Surebond

[gryan]

I am looking into Surebond sealers and was curious if anybody has had any experience with their 1300 joint stabilizing sealer or their 600 wet look sealer. If you've used it let me know what you've though about it.

If you don't use it let meknow why you choose not to.

Right now i am installing poly sand and sealing with a solvent based sealer. I am considering and currently testing Surebonds 600 and 1300 to substitue the poly/solvent where applicable. Any thoughts???

[gryan]

How about BP Pro aka Vann Inc. Anybody ever used their sealers/stabilizers???

[sandman]

Surebond 1300 is a LIQUID sand stabilizer that only creates a crust on the top portion of the joint. It doesn't make its way down the entire joint before hardening. Also has issues repairing itself after the jonts crack

Surebond 600 DOES NOT provide joint stabilization, and require re-app's every 1-2 years. Wet-look isn't very glossy like most people look for when asking for the wet-look. They say you can apply right away, rather than wait. DO TESTS YOURSELF. The efflorescence can get through, but it takes a long time. My advice-wait the 2-3 mos. and seal with an acrylic sealer!

If you want the wet-look (and of course sand stabilization) use a Real coating sealer that provides a very wet look and great sand stabilizing.

[gryan]

Thanks for the relpy. When you say "use a Real coating sealer that provides a very wet look and great sand stabilizing" do you mean a solvent based acrylic type sealer? What has been your results with it stabilizing the sand? I know it hardens what it touches but how long do you find that lasts?

Thanks

[sandman]

Yes, acrylic sealers still provide the toughest option out there. The joint stablization from these sealers last for a long time, depending on what brand. Check the manufacturers recommendations for amount of time between seals. If they say only 2-3 years, the solid content/quality of acrylics just don't cut it. from what I have seen, you get what you pay for regarding coating sealers. Cheap ones are cheap because they don't last; becoming more expensive in the long run....and causing possible 'lifting' issues down the line if you continue to do re-coats too much

[Paver]

Solvent based acrylic sealers get better joint penetration compared to water based acrylic sealers. You can squeegee the surface after application to further flood the joints with water based, but be careful to leave an even amount of sealer on the surface. Otherwise, the degree of gloss may vary from area to area. Solvent based acrylic will last long than water based since it can't be re-emulsified by water.

[gryan]

I know the solvent lasts longer and recoats better. Thats all I have been using but I was curious about the joint stabilizing side of it. I have not had to worry about that since I install polymeric sand before sealing with solvent based sealers.

I have not done much testing with using the solvent sealers as an actual joint stabilizer.

For a residential patio in the midwest how long are you all figuring the joint sand to stay hard for when using a solvent based sealer?

Are you using a sprayer or are you rolling and trying to flood the joints at th esame time?

[Paver]

The duration that the joints will remain hard varies. It depends on how much the pavement flexes due to traffic, freeze/thaw, etc.

[gryan]

For a residential patio in a Chicago climate are you talking months or years?

[Paver]

Years in most cases

[gryan]

Thats what I like to here! Thanks for the info