6 Sealer Don’ts
Fixing improperly sealed pavers can be costly and challenging. In this post, we’re going to share the six most common mistakes we see out in the field to help you avoid making them.
1. DON’T skip efflorescence cleaning.
Efflorescence cleaning is a mandatory step in the sealing process. Failing to do this can be detrimental to the project. An efflorescence cleaner, such as Gator Efflorescence Cleaner, will not only remove dirt and debris from the paved surface, but it will also promote a better penetration and bond of the sealer.
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2. DON’T use the wrong type of roller.
Solvent-based sealers require the use of a special roller. A regular roller will disintegrate when dipped into a tray of solvent-based sealer. Be sure to check the packaging and confirm the roller is compatible with the type of sealer you’re using. If you’re working with rollers from Alliance, the grey roller is for solvent-based sealer and the yellow roller is for water-based.
3. DON’T skip the Xylene Test.
This applies to pavers that are being resealed. You have to confirm what type of sealer was previously used because a water-based sealer cannot be applied on top of a solvent-based sealer. If you’re unsure, perform a Xylene test. To do this, choose a low-traffic area and pour a quarter-sized drop of Xylene onto a sealed paver. Wait about 15 seconds, wipe off the Xylene, and touch the area. If it feels tacky, it means a solvent-based sealer was used. If it’s not tacky, a water-based sealer was used.
Once you determine what type of sealer you need to use, you should also perform an adhesion test. Again, choose a small test patch in a low-traffic area. Make sure the surface is clean and dry before applying a coat of the new sealer. Allow the product to dry for a full 24 hours. After the sealer has completely dried, cut a tic-tac-toe pattern on top of it using a utility knife. Press hard enough to cut through both the new and old sealer coatings. Next, place a piece of duct tape on top of the tic-tac-toe pattern, press it down, and then tear it back off. If the new coating of sealer doesn’t get pulled off with the tape, it means you have good adhesion and can proceed with using the product.
4. DON’T over apply.
Alliance sealers require a one-coat application process. The best practice for applying an even coat of sealer is to first use a sprayer and then back roll. Over application of a sealer can lead to a white or hazy appearance on the pavers, as well as delamination. Many times we’re asked if additional sealer can be applied to achieve a higher gloss or enhancement. The answer is no. A single coat is all that should be used. Applying additional layers can negatively impact the overall aesthetic and jeopardize the performance of the sealer.
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5. DON’T work in questionable weather.
Sealer should never be applied in intense heat or wet weather. Flashing can occur if the surface temperature and/or air temperature is very hot when the sealer was applied. As a general rule of thumb, a hand test should be conducted if temperatures seem questionable. If the pavers are too hot to touch, they are definitely too hot to seal. Usually anywhere between 60-80 degrees is ideal.
Moisture can cause white spots to appear on a sealed surface. To avoid this, be sure the pavers are completely dry and that no rain predicted for at least 24 hours after the sealer gets applied.
6. DON’T mix different sealers.
We don’t recommend mixing different sealers together because, chances are, the chemistry won’t work. Even if two products are both water-based or both solvent-based, it would be nearly impossible to achieve consistent mix ratios when sealing the entire surface. This could ultimately result in an inconsistent look and inconsistent product performance. The best practice is to never mix different sealers together.
Summary
When working with paver sealer, remember these six DON’TS:
DON’T skip the step of efflorescence cleaning.
DON’T use the wrong type of roller.
DON’T skip a Xylene test if you’re resealing.
DON’T over apply the product.
DON’T work in questionable weather.
DON’T mix different sealers together.
