Sealing is a great option if you want to protect your patio and prolong its lifespan. Whether you have porcelain paving or concrete slabs, sealing your stone can help it look fantastic and protect it against weather damage, weed growth, and erosion.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about sealing your patio. We’ll cover how to prepare your patio for sealing, which sealing brands are worth investing in, and why sealing your patio doesn’t have to be a hassle. Plus, we’ll give you step-by-step instructions on how to seal your paving slabs quickly and easily. Let’s get started!
What Type of Paving Slabs Are You Sealing?
Natural Stone Surfaces
When it comes to sealing natural stone surfaces like Indian sandstone, it is important to choose the right product. Natural stone surfaces are expensive, so you need a product specifically designed for this type of surface.
While some people choose not to seal natural stone at all, there are patio sealers that can also enhance the natural colour of your stone. These sealers are ideal for bringing out the natural tone in your stone and protecting it from damage.
It is important to note that different stone surfaces have different demands. For natural stone surfaces, it is recommended to use a product that is specifically designed for natural stone surfaces, like Indian sandstone. This will ensure that your stone is properly protected and maintained.
We Recommend You Seal a Test Area
Before sealing your stones, testing the sealer on an inconspicuous area is highly recommended. This will allow you to see the final finish and ensure it meets your expectations. For instance, you may opt for a matte finish sealer but later find that you prefer the glossy look.
Testing the sealer in an area that is out of sight and away from high traffic is advisable. Try it on paving slabs behind the wheelie bins or the shed. After application, let it dry and check back in a few days to ensure you are satisfied with the results.
Testing a small area will save you time, money, and effort if you are unhappy with the final outcome.
Weather Conditions
Why You Need the Surface Completely Dry
When sealing a patio, it is essential to do it on a dry and sunny day. Rain can be a nightmare, making it difficult to dry the sealant. Moreover, sealing patio flags with moisture in the air can result in unsightly white patches all over the surface.
It is crucial to ensure the surface is completely dry before sealing it. If you seal a wet or slightly damp surface, it can cause a ‘blooming’ effect. This means that the patio sealer will react with the water, and if left untreated, it can spoil the slabs.
To avoid this, start the sealing process after three consecutive dry days. The best time to apply sealant is during summer, particularly in July or August. Remember, sealing a patio in wet or damp conditions can ruin the surface, so make sure the surface is completely dry before starting the process.
How To Seal a Patio – A Step By Step Guide
1) Preparation
Before you start sealing your patio, it is important to prepare the area properly. If you have a new patio, wait for around 12 weeks so that efflorescence can emerge and evaporate. If any efflorescence is left, rinse it off carefully and leave it to dry before proceeding.
Once the patio is thoroughly dried, clear the area by removing any garden furniture, plant pots, or water features from the surface. Use a spade to dig out tough moss and weeds and a stiff brush to clean the surface. Check for any damage, such as cracks, chips, or sinking stones, and take care of them before sealing. You might need to remove and replace some slabs or re-join them in places before you apply sealant.
Wear safety gloves and goggles, and keep any children and pets well out of the way.
2) Cleaning the Surface
After you have inspected your patio for loose debris, weeds and other growths, and it’s completely clear, you must focus on cleaning it. If it’s badly stained, you may need to buy a specialist paving cleaning solution and follow the instructions. Alternatively, you may just need a power washer to get tough dirt and staining off the surface.
Getting all stones completely clean is imperative before you seal them, so don’t be afraid to put in some elbow grease and scrub down deep. A stiff brush is just as useful as a pressure washer sometimes. Follow the instructions on any products you use, rinse if needed, and let dry completely for three days.
3) Re-jointing
If you accidentally blast sand or mortar from your joints during cleaning, you must reapply jointing sand before sealing. You may even need to do this if your patio’s already a fair age. You can use a variety of different re-jointing products for the right results. We often recommend a jointing compound, but you can also use kiln-dried sand and epoxy mortar in others.
Re-jointing is important; if your joints aren’t adequately compacted, your slabs will start sinking and losing balance. Don’t start sealing your patio until the joints are cured.
4) Applying Paving Sealant
Sealing products differ in terms of use, so always follow the bottle. However, the first coat always impregnates the stone, so it’s important to apply it evenly. You can do this with a sealant sprayer or a fibre rolling brush.
Be sure to fill your sprayer to the water/product ratio the manufacturer advises. For example, you may need a different ratio if there’s heavy staining. Being consistent is key. If spraying, do so in uniform circles, covering the whole area evenly. When brushing, it pays to focus on the edges and corners and then move inwards. You can use a paint roller to uniformly apply the sealer across the main stone body.
5) One Coat or Two Coats?
Not everyone will choose a second coat when sealing their patios; some products don’t advise it. However, second and third coats typically give you an extra gloss or sheen and additional protection. You’re locking in the colour on that first coat and enhancing it on the second.
Moreover, with one coat, your patio slabs get an invisible protective seal soaked deep into the stone pores. A second coat will normally add to this protection or slightly change the look. For example, some sealers will recommend a second coating to help bring out the colour. Sometimes, a second coat is necessary – it depends on the paver sealer you’re using.
6) Let it Dry
Always leave your patio sealer to dry before walking back across it or releasing your pets! This usually won’t take long on a dry day – For drying times, three hours are a good ballpark to aim for. What’s important to remember is if you are going for that second coat, such as with colour-enhancing sealers, you shouldn’t let it dry off completely. That’s because your extra coats won’t be able to soak into the stone.
The longer, the better is good advice for drying patio sealer. If you can leave your patio overnight before you allow foot traffic again, you’ll get unspoiled results.
Which Patio Sealers To Use
When sealing your patio, choosing the right product is crucial. Here are our top picks for different types of patio stones.
Block Paving
Resiblock’s matte and wet-look patio sealer products are a great choice for block paving. They offer excellent protection against harsh weather conditions and help prevent weeds from growing between the blocks. Ronseal is also a leading alternative that you might want to consider. You can find more information about block sealers in our block seal guide.
Indian Sandstone
Indian sandstone is a popular choice for patios, but it’s also notoriously porous. You need a product that can impregnate and soak in deep to provide adequate protection. StoneCare4U’s specialist natural stone sealers are highly recommended for sandstone. However, it’s worth noting that natural stones are more resilient than cheaper alternatives, and it’s possible to leave them unsealed if you prefer. Check out our sandstone sealer reviews for more information.
Concrete Slabs
Resiblock is an excellent all-round brand for simple concrete block paving. Their water-based acrylics provide good protection against the sun and everyday weathering, as well as preventing yellow patches that cheaper stones can suffer from. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable sealer for your concrete slabs, Resiblock is a great choice.
In summary, choosing the right sealer for your patio stones is essential to ensure they remain protected and look great for years to come. Consider the type of stone you have and choose a product specifically designed for it.
FAQ’s
When is the best time to seal your stones?
It is recommended to seal your stones in the spring or summer. It is best to wait for at least 12 weeks after laying a patio for efflorescence to move on and for your paving to settle. However, some experts suggest waiting up to a year before sealing your stones.
Should you roll or spray outdoor sealers?
Both rolling and spraying methods work well for outdoor sealers. If you already have a roller, there is no need to buy a sprayer and vice versa unless you want to. You can check out our review of the best rollers for sealing if you haven’t bought either yet. Ensuring that the sealer is evenly spread regardless of the method used is important.
Conclusion
Following our guides, you can protect your paving stones and keep them looking great for years. Choosing the right sealant for your paving type and individual needs is important. Whether you have porous stone or simple concrete, sealant for paving stones can help protect its appearance across the seasons.
Sealing paving slabs is not a complicated process. It involves preparing and clearing your slabs before applying the sealant. Our guides provide step-by-step instructions on how to apply patio sealant and give your old patio slabs a makeover with paint.
Sealing your paving stones is a great way to protect them from stains, sun exposure, and other elements. With the right sealant and proper maintenance, you can enjoy a beautiful outdoor surface for years.
