1. Cleaning Pavers

Effective preparation is the cornerstone. Thoroughly cleanse the surface, ridding it of dirt and grime. Avoid sealing in impurities. For a meticulous cleaning job, the experts at Paver Seal Tampa are at your service.

2. Addressing Stains

Not every paver sealing project requires all treatments, every time.  Not every stain can be removed!

• We always recommend treating mold and degreasing surfaces. 
• Efflorescence should be treated with freshly installed and unsealed pavers. 
• Be careful and avoid mixing cleaning chemicals.
• Fully clean and rinse surfaces between treatments.
• Personal protection gear, safety glasses, gloves, common sense, etc.

Rust Stains

Stubborn stains like rust marks can be conquered with acid cleaners and rust removers. Opt for safer alternatives like masonry cleaners and even muriatic acid (diluted) for the most intensive stains.

Oil Stains

Grease and oil can be treated with degreasers and power washing to effectively reduce stains. When combined with sealing services most oil stains virtually vanish. 

The best protection from oil stain is paver sealing which creates a barrier that inhibits deep stain penetration, making stains easier to clean.

Oils can prevent a durable bond with the sealer application and is an important step in the cleaning process when sealing these surfaces

Mold, Mildew & Algae

One of the best ways and most essential detergent pros and DIYers use to combat mold and mildew is with a bleach solution.

We recommend a 50/50 solution of household bleach and dish soap be thoroughly applied to all surfaces. Allow enough time to soak in and reapply as needed. 

Next use your power washing equipment to thoroughly remove all mold and organic matter. Feel free to adjust the strength of your mix to get better results on tough stains.

Efflorescence Cleaners

Overlooking this important step can affect the results for years to come. These mild acid cleaners work to remove the “salts” inside your masonry brick pavers. 

This natural process is most active immediately after the installation. 

Treating your unsealed pavers for efflorescence as a part of your initial sealing project will help prevent unsightly blemishes from being sealed into the surface of your stones. 

Learn more about Efflorescence with this in depth article here, What is Efflorescence?

3. Leveling Crooked Pavers

There are many causes for uneven pavers like roots, running water, abuse or base wash out, just to name a few. 

Prior to sealing, ensure uneven pavers are fixed. Have base sand ready to go. Lift and reset them, employing a rubber mallet and simple tools like flat head screwdriver or paver extractor forks that help lift pavers up. 

We recommend pressure washing the area prior to repair and ensure the joints are clean for easier removal and replacement.

4. Re-sand Joints

A crucial step is re-sanding the joints using fine-grade Silica Sand or play sand. For the simplest sand application use a push broom to evenly distribute the sand, achieving a solid, uniform foundation.

Consider lightly dampening the surface to test how full the joints are and ensure compaction.

At this point we recommend a gentle leaf blowing to remove excess sand from the surface of the paver. 

Sanding the joints can be the most detailed part of your project. Done incorrectly, it can mar the look and feel of your pavers

Hydro-Compacted Sand

At Paver Seal Tampa we take it a step further and ensure compacted sand joints by employing a combination of techniques known as “wet sanding”, or “hydro compaction”. 

This simply involves moving wet sand into the joints to guarantee the joint is filled to the top.

Sounds easy, yet excellent results require attention to detail and a surprising amount of technique!

This extra process ensures that the sand is deep in the joints. That means when it comes time to apply sealer, all of the sand will remain at the top instead of collapsing into the partially filled cavity.

At this point we allow a little “dry time” so we can use leaf blowers and brooms to complete a perfect joint finish. This leaves the joints optimally full and removes extra sand on the surface. 

*We do not use or recommend using polymeric sand unless you have large joints, live in drier climates than Central Florida or have contracted professionals that understand the best practices involved with its application and have a track record of successful installation in our region*

5. Apply Sealer In Sections

Divide the area into manageable sections for consistent coverage. Employ a uniform circular motion during application to achieve an even coat. 

Use over spray shields to prevent sealing walls and other surfaces.

6. Moderation is Essential

Steer clear of excessive sealer application; it can lead to undesirable outcomes. An initial even coat suffices. Follow up with a second coat after the first dries for enhanced durability.