: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/supreme-shield-sb-600-wet-look-review/
I had my pool pavers sealed with a solvent based sealer and it needs to be resealed to give it a wet look but it got soooo slippery. Is there a non slip sealer that I can use?
What you can do is add a grip into the sealer. For example, try the Super Seal 25:
https://www.concretesealerreview.com/superseal25-semi-gloss-paver-and-concrete-sealer-review/
They also sell a grip called Super Grip that can be added. This will make a huge difference with traction.
My situation is different. We installed a brick back splash in our kitchen. What is the best sealant for that. I have been told to go with a sealant made for stone / brick. I have also been told to go with polyurethane. What do you suggest?
You cannot use a poly on brick, it will yellow. Best to use a brick water repellent like SuperSeal-M: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/superseal-m-concrete-water-repellent-review/
Hi,
We want to clean our Chicago bricks (previous sealer left them moldy after 1 year ). and reseal them We do not mind resealing but at least not after 1 year . What would you recommend and as we have to re-grout some parts with polymer sand do we do that first or afterwards?
Hoping to hear from you
Sharon
A sealer will not stop mildew or mold. That is more of an issue with your environment. It may limit it some tough. Try Super Seal 25. Poly sand goes on first.
We have a covered patio with brick pavers over time the elements have penetrated the pavers where we are getting water damage in the drywall below. Will your products help to water proof the pavers in order to slow down the damage. The water comes from the side when it rains or snows.
No, that is not really possible plus the rain is most likely not coming through the pavers but the joints or gaps and there is no way to water seal those.
I am installing brick pavers in a foyer area inside my house. These pacers will be grouted in similar to tile. What product would you recommend to seal these pavers and will this product also properly seal the grout. Thanks
Masonry Saver Paver Sealer for this interior floor.
Can old paving that has been urinated on by dogs and stinks be sealed ? And will sealing prevent dreaded stench of pee seeping into brick paving again or can it just be washed away with a hose ?
It can be sealed but doubt it will mask the smell. It will not stop the pee down the road from getting in.
Any experience with Cobble Loc product made by surface logix in Florida, a 2 part A&B plus water?
Sorry but never heard of it.
We just had pavers put in around our inground pool. We want to seal it before the winter. What type sealer would enhance the look of the paver, seal and waterproof without being slippery? We also have an area that has old pavers. We will be adding sand but what about a sealer them, do not want slipper, want to definitely enhance those old pavers, and prevent weeds and grass from growing there.
Try the Supreme Shield SB-600 for these areas.
I see that Supreme Shield SB-600 provides a wet look without any gloss look.
Are you also saying that Supreme Shield SB-600 is a sealer that prevents weeds trying to grow up between the bricks?
Ron, no concrete sealer will stop or prevent weeds from growing between the bricks.
What product would you recommend to seal brick pavers where the moisture is coming up from the sand base For example if i put a mart on the brick pavers it attracts the moisture and it is quite beaded beneath
Hi, it is not possible to stop moisture from coming up from the sand.
I am still confused about the time to seal brick. Some articles read to wait a year before sealing. Which one is correct?
As long as the efflorescence is gone or never came (hit or miss with pavers) you can seal the new pavers.
We had our pavers sealed but there is still loose sand…did they miss some spots?
Depends on the sealer brand they used. Not all paver sealers are designed to seal sand.
just pointed brick patio – need to prevent mortar from coming loose again-what is best product-can it be applied by spraying
Sealers will not stop mortar from coming loose. Are you trying to enhance the paver bricks or just seal?
I have been told mixed information about sealing my pavers. I laid down 68 x 4 foot walkway of cement flagstone pavers up the side of my house last summer. I would like to seal my pavers and give them a wet look to really make the walkway stand out and keep sand in joints. My only qualm with this is i have been told this will severely reduce the life of my walkway. Essentially causing the pavers to "rot" from the inside out. Is this true? Will i have to strip and reseal the walkway often? I have hundreds… Read more »
No that is not true. Using a breathable paver sealer will prevent this. Try the Super Seal 30 or the Super Seal25. Both can be cleaned and reapplied every 2 or 3 years.
generally speaking, how much product does one need per square foot.? Looking at Semi-glss sealer for my brick pavers. Is that what you would recommend since the high gloss isn't pretty to me….live in /florida…..
OK…good idea this day and time….
About 100 sq. feet per gallon is what we figure for our job applications.
I live in Naples Florida and would like to seal my pavers. The pavers have be sealed with a water base sealant Can I use something other then a water base or do I have to stick to water base ?
Depends on the brand of the old sealer and the brand of the new sealer. Hard to say for certain.
I used Home Depot sealer 3 years ago to seal my pavers around my pool. I still have "white" showing on my pavers. I do not know what caused this white, if it was from the sealer or the sand. I had "reps" come over to see how much it would cost to have them stripped. They said they would not do it because it will ruin my pool, the cage around the pool, and the pool. What would you recommend.
It was the sealer that caused this. Your options are to strip or replace. There is no other options. Sorry.
Why do you say it was the sealer? Efflorescence is the chalky white look that develops on many pavers from naturally occurring salts in the raw materials pavers are made from. Even with sealed pavers, this white substance can com out of the pavers, which is why it's not recommended to apply sealer on new pavers, but to wait until the natural substance is fully emitted and washed away with the proper cleaners.
It's also strange for you to say it was the sealer as it completely contradictss what you stated above as the benefits of sealing.
Because Home Depots sealer turns white itself. It is a poor acrylic sealer and has numerous issues and complaints from owners that have tried it. This particular scenario has nothing to do with efflorescence.
I just gave you a thumbs up. Thanks for that reply.
When pavers are sealed around pool, do they become very slippery?
Possibly as it depends on which sealer type and how many coats.
another question
Tucson az
I had a paver sidewalk laid last fall and they put concreted between the outside pavers to keep everything in place.
I now want to use Behr stain on the concrete part. I would then like to seal everything. What would be best products. From what I have read a gloss makes the pavers stand out.
Probably Super Seal 30.
Can anyone give me some direction of what paver bricks are the best quality? We are interested in buying Holland bricks however want to ensure they will last years and years.
Thinking about sealing our brick pavers on the lanai and around the pool area. They are the thin pavers as they were installed on top of an existing cool deck a couple of years ago. It seems very confusing to hire the right company for the job. We got estimates for oil based and water based sealants and were told that oil based sealant should last approx. 5 yrs vs the lifespan of 2 – 3 yrs for water based sealant. Which one is best for Florida?
William, what type of sealers are these? Wet Look/Gloss paver sealers will last about two years. Nothing will last 3-5 if this type. A non color or enhancing sealer (no change in appearance) that water repels can last 3-5 years.