Note: These Steps will work on Failed Brick Paver, Stamped Concrete, and Decorative Concrete Sealers.
Brick Paver Sealers are different than regular concrete sealers in that they:
- Darken the appearance by giving a "wet" look.
- Can give a gloss appearance that ranges between satin to high gloss.
- Helps solidify joint sand.
- Film on the surface somewhat instead of penetrating completely into the concrete.
Unfortunately, Brick Paver and Decorative Concrete Sealers sometimes fail by discoloring and turning milky white or yellow in color. Typically this happens for one of these reasons:
- Moisture was trapped under sealer.
- Efflorescence (white salt deposits) was not removed prior to sealer application.
- Sealer used was low grade causing the acrylic in the sealer to blush white from the sun. Please stay away from sealers sold at Big Box Stores!
- A buildup of too many coats through the years or excessive over application.
- Use of a polymeric sand. This is actually the fault of these types of sand. If you do not remove all the sand from the surface of the pavers, the sand can turn white under the paver sealer.
In many cases applying a solvent to the pavers will "reset" the sealer, making the white haze disappear. This usually works for trapped moisture and if you have sealer buildup. Unfortunately, if the white haze is from something else then you will need to strip off all of the old sealer and start over. This is not a fun process but it is better than replacing everything!
Please follow these steps to ensure success:
- You will need to buy a brick paver sealer stripper. They typically cover 100-200 square feet per gallon.
- Cover all delicate shrubs, vegetation, furniture, etc. with plastic sheeting. Tape plastic sheeting to home if near area to be cleaned.
- Use protective clothing, gloves, and eyewear. The use of a charcoal filter respirator is suggested.
- Using a paint try and paint roller, apply the paver sealer stripper in a section of about 100 square feet. This stripper is very thick and applies like a paste. *If you apply too much stripper at one time you will run the risk of it drying before you get a chance to pressure wash.
- Wait about 10 minutes after applying the stripper then pressure wash off the old sealer. This can be messy as the sealer "peels" off in white pieces. Best to push this into the grass or dirt areas.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 until completed.
- If needed spot strip any areas that did not come clean after the first attempt. If old sealer is excessively thick, you may need to repeat the entire process.
If you plan on resealing the pavers it is best to remove as much as possible of the old sealer. If you do not there is a strong chance that the "white haze" will come back in those areas.
The Brick Paver Sealers we sell are not prone to discoloring when used on concrete that is free of any old sealers. Main reason is that they are all "breathable" sealers which greatly reduces any chance of the dreaded "white haze".
If you have any questions please ask below.