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What To Consider Before Sealing Your Backyard Patio Pavers
By WILL FORD
Properly sealing your new patio
is paramount
for maintaining
its durability, enhancing its appearance, and protecting it from the elements
and staining.
Before sealing, you need to clean your patio, removing any debris or plant matter. A power washer is the best method, but a hose and good sweeping should also suffice.
While wearing protective gloves and eyewear, apply the sealant in even layers across the pavers with a sprayer or roller. Allow the sealant to dry before applying a second layer.
The second layer is crucial to fortifying the protective barrier, though make sure to apply the sealant in thin coats. Be sure to cover the entire surface and remove any excess.
It’s also important to note that if sealers claim they are quick-drying, it's still best to wait twenty-four hours before walking on the patio or laying out your furniture.
The weather will also determine how quickly the patio pavers cure, so choose a warm dry day, and take extra caution if you live in a humid climate.
If you want to protect your patio from water or sun damage and stains, consider an acrylic-based sealer, and to prevent mildew and mold, use a penetrating sealer.
For a glossy, wet-look finish that protects against environmental issues like acid rain, grass stains, and salty or sandy soil, use a film-forming sealer.