"Curious if anyone here's tried sealing their pavers? I've heard mixed things about sealers—some say it's a lifesaver, others think it's not worth the hassle..."
I've been wondering the same thing about sealers. My neighbor swears by sealing his patio every couple of years—says it keeps the color vibrant and prevents stains. But another friend mentioned it made her patio slippery when wet, especially after rain. Maybe it depends on the type of sealer or how it's applied? I'm leaning toward trying it out myself, but still a bit unsure...
I've had mixed experiences with sealers myself. While they can definitely enhance the appearance and protect against stains, I've noticed that some sealers can trap moisture beneath the surface, especially if the patio wasn't completely dry when applied. This happened to me once, and it led to some discoloration and even minor mold issues down the line. It wasn't a huge deal, but something to keep in mind.
If slipperiness is a concern, there are sealers specifically designed to provide traction—usually labeled as "anti-slip" or "textured finish." They're a bit pricier, but worth considering if safety is a priority. Alternatively, you could try using a penetrating sealer instead of a topical one. Penetrating sealers soak into the pavers rather than forming a film on top, so they don't usually cause slipperiness, though they might not give you that glossy look some people prefer.
Overall, sealing can be beneficial, but it's definitely not a one-size-fits-all solution. I'd suggest testing a small area first to see how it performs before committing to the entire patio.
"I'd suggest testing a small area first to see how it performs before committing to the entire patio."
Totally agree with this—learned it the hard way myself. Another thing I've found helpful is giving the patio a thorough cleaning and then letting it dry completely (like, really dry... patience is key here) before sealing. Also, if you're worried about slipperiness but still want a bit of shine, mixing a penetrating sealer with a subtle topical coat can sometimes give you the best of both worlds. Worked wonders for me!
Solid tips, but I'd caution a bit on mixing sealers. Even if it worked well in your case, combining penetrating and topical sealers can sometimes lead to uneven wear or peeling down the line—especially if the patio sees heavy foot traffic or weather exposure.
"giving the patio a thorough cleaning and then letting it dry completely"
Definitely agree with the drying part, though... rushing that step is asking for trouble later.
Definitely agree with the drying part, though... rushing that step is asking for trouble later.
Haha, learned that drying lesson the hard way myself... thought a sunny afternoon was enough, but nope—ended up with weird cloudy patches everywhere. Now I always wait overnight, minimum. Better safe than sorry!
