Perfect for Pavers

Pavers are a common and attractive alternative to decorative concrete patios, sidewalks, and even driveways. But just like decorative concrete, pavers present their own unique challenges to the use of treatments and sealers.

First, not all pavers are alike. There are several different manufacturing methods, a wide variety of mix designs and admixtures, and surface treatments available directly from the paver maker. As a result, not every paver is compatible with subsequent sealers and treatments. It may be necessary to consult with your paver supplier and/or conduct a test application in a small, inconspicuous location.

Differing Paver Styles

There are several different methods to manufacture pavers, resulting in different aesthetic and absorptive qualities. "Wet cast" pavers generally result in a smoother, glossy appearance that inhibits adhesion and is not very absorptive. "Dry cast" pavers will look appear duller and rougher, and is better able to adhere to and absorb paver sealers and treatments.

Still other pavers are a combination of the two… with a wet cast surface and dry cast backing. In each case, the paver surface must provide a suitable surface for a sealer to adhere, or treatment to absorb. If you’re unsure whether you have a wet or dry cast surface, place a few drops of water on the surface and observe how easily it absorbs.

Different Paver Formulations

During the construction process, some pavers are treated with water repellant admixtures to reduce their ability to absorb water and/or allow natural salts to rise to the surface creating an unsightly white haze called "efflorescence". Unfortunately, these admixtures also inhibit the absorption of subsequent penetrating paver treatments.

The manufacturer may even apply a surface treatment to the pavers that will prevent absorption and adhesion of sealers. Use of these internal or topical treatments is generally disclosed by the manufacturer, and readily observable on the paver as a gloss or darkening of the sealer surface. Turn the paver on its side… do you see drips from the application of a surface treatment?

Available Treatment Options

There are several different paver treatment options and chemistries, depending upon your objective. Our most popular three options are:

Spall-Guard WB 10:	Is a fully breathable, penetrating, water-based treatment for absorptive wet-cast pavers to prevent water intrusion. Spall-Guard WB 10 will not change the color or darken the appearance of pavers.
Paver Enhancer:	Is a highly breathable, penetrating, water-based treatment that deepens and enhances the color of absorptive dry cast pavers. Paver Enhancer minimizes the formation of efflorescence, helps to conceal the presence of existing efflorescence, and provides a matte finish that resists staining.
Traz 25 or Traz 25-A:	Is a high gloss methacrylate sealer that resists staining and moderate chemical exposure. Provides superior resistance to UV light, freeze/thaw, and acid rain. Both Traz 25 and Traz 25-A are highly breathable and completely non-yellowing.

Spall-Guard WB 10, Paver Enhancer and Traz 25 are all highly breathable products.
Spall-Guard WB 10 will repel water without changing the appearance of pavers.	Paver Enhancer deepens and enhances the color of pavers	Traz 25 & Traz 25-A deepen the color of pavers with a high gloss, non-yellowing, stain resistant coating.

Joint Sand Options

The joints between pavers are filled with sand in order to maintain a uniform spacing between individual pavers, and as a means of preventing water from undercutting and heaving pavers. The sand is placed on the installed pavers, and then broomed into the joints until they are completely filled. A polymer is used to harden and strengthen the sand, and to stop grass and weeds from growing between pavers while locking them in place.

These "joint sand stabilizers" come in two versions. Integral polymer that comes already added to the joint sand. Integral polymer becomes activated by watering the sand after placement. However, integral joint sand stabilizers are frequently over or under watered, and prone to rewetting and becoming "gummy" with subsequent rains.

Sure-Lock™ WB is a specially formulated liquid polymer that’s applied after the installation of joint sand and requires no mixing. As a result, Sure-Lock WB is used with the ideal water content and when applied at the recommended application rate, penetrates and reacts with the joint sand to the full depth of the pavers. Sure-Lock WB is a long lasting treatment that is unaffected by subsequent weather or rain, and withstands years of foot and vehicular traffic.

Use of ChemMasters joint sand stabilizer and paver treatments will keep your pavers looking their best for years of enjoyment.

Do's

• Consult with the paver supplier to determine if your pavers are compatible with a subsequent sealer or treatment.
• Conduct a test application in a small, inconspicuous location.
• Adhere to recommended application rates.

Don'ts

• Do not apply a sealer or treatment to non-absorptive pavers.

Seal

Stabilize

Enhance

Literature