Paver sealers come in different types, each offering unique benefits depending on the material and desired finish. The most common kinds include water-based and solvent-based sealers, which vary in durability, appearance, and ease of application.
Water-based sealers are eco-friendly and provide a natural look, while solvent-based options offer a more enhanced, glossy finish and longer-lasting protection. Additionally, there are specialized sealers like wet-look, matte, and joint-stabilizing sealers, designed for specific aesthetic and functional needs. Choosing the right sealer can extend the life of your pavers while enhancing their appearance and protection.
Types of Paver Sealers
1. Acrylic Sealers
One of the most common options, acrylic sealers bond well to pavers and provide an effective protective barrier. They are available as either solvent-based or water-based formulas. Let’s explore the technical details of the Acrylic Sealers.
Composition:
- Acrylic sealers are made from acrylic polymers, resins, and plasticizers blended with water or solvents.
How they work:
- Acrylic resins bond tightly to paver surfaces to form a lasting protective film.
- On a molecular level, acrylic sealers fill pores and microholes to repel water, oils, and sand.
Benefits:
- Durable yet flexible film withstands foot traffic and weathering.
- Enhance the color and texture of many paver types.
- Water-based options are easier on the environment and installer.
Limitations:
- Require reapplication every 2-3 years as UV damages resin binders.
- Do not penetrate as deeply as solvent-based options on highly porous surfaces.
Longevity:
- With proper application and resealing, acrylic sealers can protect pavers for 5+ years before losing effectiveness.
Best applications:
- Concrete, concrete pavers, clay pavers, quarry tile – Their moderate porosity pairs well with acrylic penetration.
- Suitable for patios, walkways, and other low-traffic outdoor areas.
Common brands of solvent-based acrylic paver sealers:
- Thompson’s WaterSeal Solvent-Based Acrylic Sealer
- A top-selling solvent sealer that penetrates well and provides durable protection. Offers stain resistance and weatherproofing.
- Rust-Oleum Professional Concrete & Masonry Sealer
- An affordable, widely available option that seals, protects, and beautifies concrete, pavers, bricks, and more. Available in gloss and satin finishes.
- Valspar Stone, Concrete, and Masonry Protector
- Forms an invisible protective barrier against water damage, chemicals, and UV rays. USDA approved for incidental food contact surfaces.
- Tuff Coat Acrylic Concrete Sealer
- Fast-drying formula suitable for indoor or outdoor use. creates a long-lasting seal that withstands water, traffic, and sun exposure.
- GemSeal GemCrete solvent-based sealer
- Deep penetrating siloxane sealer designed for porous surfaces like stamped and colored concrete. Reinforces, strengthens and beautifies.
- SoyCrete Creme LatexEpoxy Sealer
- A solvent-based epoxy coating that provides maximum protection and durability in high-traffic applications.
Facts about Solvent-Based Acrylics:
Using synthetic organic solvents, these sealers penetrate deeply and work well on porous surfaces. However, their strong fumes require extra ventilation during application.
Composition:
Contains both acrylic polymers and powerful organic solvents like xylene or toluene to thin the product.
Penetration Ability:
The solvents allow the sealer to soak deeply into concrete, brick, and other porous materials. This results in maximum protection.
Drying Time:
Typically dry faster than water-based options since solvents flash off quickly from the surface.
Odor and Toxicity:
Organic solvent fumes are heavy and noxious, requiring masks, gloves, and good ventilation during use indoors or in enclosed spaces.
Porosity Suitability:
Best for highly absorbent surfaces due to intense saturation, especially wet cast concrete or surfaces exposed to harsh weather.
Appearance:
Provide a natural-looking matte finish or can enhance colors with a subtle sheen depending on the specific product.
Usage Limitations:
Not suitable for application near habitats or beds due to toxic fumes. Also prohibited in some areas due to VOC content.
In my experience I have learned these safety precautions to take when using solvent-based acrylic paver sealers:
- Work in a well-ventilated area and provide adequate ventilation during and after application. Use fans if indoors.
- Wear personal protective equipment like a respirator rated for organic vapor protection, chemical-resistant gloves, and protective eyewear.
- Avoid breathing vapors or allowing contact with skin and eyes. Wash thoroughly after handling.
- Extinguish all ignition sources as solvent fumes are highly flammable. Do not smoke near the application area.
- Use sealers in lower temperatures as heat increases the flammability of fumes.
- Store and dispose of partially used containers properly to prevent fire hazards and chemical exposure.
- Post signs in the application area warning others of sealed surface hazards until fully cured.
- Have access to emergency equipment like eyewash stations and fire extinguishers.
- Consider less toxic water-based options if adequate ventilation can’t be ensured or if applied indoors.
My Recommendation about temperature ranges for safely applying solvent-based acrylic sealers:
- Ideal Application Temperature: Between 50-90°F (10-32°C) is considered the optimal temperature range. Warmer temperatures can increase the evaporation and flammability of solvents.
- Minimum Application Temperature: Most manufacturers specify 45°F (7°C) as the lowest safe application temperature. Below this, the sealer may not cure properly.
- Maximum Heat Limit: Temperatures over 90°F (32°C) should generally be avoided as it can cause the sealer to dry too quickly, leading to uneven coverage or application issues.
- Cold Weather Concerns: In very cold conditions below 45°F (7°C), the sealer may freeze before curing fully. This can affect the protective qualities.
- Hot Weather Precautions: High heat increases the fire risk from solvent vapors. More ventilation is required and applicators need breaks in shaded areas.
2. Water-Based Acrylics
A more environmentally friendly choice, water-based acrylics blend water with acrylic resins. They have a lower odor yet still seal various paver materials.
Facts about water-based acrylic sealers:
Composition:
Contains water, acrylic polymers, and sometimes additives like sand for traction. No toxic solvents.
Odor:
Have little to no smell since evaporating liquids are non-hazardous water and polymers. Safer for enclosed indoor use.
Viscosity:
Slightly thicker consistency than solvent-based versions due to using water instead of volatile solvents to thin the product.
Drying Time:
Generally takes longer to dry completely compared to solvent acrylics since water evaporates more slowly than synthetic organics.
Penetration Ability:
Will not soak as intensely into highly porous surfaces as solvent varieties. Best for moderate absorption materials.
Usage Locations:
Preferred for patios, walkways, and other high-traffic areas where solvent fumes aren’t ideal. Also required in some regulated areas.
Appearance:
Usually enhances colors less than solvent acrylics but the texture is well sealed. Provide satin or low-sheen finishes.
Solvent-Based vs. Water-Based Sealers
| Aspect | Solvent-Based Sealers | Water-Based Sealers |
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| Aroma & Safety |
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| Regulatory Adherence |
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| Material Pore Preference |
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| User-Friendliness |
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3. Penetrating Sealers
Designed to completely soak into the paver rather than just sit on top, these sealers maximize coverage. Common varieties include silane, siloxane and silicone-based penetrating sealers.
Facts about penetrating sealers:
Composition:
Made of silane, siloxane, or silicone polymers that can deeply saturate porous surfaces. Water-repellent rather than film-forming.
Application:
Easily penetrate hairline cracks and surface pores where water can enter. Require fewer coats than film-forming sealers.
Durability:
Withstand foot and vehicle traffic well when fully absorbed. Last longer than acrylics against weathering and deicing salts.
Appearance:
Generally do not alter the look of the material. Maintain an invisible matte, natural finish.
Material Compatibility:
Work on concrete, bricks, natural stone, and pavers. May darken or etch some slabs so test first.
Limitations:
Do not prevent dirt or stains as well when compared to film-forming sealers. Require reapplication every 3-5 years.
Best Uses:
Ideal for patios, pool decks, and integral color concrete where a breathable yet durable barrier is desired with zero gloss.
4. Epoxy Sealers
Durable epoxy formulas bond tightly to pavers through chemical hardening. They handle high-traffic areas but have a shorter working time that requires planning.
Facts about epoxy sealers:
Composition:
Thermosetting two-part epoxy resin and hardener that chemically reacts to form an extremely hard barrier.
Durability:
Understand high impacts, abrasion, chemicals, and temperatures. Among the most durable options for extreme conditions.
Appearance:
Dry clean but enhance colors and textures underneath. Polished finishes provide a glossy sheen.
Application:
Working time is limited once resin and hardener are mixed, often 15-45 minutes. Demands speed and preparation.
Penetration:
Do not soak in but rather cure onto and bond tightly with the paver surface. Provide seamless coverage.
Limitations:
Higher cost than other sealers. A temperature-sensitive chemical reaction requires correct conditions to fully cure.
Best Uses:
Factory floors, commercial vehicle areas, patios adjacent to pool equipment, kitchens/bathrooms, and surfaces receiving heavy or corrosive loads.
In my experience, For epoxy sealers to fully cure via the chemical reaction between the resin and hardener components, the following temperature conditions are important:
Application Temperature:
For most epoxies, the surface needs to be between 50-90°F during application. Below 50°F the reaction may not initiate properly.
Post-Application Temperature:
In the hours after application, the temperature is critical to drive the reaction to completion. The ideal is above 70°F.
Insufficient Heat:
If the temperature drops below the minimum after application, the epoxy may experience incomplete curing resulting in soft or tacky spots.
Maximum Heat Limit:
Most epoxies should not be applied to surfaces over 100°F as excess heat can cause issues like rapid gelling, foaming, or reduced working time.
Time to Reach Temperature:
Continuous heat above minimum for the specified cure time, usually 12-24 hours, ensures the reaction is fully reacted rather than arresting.
Cooling:
Allowing the cured epoxy to cool slowly after reaching temperature prevents residual stresses from temperature shock.
5. Natural/Color Enhancing Sealers
Enrich the natural beauty of materials like concrete and terra cotta through tinted enhancers. Some offer UV protection as well.
Facts about natural/color-enhancing sealers:
Composition:
Made with clear 100% silane or siloxane polymers with inorganic pigments added for a tinted effect.
Appearance:
Subtly bring out shades within the material rather than fully color coat. Can range from light tones to darker stains.
Durability:
While adding depth, they are on the lighter side of protection. Best paired with a secondary clear sealer for extended weather resistance.
Usage:
Ideal for accentuating the natural variations in concrete, pavers, brick, and terra cotta without altering the original finish significantly.
Limitations:
May require reapplication more frequently than other options since the tint can fade over time from UV exposure.
Best Applications:
Patios, walkways, and landscaping areas where lightly emphasizing the underlying color scheme is preferred over a painted effect.
Within each category, variables like gloss level, drying time, and VOC content differ between product lines. Understanding individual properties helps determine the best sealer.
Weighing these tradeoffs helps determine the varietal best fitting a specific project and installer safety needs based on the paver material properties and local regulations. Both options provide protective benefits when applied properly.