When it comes to paving seal, the answer to how long it takes to dry depends on the weather and the activities you expect. Generally, it is safe to walk on the sealant after 1-3 hours, while driving is safe after 1-3 days. After a month, your newly sealed pavement should be able to withstand inclement weather and strenuous activities. It is important to turn off automatic water sprayers for at least 24 hours after applying the sealant and let it dry for 24-48 hours.
If the sealant doesn't cure properly, water can leave white marks or stains on the pavers and even get trapped under the layer of sealant. Therefore, it is essential not to walk or drive on sealed pavers for at least 24-48 hours after application. Sealing not only protects against water damage but also against the accumulation of mold and weeds, if you work with paving stones. The summer months are ideal for applying the sealing coating, but be careful when sealing concrete or asphalt at extreme temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius or higher.
It is not recommended to buy your own sealant from local hardware stores such as Lowes or Home Depot to seal your pavers as it can often cause irreparable damage. The added weight of cars and foot traffic can affect the sealing capacity of pavers, which otherwise feel dry to the touch. The number one problem when it comes to a paving stone sealer that goes bad is not using the right sealer for your pavers. As a general rule, most types of sealants are completely safe to walk on after 12 hours, so if you can wait longer to seal the pavement, we recommend that you do so.
