Getting pavers costs money and effort, but the result definitely enhances the beauty of your walkway or driveway. Naturally, we want to preserve their look and keep the area looking new regardless of how many times it undergoes abuse from walking or driving.
The good news is that you can easily preserve the look and lifespan of your pavers by using sealers. Like with any surface, adding a layer of protection is a must. It might take time and effort to do so, but prevention will always cost less than replacement.
If you are drawn to a matte finish on your pavers, you should get a sealer for a natural look. But before we help you achieve that finish, let us clarify a few things first.
Why are Paver Sealers Important?
The moment that you decided to get pavers for your walkway, you will also find out about paver sealers. From the name itself, a paver sealer will “seal” your pavers to protect it from the environment and wear and tear from usage.
By using a sealer, you can lengthen the lifespan and look of your pavers because you are protecting it from different weather conditions. Pavers are highly durable, but they are prone to fading over time, especially when they are constantly exposed to UV rays, so sealing them is essential.
At the same time, you can use sealers that stabilize the joint sand in between pavers to keep them in place, regardless of the weather and other external factors. You can also reduce weed growth in the paver joins or keep the sand in place, especially when you have pavers by the pool.
Sealing the pavers will protect them while also enhancing their colors for a more appealing surface. The sealers will affect the porosity of the pavers so they wouldn’t absorb dirt that can cause staining.
Solvent-Based vs Water-Based Paver Sealer
The sealers available in the market vary in their formulations. And before we discuss how to achieve the best natural look on your pavers, you have to be familiar with the differences of solvent-based and water-based paver sealers.
Solvent-based sealers are suitable for you if you want to give your pavers a shiny, wet, or glossy finish. Because of the wet look, they improve the vibrancy of the color, especially on red and brown pavers. They also offer protection against different kinds of stains like the difficult one from oil spills because they form a film on the surface. However, solvent-based sealants are quite irritating to smell because of the high VOC rating.
On the other hand, you need a water-based sealer since you want a natural, matte finish on your pavers. From the name itself, you can assume that water-based sealers have a lower VOC rating compared to solvent-based sealers. They are easier to apply and clean as well.
Paver Sealers for Natural Look
When looking for a paver sealer for a natural look, it’s best to check reviews of that product to know if it provides quality both for aesthetic and protection. Some people prefer paver sealers that leave a matte finish because it looks more natural compared to a glossy finish. They can also prevent weed growth and to avoid absorption of liquid that can cause stains.
Glaze ‘N Seal 183
As we have discussed earlier, you need a water-based sealer to achieve a matte finish. The Glaze ‘N Seal 183 might mention “glaze,” but it’s actually an excellent water-based sealer that leaves a natural appearance. In fact, the gorgeous matte finish can last you up to 8 years if you have applied it correctly. You will also get protection against different temperatures and weather conditions.
Stella Sealants Ultra Dry 70
If you need protection for your pavers that will continuously go against abuse and friction (e.g., driveways), you can check this product. Ultra Dry 70 is also stain-resistant while preserving the natural look of your surface.
Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold
If you want something to effectively protect your pavers that are made from expensive materials like marble, saltillo, or travertine, it is worth investing in Aqua Mix. It is even useful for kitchen counters because it protects against acidic substances, so you know that stains are no match for this sealer. It leaves the surface natural-looking that you’ll question if it is even sealed in first place. And it wouldn’t also take too long for it to dry up.
RadonSeal DryWay
For concretes, your best sealer would be RadonSeal. It works excellent against wear and tear, so it’s your partner for sidewalks and driveways.
Foundation Armor SX5000
You can keep efflorescence, cracking, and staining at bay with Foundation Armor. It preserves the natural appearance of your surfaces without even yellowing and pitting.
Tips for Sealing Pavers for a Perfect Natural Look
In order to achieve the best natural finish, which is basically having your pavers looking like they aren’t sealed, you need to apply the sealer correctly. To do this, remember and follow the tips below:
- It is ideal for sealing your pavers when it is sunny or between 50 and 90 degrees so that the product dries faster. Commonly, it will take you around 24 hours until the pavers absorb all the product completely.
- Make sure the surface is thoroughly clean before sealing. This includes the removal of debris and even mildew.
- Don’t let a section of the surface dry before you finish working. You can work faster and avoid uneven dried spots by using a sprayer for the sealer.
- Use the sealer liberally to make sure that every space and crevices are covered.
- To get a perfect matte finish without drip marks, use a dry roller that’ll soak the excess sealer.
- If you want to know the amount of paver sealer that you’ll need, get the square feet of the area that needs sealing. A sealer will usually mention on its packaging how much it can cover. However, remember that it might take you more than one coating to achieve the best finish.
- You can reapply your sealer every 3 to 5 years or when you start to notice a color change. If you live in an area that experiences heavy rain often, you might need to reapply more.
