Best Overall
Foundation Armor AR350 Acrylic Wet-Look Sealer
Best Bang for the Buck
Eco Advance Concrete & Masonry Siloxane Waterproofer
Best Acrylic
Foundation Armor WB25 Acrylic High-Gloss Sealer
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Pavers are a favorite medium for create durable DIY walkways and patios , and paver sealant can keep those surfaces look pristine . To describe which of today ’s top paver sealing products be up to the ballyhoo , we search more than 20 paver sealer before selecting the top eight for hands - on testing . We applied them to concrete pavers and then submit those pavers to stains and grit . Several mathematical product fared well , but we establish one clear winner : Foundation Armor AR350 Acrylic Wet - Look Sealer . This concrete paver sealer offer an optimum combination of security and durability while heighten the feeling of the pavers .
These seal solutions repel stains , spend a penny it wanton to spray them away . Some products offer append protection against mold , mould , and ft traffic . They are uncommitted in various finish , let in blotto face , high - gloss , flatness , or satin .
Keep take to find out more about these absolved Freemasonry shielder solutions and recover out how they fared in our tests to earn a spot as one of the best paver sealer for protecting your masonry walkways .
How We Tested the Best Paver Sealers
Before selecting eight top waterproofing solutions for testing on our cement pavers , we cautiously search more than 20 case of concrete and masonry sealers . We did n’t see the brand name as much as we consider whether the mathematical product was straightforward to hold and how efficient it was at repelling water , stains , and control surface damage from foot dealings .
In our hand - on test , we apply each sealant solution to 12 - column inch - square concrete pavers , following the manufacturing business ’s instruction , and applying more than one pelage if urge . We noted whether the product changed the appearance of the paver and to what degree .
Physical test included smearing wet ( clay - based ) mud on the control surface of the pavers , letting it dry , and then noting whether it leave any residual stains after mogul - washing . We also tested the sealed pavers for enhanced water resistance and then dot George Sand on the pavers and take the air over the gumption to see if it would pass on visible scratches and scuffs .
Throughout the testing , we awarded power point base on a rubric — the better asealer for terrace paversperformed on a test , the more points we gave it . After examination , we average out the point to decide our favorite filling and categorize the other products as to their best use .
Our Top Picks
pick out a sealer for pavers does n’t have to be complicated if you have sex what to expect from the various products . Our top picks for the best paver sealer useable today differ in surface appearance , urge identification number of coats , and reportage , but each one work for seal pavers against the element and unwashed sources of wrong . One of these product is certain to be idealistic for your paver project .
Our Ratings : Application4.8/5 ; Water Resistance4.5/5 ; Stain Resistance4/5 ; Appearance4/5 ; Value4/5
This Foundation Armor AR350 solvent - based acrylic sealer work well toseal concretesurfaces without add together an unpleasant yellowed tinge to the finish . We used a brushwood and applied two even coats to our paver , waiting 24 hours between coats . We noticed a thin but not overwhelming odour when we prove this production alfresco . It might be unattackable if applied to indoor pavers .
We like the ruined look : The pavers had a pleasant shininess but were not overly bright , and the color of the concrete seemed slightly recondite and more undifferentiated . Foundation Armor AR350 fared very well in our water - resistance tests . The urine bead up instead of soaking in , and the sealant offered a modicum of protection against stain . We applied sozzled mud - based mud to the paver ’s surface and let it dry whole . This type of clay is notorious for leaving brownish - blood-red stain on concrete , but we could spray the clay away with water , and it did n’t leave a stain .
In our durability test , we sprinkled sand on the paver and walk over it several time before brushing the sand off and look for damage to the open . We find a few scuffed spot , but when we duplicate our water exam , it appeared they were superficial — the Earth’s surface still revolt water . This product is only intend for use on concrete ; exploiter will not want to apply it to brick , flagstone , or other instinctive stone surface .
Get the Foundation Armor AR350 paver sealer atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Our Ratings : Application4.4/5 ; Water Resistance4/5 ; spot Resistance4/5 ; Appearance4/5 ; Value4.3/5
You do n’t have to spend a lot of money to add a layer of protection to your concrete pavers . The Eco Advance concrete and masonry waterproof sealant protects against water damage , mould and mold growth , and de - ice salts . Best of all , it ’s available at anaffordable price .
This is a hard solution , so we merge it with water before apply it with our pump sprayer , as commend by the manufacturer . We applied a total of two coat , waiting 24 hours between coats .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
When entirely dry out after 24 hours , we could n’t tell just by looking that there was anything on the paver ’s aerofoil . The paver did n’t look any dissimilar to us , and it also felt the same as before apply the sealer , leaving us skeptical about any real time value . However , we conducted our water psychometric test , and the water supply bead up and ran off the paver . This product also passed our clay grunge tests with flying colors , but it was n’t quite as durable during the sand test . walk on the sand exit a few scratches on the paver ’s airfoil .
While the Eco Advance sealant might not be as protective as other products , there ’s a clear craft - off . It ’s environmentally friendly , small - to - no fickle constituent compounds ( VOCs ) , and it does n’t pose a risk to darling .
Get the Eco Advance paver sealant atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Our military rank : Application4.8/5 ; urine Resistance4/5 ; Stain Resistance4/5 ; Appearance4/5 ; Value3.8/5
If you ’re look to impart a high sheen to your pavers while adding piddle and discolouration protective covering , go over out the Foundation Armor WB25 sealer . This is a water - based sealer that imparts a obtrusive high - gloss pic on the open of the pavers that froth in sunlight and feels tranquil to the touch .
We applied two coats of this sealant and start test once the pavers were entirely dry . Foundation Armor WB25 is extremely effective at force back water and filth . The mud we smear on and let dry washed right off without leaving a shadow . It also stood up well to our detrition trial using sand . We did n’t notice any scuffs after we cleared away the sand , and it remain to repel water .
Ironically , the downside for us was the shine : The pavers looked a bit like plastic and felt slippery when wet . While we only tested on single concrete pavers , we guess the slippy tone might be of concern in a high - traffic orbit that gets blotto often . However , Foundation Armor sells nonslip grit that drug user can add to the product to make the surface less tricky . Keep in mind that this is only a concrete sealer . Foundation Armor specifies that it ’s not a brick paver sealant .
Get the Foundation Armor WB25 paver sealant atAmazon(1 gallon),Lowe’s(5 gallons ) , orThe Home Depot(5 gallons ) .
Best Penetrating
Ghostshield Siloxa-Tek 8500 Concrete/Masonry Sealer
Our rating : Application4.8/5 ; Water Resistance4.5/5 ; Stain Resistance4.3/5 ; Appearance4.3/5 ; Value4/5
This Ghostshield Siloxa - Tek 8500 sealant is just the slate if you ’re looking for a penetrating sealer that repels water and stains and protects the masonry from Diamond State - ice salts .
We tested the hard version , and a ready - to - utilization reading is also uncommitted . The hard product goes a long direction — it debase at a 1:4 ratio of intersection to weewee . We commix it in our ticker nebuliser and apply two uniform coats , one right after the other , as the manufacturer recommends applying the second coat while the first coat is still wet . We noticed an odor , but it only go while the product was wet . Plus , it ’s crushed VOC and environmentally favorable .
When both coats had completely dry out after 24 hours , we bulge out testing . Our first observation was that this sealant was virtually invisible , but it still repel water well . clay vilification also rinsed away easily , but we found a couple of mule after carry our abrasion tests with sand . The scuffs were superficial , however , and did n’t seem to affect the intersection ’s power to repel water — it still beaded up and take to the woods off .
While the concentrated reading of this product is on the high-priced side , it goes a mountain further than some of the other product we tested .
Get the Ghostshield paver sealer atAmazon(concentrate ) orThe Home Depot(ready to use ) .
Best for Concrete
Foundation Armor AR500 Acrylic High-Gloss Sealer
Our military rating : Application4.3/5 ; Water Resistance5/5 ; Stain Resistance4/5 ; Appearance4/5 ; Value4/5
The Foundation Armor AR500concrete sealerprovides a high gloss , making it a good alternative for enhancing a concrete surface ’s coming into court . This sealer is ultraviolet ( UV)-resistant and designed to protect against chemical damage and de - icing salts .
This is the third Foundation Armor sealant in our exam , and it transmit the bright finish . However , we did n’t detect a plastic look like we did with the manufacturer ’s WB25 formulation . The shininess with AR500 was more uniform but not as lifelike as the surface would have reckon if truly sozzled . We did n’t dislike the event , but we did n’t love it , either .
The sealer did a good business resisting urine , and we could hose off mud smears with repose . It also get along well in our abrasion tests : We only found a few surface scuffs that did n’t move the water system underground .
While this merchandise fork out a very high radiancy , it also get the concrete a bit slippery . As a result , we think this conceptualization is best suited to low - dealings areas , such as concrete fountains or curbs that do n’t get a lot of foot traffic .
Get the Foundation Armor AR500 paver sealant atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Photo: amazon.com
Best for Wet Look
Black Diamond Stoneworks Wet-Look Stone Sealer
Our rating : Application4.8/5 ; Water Resistance4.5/5 ; Stain Resistance4/5 ; Appearance4.5/5 ; Value4/5
This various Black Diamond Stoneworks sealant bestow a lustre to Freemasonry surfaces , but it was n’t as glossy as some of the other sealant we tested . However , it did impart a nice satin - type shininess that we found more attractive .
The label said we could apply up to three coats , but we apply just two to liken it head - to - head with most of the other sealers . We used a heart spray to apply both coat , letting the Earth’s surface juiceless between coat .
Photo: amazon.com
The Black Diamond sealer did a good chore of rebuff water and defame clay wash off well , but we did find oneself a few bass - than - open scratches after our sand abrasion run . However , we were jolly strong-growing with our tests , so this product might still be worthy for pavers in field with wanton groundwork dealings or where guts is n’t an issue .
Get the Black Diamond Stoneworks wet - look paver sealer atAmazon .
Best Color Enhancer
Black Diamond Stoneworks Color Enhancer Stone Sealer
Our Ratings : Application3.8/5 ; Water Resistance4.5/5 ; Stain Resistance4/5 ; Appearance4/5 ; Value3.8/5
The Black Diamond Color Enhancer sealer deepens and darken the concrete ’s rude color . While this outcome made colour variance in the concrete look more undifferentiated , the darker tone is quite noticeable . It was a little too glowering for our taste , but users seek a deeper color might prefer this product .
Other than the color divergence , this sealer protected just as well as the other Black Diamond sealant we try . It snub water , reject staining , and suffered only a few airfoil scuff from our abrasion exam .
Photo: amazon.com
This colouration - intensify sealant is for both indoor and outdoor employment . While we quiz it only on pavers , we palpate it might be a good pick for sealing interior vertical Freemasonry surface , such as fireplace surrounds , that wo n’t be subject to foot traffic .
Get the Black Diamond Stoneworks colour - foil paver sealant atAmazon .
ALSO TESTED
We also testedRain Guard Pro ’s Micro - Seal , but it did n’t repel weewee or filth . This could be due to the production fetch too hot or too insensate during treatment or storage . We look fore to testing Micro - Seal again in the future to see if it make out well .
Jump to Our Top Picks
Types of Paver Sealers
Sealing pavers and Freemasonry to protect them from water and discoloration is n’t a new idea . Wax - base or flaxseed - based sealers have been in consumption for tenner to better water resistivity and declare oneself a layer of tribute against maculation . Those products had various horizontal surface of success , but they did n’t always penetrate uniformly , and some ended up changing the appearance of the pavers . Today , we have plenty more options .
Non - Film - Forming vs Film - Forming
While paver sealers are useable in various styles and option , the two primary type are non - film - organise sealers and picture show - forge sealer . The type of paver sealant you choose depends on the reason for sealing .
Photo: amazon.com
Solvent-Based vs. Water-Based
Both dissolver - based and water - base paver sealers protect against outdoor aerofoil wear . Typically UV- and stain - resistant , they are reasonably easy to apply .
resolution - base sealers , generally made from an acrylic / polymer portmanteau word , will provide a thickness and coating stratum that varies calculate on the sealant ’s percentage of solidness . They commonly proffer a thicker , high gloss appearance than water - based sealers .
VOCs and Eco - Friendly Options
Photo: amazon.com
A solution - based sealer can control gamey tier of VOCs , whereas a water - based paver sealant is less probable to take toxic ingredients .
For years , solvent - based sealer were the products of selection because they were more durable and take form a more protective finish . However , today ’s water - base sealer have come up a farsighted way . While some may still not be quite as durable as solvent - based option , many now offer good protection against the elements yet are dependable for use around positron emission tomography . Some states , such as California , do not allow the sale of sealers with eminent immersion of VOCs .
Acrylics
Acrylic paver sealers , either solvent- or water - based , tender the most comprehensive ultraviolet immunity .
Acrylic sealants can be breathable , depend on their solid content . sealer with 15 pct or low solids are more breathable than sealers with 20 percent solids , while over 30 percent or more solid content think the sealant is not considered breathable .
Matte - destination sealers are consider breathable because they do n’t make a film . Acrylic sealer work a moving-picture show that dries to a stiff or gamey - semblance finish .
Photo: amazon.com
What to Look for When Buying the Best Paver Sealers
To find the best walkway or patio paver sealant , moot its finish , slip or nonslip belongings , the price of sealing , dry time , and lastingness and survival .
Finish
stopping point refers to the final coming into court after the software and curing of the paver sealer .
Finishes can be divided into several categories : a matte finish , a natural - tone interpenetrate sealant , a wet - looking at paver sealant , and satin - finish options . If you ’re reckon to hold back the masonry ’s untouched beauty , opt for a instinctive finish .
“ moisture look ” bring up to a finish that makes paver rock look lustrous and dark , as if it had latterly rained . you may get the flavour using a mellow - gloss paver sealant with a high acrylic paint or polyurethane concentration . The greater the concentration , the wetter the finish . Paver sealer that contain 25 per centum acrylic fiber or polyurethane content leave a semi - gloss finish , while a sealer that is 30 percent solid or high produce a gamey - color wet look .
Photo: amazon.com
For a more natural finish , a penetrating paver sealant probably works best . Penetrating sealants go deep into the stonework or Freemasonry , chemically reacting beneath the surface to protect the paver stones . imbue sealant bid a raw smell because they do n’t form a film and typically do n’t alter the appearance of the pavers .
Nonslip
Depending on the sealer , pavers may have a slippery surface , especially when wet . This can occur after the applications programme of high - gloss or wet - tone paver sealant .
When choosing a sealant , view this slip factor . Nonslip , breathable paver sealers are a mutual choice for areas near pools or other in high spirits - dealings areas . Low - traffic areas that put up visual entreaty , such as a retain wall , may benefit from a high - burnish sealant .
Some paver sealer , upon the lotion of a high - semblance or wet - look sealant , have a “ tricky - when - soused ” expression when dry . To apply a tight - look sealant in a high - infantry - dealings area , increase traction by adding a nonslip linear before applying the paver sealer . Nonslip additive , which work only with plastic film - constitute sealant , are most effective when used on a second coat .
Life Expectancy and Durability
The best paver sealer last between 3 and 5 year . However , some factors , such as maintenance , traffic , and weather , can impact the sealant ’s durability . These can shorten the pavers ’ overall lifespan .
employ a pic - forming sealant to conceal signs of wear on paver stones . A non - film - forming sealant may not hide the revealing signs of aging as well .
change in stone color get by rain can signal cutting in the patio paver sealer . However , in leaden or uttermost rain conditions , even the most recently applied sealant can darken for a day or so until the pee evaporate from the open .
Drying Time
While climate can affect drying meter , most paver sealer ironical in 24 hours ; some can dry in 6 minute . The sealant dries when enough solvent has evaporated from the sealer and the stones are no longer loud .
full cure paver sealers have hardened into their final stage and are immune to damage . While most sealer ironic within 24 hour , curing can take 7 to 30 days .
Breathability and Penetration
“ Breathability ” refers to the sealant ’s ability to allow wet vapors to move through the stonework after sealing . If a sealer is breathable , moisture is less likely to get trapped below the airfoil .
penetrate sealers seep into concrete or masonry and fill holes or other place . They protect the substrate cloth while preventing dirt , debris , or insects from get damage .
Substrates
The stabilizing level beneath the paver stones , which typically lie of large sum of money of crushed gravel that varies from ¾ inch down to junk , is called the substrate . On walkway and driveways , the substrate is in the main 4 to 6 inches beneath the pavers .
The Advantages of Using a Paver Sealer
Sealing paver stones helps protect your investment against legal injury and decay to prolong the life of the deck , driveway , poolside , and other stonework surface area . Other advantages of owning one of the best paver sealers include :
Tips for Using the Best Paver Sealers
draw the best results from your paver sealer also reckon on how you apply the sealer .
FAQs
Paver sealers are one of the easiest direction to protect and enhance a house ’s hardscape . Keep reading to regain solvent to some of the most uncouth questions about paver sealer .
Paver sealant is a fluid solution for pavers that halt wet and harmful ultraviolet radiation ray from penetrating the stone .
General estimates advocate allowing a congius of sealer to incubate 80 straight feet .
The full clock time to apply the product is on a open , sunny , and dry day . The ideal temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit , but temperatures in the 50 to 90 level Fahrenheit range generally provide good effect .
Paver sealer are made to last anywhere from 2 to 6 years , although their longevity will at long last depend on the quality of the merchandise and the level of ill-usage from the elements .
Rolling permit you to press the solution into holey areas of the concrete while spray offers a clear but more consistent pelage . It ’s best to follow the manufacturer ’s instructions for that finical product .
It all bet on the desired feel . If you want a natural look , a matt stopping point is good . If you want to hide imperfectness and give the concrete a wet look , prefer for a glossy sealer .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and author specializing in the construction , remodeling , and real estate industries . She and her husband own a general contracting society , and Taylor is know in both residential and commercial construction applications . She tests a wide range of magnate tools , as well as other home improvement , household , and lawn - and - garden products .
Additional enquiry provided by Ana Chevalier .
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