You might be wondering if it's necessary to apply a second coat of sealant to your pavers. The answer is yes, it is recommended to apply a second coat of sealant to ensure that the surface is evenly covered. If you're using a water-based or acrylic-based sealer, you'll need to reapply a new coat every two to three years. This type of sealant penetrates the surface, sealing water and pollution.
Penetrant sealants are also an option for paver sealing. These sealants work 100% below the surface to protect pavers from the inside and remain breathable. They don't form a film or change the gloss of the surface, and some even leave a completely natural look. They are very popular for pool covers, sidewalk sealing and paving stone waterproofing, as they don't become slippery when wet and never flake, peel or chip like film-forming sealants.
Penetrant sealants are highly effective, durable and offer easy application and maintenance. The lifespan and level of protection you get from this type of sealant will depend on the quality of the product you choose. Penetrant sealants should never be applied over an existing sealant, unless the previous sealant was a similar and compatible penetrating sealant. Piercing sealants will not block sand joints.
In most cases, all that is needed before sealing pavers is a thorough pressure wash if they are still in good condition. Sand joints are an important structural part of paving stone construction and should ALWAYS be re-sanded before being sealed. Sealing your pavers can make them smoother and easier to maintain. Most paving stone sealants are compatible with most clean, unsealed concrete pavers, but if your pavers have been pre-sealed, you should always test their compatibility before applying them.
If you're in the Tampa Bay area, Premier Pro Wash & Seal can treat your pavers for efflorescence and then use an industrial rotating surface pressure washer to penetrate deeply into the porous surface and remove anything that might get in the way of the sealant joint. We use a penetrating sealant, which means that the sealant will penetrate the paving stone and its purpose is to coat the individual particles that make up the paving stone and not to put a roof over the paving stone. Paver sealing is a science, and if you plan to apply the sealant yourself or hire someone to do it for you, you need to know what not to do and why. The pros and cons of sealing your pavers have to do with how you want the final product to look when you're finished with it. Sealing agents can be safely applied to clay pavers, granite, concrete (even stamped), blocks, stone and slate.
