Sealants can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours to dry before you can walk on them, but they will continue to harden for up to 48 hours after application. Concrete sealed with an acrylic sealer must not be stepped on (except for one layer), crawled, or wet for at least 36 to 48 hours. It's wise to stay away from the sealed area before it dries completely, but it's safe to walk on a cobblestone if it's dry to the touch. This usually takes 6 to 10 hours. In general, experts recommend avoiding vehicle traffic for at least 48 hours after applying the sealant.
Pedestrian traffic is fine after 3-4 hours. Sealants can take 4 to 12 hours to dry before you can run them over them, but they will continue to harden for up to 48 hours after application. Concrete sealed with an acrylic sealer must not be stepped on (except if a coating layer is applied) and must not be driven or wet for at least 36 to 48 hours. However, after that, it's best to wait 72 hours before allowing heavy pedestrian or furniture traffic. When they come into contact with water after sealing work, pavers can develop imperfections and discoloration, ruining their aesthetic appeal.
The most important reason you want to seal your pavers when they are newly installed is to protect them, protect the color and prevent the surface from deteriorating. It is very important not to walk or drive on sealed pavers for at least 24 to 48 hours after application. Buying your own sealant at local hardware stores like Lowes or Home Depot to seal your pavers is not a good idea and can often cause irreparable damage. A properly installed cobblestone patio with adequate drainage will go a long way in preventing weeds; however, sealing pavers with a joint stabilizing sealant will harden the sand in the joint and make it very difficult for weeds to grow. After installation or maintenance, you may be wondering how long you should stay away from pavers after sealing. In fact, many people choose not to seal their pavers because they don't want them to look wet or shiny.
As an expert in patio sealing, I recommend waiting at least 24-48 hours before walking on your patio after sealing. This will give the sealant enough time to dry and harden properly so that it can protect your patio from water damage and discoloration. Additionally, it's best to avoid vehicle traffic for at least 48 hours and wait 72 hours before allowing heavy pedestrian or furniture traffic.
