The paver takes significant money, time, and energy to construct. Hence, it requires protection for the years to make. The best brick paver sealer is a worthy investment to protect your paver to ensure its beauty and resiliency for the coming years. The products penetrate deeply into the porous structure to ensure inside-out protection. Read on for our pick of the best brick paver sealer and our buyers guide on how to buy one.
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Contents
Types of Paver Sealers
Solvent-based Brick Paver Sealer
Solvent-based sealers contain 40% active materials and form a continuous film that protects concrete. This type of sealer is known for its high durability that reduces cracking and pitting. The sealer also offers UV protection and is formulated to perform well in freezing environments. If you had used the same type of solvent sealer for a location, you could use another solvent-based product without any problem. The sealers also last long and give the finish a wet and glossy look. On the downside, they have a high VOC and a strong chemical smell. Apart from this, the surface may be slippery if used for wet surfaces.
Water-based Brick Paver Sealer
This type of solvent is water-based and used to restore shine and color to a surface. They are used for different areas and won’t affect the color of an original area. Plus, it seals out water and ensures the transmission of moisture vapor. More importantly, they are easy to clean up, have a mild odor, easy to work with, and have low VOC. Unlike solvent-based sealers, they don’t bond with previously sealed paver and don’t form a continuous film on the surface. You also cannot use water-based and solvent-based sealers together as they don’t adhere together properly.
Acrylics Paver Sealer
The last pave sealer type we featured in this review is the acrylic brick paver sealer. This type forms a thin film coating that prevents water absorption. However, there is a less chemical reaction between the paver and the sealer, so it wears faster. Nonetheless, they have exceptional waterproofing capabilities; hence, they are handy for use around pools. They are ideal for indoor and outdoor use, dry quickly, and add gloss to your surface. However, they require more maintenance and wear out faster.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Brick Paver Sealer
Durability
The most important feature to look out for in a sealer is durability. This way, it will stand up to daily use without becoming ineffective. Most sealers protect against water, household chemicals, UV radiations, etc. However, different products do varied jobs in different parts of the home. For example, even if the product has all the properties we have listed, it does not mean it will do well against a hot tire. Hence, you need to consider the internal integrity and external construction to determine the sealer’s durability. Check how long it will maintain its structural integrity before it starts to show signs of wear. This way, you will know how long you should leave the sealer before reapplying a new coat.
Penetration
You should also bear in mind that a sealer’s effectiveness lies in its ability to penetrate a porous substrate. The sealers don’t just cover the surfaces; they start a chemical process that protects the concrete for reliable performance. A few sealers will penetrate different masonry and stonework; however, not all sealers can do this. Check the sealer’s thickness with the solid content to know if it will penetrate well or not. Sealers that flow without restriction in terms of composition don’t allow moisture to flow freely out of the substrate. Whatever the type, you should buy a sealer that won’t just settle on top of the paver but chemically bond with it.
Non-Slip
You also need to consider safety and safe usage when it comes to choosing sealers. Although most manufacturers rate their products as non-slip, you should take a few precautions to avoid future problems. Since the sealers penetrate the paver and the layer on top, it will ultimately smoothen the stone’s natural texture underneath. As a result, it leaves less traction. To ensure non-slip performance, you can add some additives to the sealer to ensure guaranteed non-slip properties. You can add gritty sealers to the topcoat to make the surface non-slippery or use a slip-resistant tape.
Finish
Although the finish is largely concerned with aesthetics, it is worth careful consideration. Different sealers offer different finish types depending on what you want. Invisible or clear sealers dry clear and won’t be detected by naked eyes. As a result, the treated surface won’t shine or have a wet look. On the other hand, high gloss or wet-look sealers provide a shiny topcoat that enhances the color of the surface for easy maintenance.
Top 12 Brick Paver Sealers
Miracle Sealants 511QT6 511 Impregnator penetrating sealer
The first product on our review of the best brick paver sealer is the Miracle Sealants 511QT6 511 Impregnator penetrating sealer. The product has been around for more than 37 years and has been the trusted choice for many. It is formulated to penetrate natural stone surfaces like pavers and concrete for a reliable sealing effect. It does not just penetrate, but it also dries invisible and clear without altering your paver’s original surface look. The formula is water and oil-resistant and creates an invisible protective barrier. A single purchase covers up to 500 square feet for planned usage.
Pros
- Weather and slip-resistant
- UV transparent
- Easy application
Cons
- It won’t enhance the color.
Loctite 1390595 ADHESIVES_AND_SEALANTS
The Loctite brand has never been short on impressive products, and the Loctite 1390595 ADHESIVES_AND_SEALANTS is not an exception. The construction adhesive is polyurethane-based and contains no chlorinated solvents from a brand that has been around for more than 50 years. It offers superior adhesion to construction materials and is waterproof. By implication, you can use it outdoors and indoors without worrying about its effectiveness. You can also paint over the sealer to conceal it, and it cures in cold temperatures. Therefore, you can use it for subfloor installations as well as outdoor use. It also adds shine to your paver and can be applied directly to wet, dry, and frozen lumber.
Pros
- Waterproof and paintable
- 24-hour cure time
- Flexible nozzle applicator
Cons
So strong, you’ll need gloves.
Black Diamond Stoneworks Wet Look Natural Stone Sealer
The Black Diamond Stoneworks Wet Look Natural Stone Sealer creates a natural but beautiful gloss finish on pavers, floors, and bricks. Hence, it does not only seals but make your surfaces shine and look beautiful. It also fortifies your surfaces against wear, UV rays, and chemicals, and won’t darken your surfaces when it is dry. The water-based VOC complaint sealant is easy to maintain, and it’s made in the USA certification lends note to its credibility. You can brush, roll, or spray the product on surfaces for flexible application.
Pros
- Dries clear
- Adds a nice and shiny look
- Goes easily with a foam roller
Cons
- There are reports that it leaves the stones slippery.
Red Devil 0645 Pre-Mixed Concrete Patch, 5.5 Oz Squeeze Tube
The Red Devil 0645 Pre-Mixed Concrete Patch may be lacking in size; however, it is handy for repairing cracks in concrete and sealing it. The pre-mixed concrete patch dries to a medium gray color; hence, it is best used for lighter shade concrete. Thanks to its unique formulation, the product is flexible; hence, it provides maximum flexibility to permanently make results. You can use it indoors or outdoors without compromising on the quality of the result. Plus, the small tube with a dispensing nozzle makes application easy without leaving sticky residues. If it does, you can conveniently clean it with water and soap. However, it is available in a bucket size volume if you want.
Pros
- Paintable
- Dries quickly
- Easy to clean
Cons
- The tube does not allow all the content to come out.
Liquid Rubber Waterproof Sealant
One gallon of the Liquid Rubber Waterproof Sealant is enough quantity to see you through your project. By creating a watertight seal, the water-based sealant keeps water out. It then cures to a fully adhered flexible membrane to protect your surfaces from UV, salt, chemicals, thermal cycling, and water. The eco-friendly sealant is flexible once cured; hence, minor movements won’t destroy your work. It is also easy to apply as you can use it straight after opening the container. All you need is a roller, a paint sprayer, or a brush. The product does not contain harmful odors, solvents, or VOC; hence, it is safe for use around kids and pets.
Pros
- Highly flexible and durable
- Environmentally flexible
- Easy to apply
Cons
- It takes a while to dry.
Gorilla Max Strength Clear Construction Adhesive
One of the strongest construction sealers out there is the Gorilla Max Strength Clear Construction Adhesive. The product boasts of maximum strength and versatility for a non-foaming formula that is easy to use. The waterproof adhesive works underwater and can be used in different weather conditions. It bonds excellently with different surfaces, and its dispense tube makes application easy and convenient. It dries crystal clear without leaving messy residues or discoloring your paver. Although it takes considerable time to become dry, it forms a permanent bond once it does.
Pros
- No offensive odor
- Durable
- Weather-resistant
Cons
- There is no tip cover to encourage storage and repeated use.
StoneTech BulletProof Sealer, 1-Quart
The StoneTech BulletProof Sealer won’t help you dodge a bullet; however, it fortifies your paver to take some beating without falling apart. Formulated with advanced water-based fluoropolymers, the product provides up to five years of protection for interior surfaces. A single purchase provides up to 100 square feet of coverage and provides the best protection for natural stones. Thanks to an advanced penetrating microbond, the product protects against water and oil-based stains. It also makes cleaning easy and preserves your stone’s natural look.
Pros
- Thin with consistency
- Easy to clean
- Won’t stain
Cons
- The product is only good for six months after opening.
Gorilla Heavy Duty Ultimate Construction Adhesive, 9 ounce Cartridge, White
The Heavy Duty Ultimate Construction Adhesive by Gorilla is another impressive product to make our list of the best brick paver sealer by the same brand. Not that we are surprised as the brand’s construction adhesives are known to grab surfaces with higher bond strength instantly. The product bonds to different surfaces and even works underwater. Not just this, but it is also ideal for gap filling in great detail. The presence of a small dispense nozzle eliminates the need to search for rollers and sprayers. It gives enough working time for accurate placement and a strong adhesion after placing.
Pros
- Mistakes are easy to clean if quick.
- Works in the rain
- A perfect alternative to drilling
Cons
- It is a bit challenging to pump through a caulk gun.
Tuff Duck Concrete Countertop Sealer 750ml
The satin finish sealer in the form of Tuff Duck Concrete Countertop Sealer 7covers up to 60 square feet per 750ml bottle. If anything, the water-based formula is available in a generous amount to see you through your project. Besides, since it is water-based, it is non-toxic; hence, food-safe without VOC. The sealer penetrates deep into the brick with a durable shell on the surface for complete protection. Each purchase comes with detailed instructions to help you get the best use out of the product.
Pros
- Adds a little shine
- Excellent result with a roller
- Straightforward directions
Cons
- A thick coat will affect the surface texture.
Bluestar Flexible Concrete Crack Filler
The Bluestar Flexible Concrete Crack Filler is available in two color options to add flexibility to the selection process. You can choose from either a light gray or gray color to match your surface without darkening it. The filler is flexible in cold and hot temperatures and fills cracks up to one inch wide. Besides sealing cracks to prevent more damage, it is fast and easy to apply without any special tool. The product flexes with the expansion and contraction of the concrete and blends well with the background. Plus, you can paint over it to hide the improvement from visitors.
Pros
- Excellent consistency
- Not sticky to handle
- Made in the USA
Cons
- The mixture is a little thin.
PC Products 72561 PC-Concrete Two-Part Epoxy Adhesive Paste
If you desire to pursue a convenient and easy DIY crack repair, you should buy the PC Products 72561 PC-Concrete Two-Part Epoxy Adhesive Paste. The product is formulated in an easy-to-use cartridge that looks like a toothpaste dispenser but with two nozzles. As a result, it is easy to dispense without making a mess of things. The paste is moisture-resistant; hence, it can be used for vertical applications and in damp environments. It can also be used outdoors and indoors, provided it is within the temperature range of 115-degree F. It requires a work time of 20 minutes and a cure time of four hours before you can enjoy a reliable result.
Pros
- Super holding strength
- Easy to work with
- Replacement nozzle
Cons
- Some buyers had trouble fitting the tube into a caulking gun.
Rain Guard Water Sealers CR-0357 Micro-Seal
The ready-to-use Rain Guard Water Sealers CR-0357 Micro-Seal is available in five gallons and covers up to 1500 square feet. The clear masonry sealer protects, restores, and extends the life of masonry or surfaces with its high-performance hydrophobic coating. The sealer won’t alter the surface appearance and won’t leave a film. Instead, it contains a no-sheen formula and a non-yellowing technology that allows it to dry clear. If you want, you can use it as a primer before painting to prevent moisture transfer in the substrate and protect it from oil and gas stains. The penetrating sealer is water-resistant and resistant to salt spray, wind-driven rain, and ice removal agents.
Pros
- Water-based sealer
- 100% penetrating coating
- Works as a primer
Cons
- Some buyers reported receiving four gallons instead of five.
KILZ L390201 Interior/Exterior Concrete, Brick, and Tile Liquid Masonry Sealer
The KILZ L390201 Interior/Exterior Liquid Masonry Sealer has a wet and out-of-the-box appearance for fast project turnaround. Not only does it seal concrete and brick, but it preserves and maintains their color and details with the yellowing effects most sealers are known for. The acrylic-based formula enhances coat and surfaces with a high-gloss wet-look finish. However, it is not recommended for moisture-prone areas. You can apply the sealer directly to a pad applicator, roller, brush, or pump sprayer for flexible completion. Buy it, and you’ll join the endless list of people that have been using the sealer for the past 40 years.
Pros
- Flexible application means
- Preserves colors and details
- Gives a wet-look and glossy finish
Cons
- The instructions are small but available in a bi-lingual format.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Should brick pavers be sealed?
Yes. Break pavers should indeed be sealed as a crucial part of maintenance to keep the pavers neat, durable and ensure lasting usage. Unsealed concrete is porous and absorbs stains. Hence, sealing helps to keep the color from fading and protect its original looks.
- How long do brick paver sealers last?
There is no constant measurement for longevity since it depends on the type of sealer and external factors like the area of use and exposure to harsh climatic effects. However, if sealed appropriately, the paver should last between 3-5 years before you need to reseal it again.
- Is there a preparation process before sealing?
You need to clean the paver before applying the sealant to open the pores for better penetration. You should also remove existing stains for an effective result. More importantly, you should go through each product’s instructions as most products have specific application rules.
- What is the ideal weather condition for sealing?
750 on a sunny day is ideal for sealing. However, you can seal between 50-90 degrees. Lower degrees are preferred for solvent-based sealers since they evaporate faster.
What if it rains after sealing my pavers?
Rain can wash the sealer off if it is not dry before it rains. However, it requires a strong amount of rain to do this. Little sprinkles won’t hurt. Once the sealer is dry, the rain won’t affect it.
Conclusion
There you have it on our review of the best brick paver sealer. We hope we’ve helped with enough information to make a valuable investment decision.