How to Refinish Mexican Pavers

Mexican pavers come in four types differentiated by origin, color and durability: Saltillo, Super Saltillo, Lincoln and Hacienda. Homeowners use Mexican pavers indoors and outdoors. After installing Mexican pavers, a sealant is applied to protect them from wear and discoloration. However, over time, the sealant begins to wear away and must be removed and the pavers refinished to restore their appearance. The type of Mexican paver dictates the exact method of refinishing including solutions for cleaning, stripping and sealing the pavers as well as the grade of sanding grit or stone. Contact the manufacturer of the Mexican pavers to determine the type and refinishing solutions and equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaning solution
• Stiff-bristled brush
• Mop
• Power washer
• Stripping solution
• Power sander
• Sanding grit or stone
• Hand sander
• Sealant
• Sprayer
• Brush

Instructions

1. Clean the pavers using the manufacturer's recommended cleaning solutions. Sweep the pavers clean of dirt and debris. Any stains should be scrubbed by hand using a stiff-bristled brush and the cleaning solution. Use a mop for indoor surfaces and a power washer for outdoor surfaces. Rinse the area with clean water to remove the cleaning solution.

2. Tape off any exposed woodwork or masonry near the pavers to prevent discoloration or damage. This includes indoor baseboards and outdoor siding.

3. Apply stripper according to manufacturer's instructions. To refinish Mexican pavers, you must remove the original sealant. The stripper uses a chemical reaction to dissolve the sealant and provide a clean surface.

4. Sand the pavers using the manufacturer's recommended grade of sandpaper grit or stone. The manufacturer should also recommend the appropriate rotations per minute for the sander. If indoors, start by sanding the outer edges of the paved area working within 1 to 2 inches of the edge. Next, work back and forth across the entire area of the stone, overlapping each pass by 1 to 2 inches. Finish the outer edges with a hand sander. If you're working outdoors where there are open edges, work back and forth across the pavers.

5. Clean the area again according to Step 1. Ensure that you remove all sanding dust and that the pavers have dried for at least 24 hours before moving on to Step 6. Pavers should look and feel dry. If the pavers are retaining water, the sealant will not thoroughly penetrate the clay.

6. Apply new sealant according to the manufacturer's instructions. Depending on the sealant, it can be sprayed or applied with a brush. Work from one end of the area to the next applying the sealant in even strokes. Allow the sealant to set for at least 24 hours before applying a second coat. Read the sealant manufacturer's instructions carefully regarding the time required between coats.

Tips & Warnings

• Always work backward along the paved area toward the exit. Once the pavers have been cleaned, stripped or sealed, you cannot walk on them until they dry fully.

• Work in well-ventilated areas. Solutions used for cleaning, stripping and sealing Mexican pavers will have a strong smell. If you are working indoors, open windows and turn on exhaust fans to prevent fumes from building to toxic levels.

• Do not use wire brushes or steel wool to remove stains from Mexican pavers. The metal will scratch the soft clay of the tiles.

References

• Paver Search: What are Mexican Pavers?
• Paver Search: Mexican Paver Maintenance
• Paver Search: Paver Cleaning Procedures
• Paver Search: Paver Sealing Procedures