How to Seal a Paver Patio
When a paver patio is first installed, the colors of the pavers are vibrant and your whole patio is now a work of art. As time goes on, the color of the pavers can dull, stains may mar the surface or the grout and the pavers may break down as moisture begins to seep inside. You can seal a paver patio to increase both its life and to keep your patio looking good for as long as possible. It will take about an afternoon to complete the work. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Sweep the patio clean of all debris and make sure the patio is completely dry before continuing.
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Open your sealant and pour the contents into a bucket.
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Start in a far corner and begin to apply the sealant with a brush. You want a light, even coat of sealant that covers not just the pavers but the spaces between them (which may be filled with grout or packed sand). Work your way over the patio so that when you are done, you do not have to walk over any part of the newly sealed pavers.
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Place plastic wrap over the top of the bucket to prevent the sealant in the bucket from drying. Wait two hours and then begin the process again. You want a minimum of two coats of sealant applied. If you live in an area with high heat, heavy rainfall or snowy winters, consider applying up to four coats.
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Pour the remaining sealant in the bucket back into its original container. Use a funnel to make this a quick and easy process. Recap the original container and store the left over sealant in a cool, dry place.
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Tips & Warnings
Plan on reapplying sealant at least every other year. The sealant will break down as it is exposed to the elements.
All sealants on the market contain chemicals that are flammable. Do not smoke while applying the sealant and do not have any open flame source near the patio (like barbecues and mosquito torches) while you can still smell the sealant. The fumes can be flammable as well.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit patterned brick patio image by David Levinson from Fotolia.com
