How to Clean and Seal Pavers

Steps to Clean and Seal Pavers

• Before you can seal the concrete, brick, or natural stone pavers, you must properly clean the surface of all debris, oil, efflorescence, grease, paint, and previous sealers that could interfere.
  
  
• You'll want to ensure that your pavers are entirely clear of all potted plants, outdoor furniture, and any other obstructions that can get in the way of cleaning.
  
  
• Using a handheld brush with firm bristles, brush away the moss that could be growing between or on the pavers and pluck all the weeds out from within the joints. Once you've dislodged all the organic growth, remove it entirely from the paved surface.
  
  
• Hose down the surface with water before you pour any soap or detergent on it.
  
  
• Mix up a mild soap solution and spray, making sure it is suitable for the paver stone, concrete, or brick paving in any outdoor space.
  
  
• Start by thoroughly mixing up a gallon of warm water and the mild degreaser and detergent. Pour some of it onto the paved surface and scrub it using a stiff-bristled brush working in small sections.
  
  
• Once you've finished scrubbing, carefully rinse away the cleaning product with clean water from a power washer or ordinary garden hose to blast away any stubborn stains.
  
  
• After the pavers are dry, sprinkle some polymeric sand all over them, brushing the sand throughout the paved surface in several directions with a dry broom. Continue this method until you fill in all the joints.
  
  
• Finally, set the hose to mist water and slowly spray water over the pavers, allowing the polymeric sand to settle nicely between the paver joints.
  
  
• Allow newly installed pavers to cure for at least two weeks before sealing. You must follow the paver manufacturer's instructions to the tee to ensure the surfaces have proper protection for longer.
  
  
• The sealer you pick for your pavers, bricks, or other forms of sand set paving material depends on the final aesthetic you're looking for and the level of stain resistance you require. Apply paver sealer starting along the edges before coating the entire area.
  
  
• Apply two coats of sealer- Follow the sealant directions on how much drying time to give after applying the first coat and then the second coat. You'll know the surface absorbs the sealant adequately when the paver stone starts to deepen in color.
  
  
• Most sealants need to be left untreated for at least 24 hours. When fully dry, bring the potted plants and furniture back onto the surfaces, and your space is ready to use.