How to Apply Seal over Brick Patio Pavers

Brick patio pavers make a durable patio that can hold up to the elements, but they require maintenance. Seasons of rain, sun, and snow can cause the color to fade, the sand between the stones to be washed away, and weeds to grow between the pavers. A successful application of a high quality sealer will protect your brick patio pavers for years to come.

Tools and Materials Needed:

Step 1 - Select Your Cleaning Materials

You really need a power washer for this job, which you may be able to rent locally if you do not own one. It is important to use a power washer that can do the job right.  Consider using a power washer that, at a minimum, is greater than or equal to 2400 p.s.i. You will need a tip that can fan out the water slightly. 

You will also need to select the right cleanser. You might consider an acid cleaner, which is inexpensive, but can burn your skin. Instead, I suggest a masonry cleaner.  

Step 2 - Give Your Brick Patio Pavers a Good Cleaning

Sweep your patio well. All weeds, foreign objects, and stains must be removed or you will seal them permanently into the brick pavers.

Apply your cleaner to the surface and let it sit on the pavers at full strength for at least five minutes before rinsing with your power washer. For severe stains, pour full strength cleaner on the stain and let it sit for ten minutes before rinsing. Finally, mix one part cleaner to four parts water and spray the mixture onto your patio using a garden-type pump sprayer. Wait ten minutes and rinse with your power washer. 

Step 3 - Level Your Bricks

Inspect the condition of the pavers. Look for bricks that are out of place and pry them out using a screwdriver and putty knife.  Add a little sand, smooth it with your putty knife, and re-install the bricks. Tap your pavers a few times with a wooden mallet to make them level again.

Step 4 - Fill the Joints

The final step in preparing the patio for sealing is to re-grout the joints between the stones with fresh sand. Pour a small amount of fine grade sand-box sand onto the patio and sweep it into the joints. Continue pouring small amounts of sand onto the patio and sweeping until your joints are filled.

Step 5 - Let Your Patio Dry

The ground under your pavers will be soaking wet from all the cleaning. It needs dry in the sun for a few days before the seal is applied. 

Step 6  - Spray on Your Seal

Use a garden-type pump up sprayer with a metal fan-style spray tip to spray on your sealer.  Cut in the patio edges using a 4 inch nylon brush and start spraying. Most water-based sealers will require two coats. Wait for the sealer to dry enough so that you can walk on it, and spray again. Use your brush to remove any of the sealer that may have begun to puddle. Be careful not to apply too much sealer, as this can ruin the entire job.