Sealing a paver patio is easy, and can be done in just a few simple steps. How you seal a paver patio will depend on the type of paver patio sealer you are using.

How to Seal a Paver Patio with a Penetrating Sealer

The best penetrating paver patio sealer to use is a Silane Siloxane water repellent sealer, like the Armor SX5000 or SX5000 Paver Patio Sealed with a Water Repellent Sealer WB. They penetrating into the surface of the patio pavers where they chemically react to form a water repellent barrier within the pores, causing water and other liquids to bead off the surface. These types of patio paver sealers are designed to protect the pavers against deterioration and staining caused by water absorption, without changing the look or color of the pavers. They also help to reduce the growth of mold, mildew, algae and the formation of efflorescence.

 What's the difference? The Armor SX5000 and Armor SX5000 WB are both high solids DOT approved water repellent sealers. The only difference between the two is that one is suspended in water and the other in solvents. Which sealer is best for your patio pavers will depend entirely on whether or not you prefer water or solvent based products. The SX5000 WB is very popular on patio pavers because it has a larger molecule size and performs great on porous surfaces, but both products are great for sealing patio pavers.

Apply a water repellent sealer to patio pavers is very easy:

  • First, make sure the pavers are clean and free of anything that could prevent proper penetration. You can use water or a pressure washer. If a cleaning chemical is used, make sure that any residue from the cleaner has been removed, and if required, the patio substrate PH has been neutralized. Most patios simply require the use of a pressure washer. 
  • Next, allow the pavers to dry for at least 24 hours before sealing. You want the pavers to be as dry as possible before sealing. 
  • You can use a roller, but penetrating sealers are best applied with a high volume, low pressure pump sprayer. You want to apply 2 coats. The SX5000 WB requires that both coats be applied back to back, but the SX5000 coats can be applied back to back or spaced out.
  • Let dry. The sealers can take up to 72 hours to react before they start beading water. Keep the surface dry for at least 36-48 hours after sealing.

The Armor SX5000 and Armor SX5000 WB will need to be reapplied every 7-10 years.

How to Seal a Paver Patio with a Wet Look, Low Gloss, or High Gloss Sealer

If you want a wet look, low gloss, or high gloss finish then you want an acrylic sealer. Acrylic sealers are designed to enhance concrete with a wet look, low gloss, or high gloss finish, and provide complete protection against deterioration caused by water absorption and surface abrasion. Acrylic sealers are available in water based and solvent based formulas. The water based acrylic sealers will provide a gloss without darkening the surface of the pavers, while solvent based acrylics will darken the surface of the pavers to bring out any dull and faded coloring, and enhance with a gloss. 

  •  Armor AR350 vs Armor AR500: The Armor AR350 and Armor AR500 are both pure acrylic lacquer sealers that offer the same life and benefits. The difference between the two is that the Armor AR350 is a low gloss and the Armor AR500 is a high gloss sealer. 
  • Armor WB15 vs Armor WB25: The Armor WB15 and Armor WB25 are both water based acrylic co-polymer sealers that offer the same life and benefits. The difference between the two is that the Armor WB15 is a low gloss and the Armor Wet Look Before and After Photo WB25 is a high gloss sealer.

Applying an acrylic sealer to patio pavers is very easy:

  • First, make sure the pavers are clean and free of anything that could prevent proper penetration. You can use water or a pressure washer. If a cleaning chemical is used, make sure that any residue from the cleaner has been removed, and if required, the patio has been neutralized. Most patios simply require the use of a pressure washer. 
  • Next, allow the pavers to dry for at least 24 hours before sealing. You want the pavers to be as dry as possible before sealing. 
  • Using a roller or sprayer, apply the first coat of the acrylic sealer. The acrylic sealer should be applied in the late afternoon or early evening so that the pavers have had a chance to cool from exposure to the sun.
  • A second coat is never required, but always suggested for best coverage and a higher level of gloss. Pavers are very porous and if enough material is not applied, you may not be able to see much gloss. Water based acrylic sealers have a very specific recoat window, but solvent based acrylic sealers can space the coats out 24 hours. 
  • Let dry. The acrylic should be kept dry, and free of any foot or vehicle traffic, for at least 36-48 hours.

Acrylic sealers should be reapplied every 2-3 years to maintain a consistent gloss level.