how long to wait

[paver10]

How long after the pavers are installed do you wait before you apply the sealers? Is it 3 months? How often is the sealer applied, is it every couple of years?

[ProspectsStoneWorks]

Check out ICPI's site and they should have a PDF format flyer on Efflorescence that states I believe 6 months. Typically you want to give the paver enough time to weep out any salts and minerals that it will, so they aren't trapped under the sealant. Naturally different pavers will clear these minerals at different rates.Three months may work well on a paver such as Techo or Nicolok who seem to take extensive measures to avoid and prevent efflorescence but a safer bet would be between 6-12 months. I typically tell my customers to let it run through an entire season and then go back in spring (after a winter of being salted) and do a good pressure washing and sealing at that point. That way you have justification to charge them for a complete "cleaning and sealing" without any room for debate. Every buck counts, and if you're going to have to clean the surface before sealing it anyways, why not make it a package deal for a price.

The durability of the sealant will depend what type of sealant it is, the region, the traffic upon the surface, whether it's salted in the winter, etc etc. Expect to seal them almost as often as you might a stained deck. The more upkeep the customer does on their part, the better it will look for longer. There isn't any real definitive timeframe guarantee ya know? Good luck

[paver10]

thanks for the info.
Has anyone heard of a substance you can put on a sealed patio that will bring back the "shine" without having to seal again? I am concerned with the build up of sealent that may take place over time.

[gryan]

I have never tried since I have not yet sealed a paver that has already been sealed but i heard you can cut a solvent based sealer by adding more solvent. I'm sure some say it is a no-no and others probably do it regularly. Any opinions here?

[Paver]

If there is enough sealer left on the surface, try spraying a coat of toluene on, it should bring back some of the "shine". If you don't know what kind of sealer that last guy put on, do a small test area first. Toluene isn't always the fix-everything solvent.