How to apply block paving sealer

1. Always sweep clean the area that is to be sealed to begin with, then inspect your block paving for damage. If you need to replace any cracked,chipped or dameged block paving then now is the time to do this. Then decide if paving needs to be cleaned with a cleaning fluid, if so is it -
   • Moss and weeds, then a fungasidal wash to kill the weeds and moss . Efflorecence, a white blooming on the surface of the paving. Try scrubbing with a stiff brush, as often the salts will simply brush off. If not then a gentle scrub with efflorescence cleaner will be needed.
     Dirt and stain removal. A good quality de-greaser.
   • In all cases apply the cleaner and then wash off. If you use a high powered jet wash then clean at an angle (30 - 45 degrees) that doesn't remove all the sand in the paving joints. Some paving may not need to be cleaned, but remember that the sealer will seal the surface once applied and if left with dirt on the block paving the sealer may not be fully absorbed by the paving.
   Allow the block paving to completely dry. (the dryer the better). Re-sand the paving using kiln dried sand ensuring all the joints are full and excess sand is swept off (A soft brush is good for this).
   TIP. Try to brush in the dry sand on the day you apply the sealer . That way you are guaranteed the sand will be dry.You will have to allow more time to the job as this takes a while.


2. The sealer can be applied using a large roller and tray, brush or vitron equiped sprayer unit. The roller should be of a polyester type. Always wear protective / old clothing. Gloves and a respiratory mask are highly advisable when applying a solvent based block paving sealer.You can buy the equipment needed here.
3. Put enough Block paving sealer in the tray to fill but not overflow. It is always best to saturate the area to be sealed especially the paving joints but don't allow the sealer to pool. It is always best to apply a second coat of sealer in the opposite direction of the first. That way no areas are missed. This should be done as soon as the first coat of sealer has dried, usually within 4 hours but it is dependant on the weather conditions.Please refer to instructions on timescale for second coats of sealer. Once the application of Block paving sealer is complete, vehicular traffic should be kept off the paving for at least 24 hours. If you need to walk on the paving before completely dry then please wear an outdoor pair of shoes.


4. Sit back and admire your block paving.