How Do You Strip And Seal Pavers? (Explained)

If you’ve got a deck or patio, then you know how vital it is to take care of the flooring. Regular maintenance and cleaning are crucial for any surface, but especially when it comes to natural stone pavers.

These require special care and attention because they’re often exposed to all sorts of weather elements that can damage them over time if they aren’t maintained properly.

Takeaways
Properly sealing pavers is important for maintaining their longevity and appearance.
There are alternative methods for cleaning pavers if you don’t have a pressure cleaner.
Before stripping and sealing your pavers, thoroughly clean and prepare them.
The type of sealant you use depends on the material of your pavers and desired finish.
You can strip and seal your pavers yourself, but be sure to follow proper safety precautions and instructions.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to strip and seal your pavers so they look like new!

Cleaning The Deck

Remove debris from the deck. If there is a lot of debris on your patio, use a rake or broom to sweep it up. Also remove any loose mulch or stones that have fallen onto your patio. You will have better luck cleaning if you can see what you are working with!

Wash down the pavers with clean water and scrub away any stains or residue before moving on to step two!

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Staining The Deck

Staining the deck is a two-part process. First, you need to apply an oil-based stain and let it dry for about 24 hours.

Then, you’ll want to use an oil-based sealer that will protect the wood and keep it looking great for years.

How do I apply stain?

To get started on staining your deck, make sure all of your tools are sharpened and ready to go.

You’ll also need some disposable paintbrushes in various sizes (a good rule of thumb is one brush per gallon of stain), masking tape and drop cloths if necessary, and plenty of newspaper or rags to protect surfaces while the stain dries. Now we can move on!

Preparing The Deck Surface

Clean the deck. Use a pressure washer to clean any peeling paint, old sealant and moss or algae from the pavers. If you don’t have access to a power washer, use a soft-bristled scrub brush and soapy water to remove dirt and debris from cracks in the concrete.

Remove loose dirt and debris with a broom or shop vacuum.

Apply a deck cleaner as recommended by its manufacturer as an alternative to detergent-based cleaners that can damage patios made with expensive pavers.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying this type of product; some require that you leave it on for several hours before rinsing off excess moisture with several gallons of water (and then wipe off any remaining residue).

“Properly sealing your pavers is essential to maintain their longevity and appearance. Our page on the best way to apply sealer to pavers offers step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure a successful sealing process.”

Preparing The Pavers

Pressure-washing the pavers is the first step in restoring their color and shine. The pressure washer will remove any dirt and debris, but it’s also important to use a wire brush on the surface of each paver to remove any stubborn pieces of dirt or dust that may still be attached.

After you’ve removed all visible debris with your power washer, rinse your newly cleaned pavers with water again to remove any remaining cleaning solution residue.

If you’re cleaning a large area of patio or driveway, consider renting a “bore” machine from your local hardware store; this device will allow you to reach areas deep within cracks between pavers without having to lift them out individually.

Sanding And Sealing The Pavers

Sand the pavers with a circular motion to remove any dirt or debris.

Use a light pressure when sanding, and don’t press too hard on the surface of the pavers. If you do, you’ll end up with scratches that will need to be sanded out and redone.

Once the pavers have been cleaned, wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any residual dust and dry them off completely before applying sealant or stain.

Apply sealant in small sections at a time so that it doesn’t get too thick or runny—this means spreading it as thinly as possible over each section of paver until it’s covered evenly with just enough product for proper coverage but not so much that it spills over onto adjacent areas (which could cause discoloration).

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Remove Nails From Concrete

Before you can bleed the pavers, you need to remove all of the nails. You can use a hammer or a nail puller to pull them out.

If it’s too hard for you to do this by hand, then use a chisel or reciprocating saw instead. The last option is using pry bar if all else fails!

Remove Nails From Wood

A hammer is a great tool for removing wood. It’s long been a standard tool in construction, but you don’t have to go out and buy one if you don’t want to.

Any heavy object that can be swung with force will do the trick even your hands or feet if they’re strong enough!

In addition to using a hammer (and possibly some other tools), there are several techniques for removing nails from wood:

Using a nail puller on every nail head until it comes free from the board. Repeat this process until all of the nails have been removed from the board.

Using a pry bar on each side of where one end of each nail head is attached to its corresponding board, pushing up on them with enough pressure until their heads pop up off their respective boards enough so that they can easily be pulled free by hand or by hand with minimal effort required once removed from their bases in this manner.”

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Apply Sealant To The Deck Surface

Now that the pavers are clean, it’s time to seal them. When sealing your deck, use a sealant made specifically for pavers. You will also need a brush and gloves.

Apply sealant to the deck surface with a brush, then let it dry before you walk on it (don’t forget your shoes—no bare feet!) Coarse-grained sandpaper can help remove excess material if things get too thick in spots; just be careful not to wear down the stone itself.

If needed, apply a second coat of sealant after letting this one dry for about 24 hours and repeat until you’re satisfied with the thickness of coverage on each surface.

Once everything has dried fully (and preferably overnight), take off any excess from around edges or corners as necessary before using your deck again!

Place And Secure Stones On Pavers

First, you’ll need to install the pavers. You can do this by placing them on top of a base or by embedding them in concrete.

If you’re using a base layer, lay out your material and begin laying down pavers. To secure them, use small pebbles or sand between each tile as a cushion.

Once you’ve finished laying down all your stones, take note of their spacing and record it so that if any become damaged over time (or when resealing), it’s easy enough to replace just one stone at a time rather than the entire area that needs work done.

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Install A Drainage System For Rainwater Runoff

First, you’ll need to locate the drainage point. This can be done by drilling a hole in the concrete and installing a drain pipe.

Next, install a gutter system that will channel water away from your house so it doesn’t accumulate on top of any pavers that may be damaged from poor drainage or precipitation.

You can do this by attaching gutters to the roof of your house, which will lead them down to where you’ve already installed the drainage pipe.

Install A Drain Pipe For Water And Waste Water

You will need to install a drain pipe for water and waste water. Drain pipes are usually placed in a trench, with the top of the pipe at ground level. The drain pipe should be installed at a 45-degree angle, with a slope of 1/4″ per foot.

The bottom of the drain pipe can be covered with gravel or mulch.

Conclusion

There are many things that you can do to make your deck look amazing. If you’re looking for a great deck resurfacing contractor in San Diego, The Deck Pros is here for you.

We want to help make your home or business more beautiful and functional with our services. Contact us today if you have any questions about our work!

FAQs

What is paver stripping and sealing?

Paver stripping and sealing is the process of removing old sealant from pavers and reapplying a new sealant to protect and enhance the appearance of the pavers.

When should I strip and reseal my pavers?

You should consider stripping and resealing your pavers when the sealant has worn off or when you notice signs of fading or discoloration. It is generally recommended to reseal pavers every 2-3 years.

How do I prepare my pavers for stripping and sealing?

Before stripping and sealing your pavers, you should thoroughly clean them with a pressure washer and remove any weeds or debris. It is also important to allow the pavers to fully dry before applying the new sealant.

What type of sealant should I use for my pavers?

The type of sealant you should use for your pavers depends on the material of your pavers and your desired finish. Some popular types of sealant include acrylic sealers, water-based sealers, and solvent-based sealers.

Can I strip and seal my pavers myself?

Yes, it is possible to strip and seal your pavers yourself. However, it is important to follow proper safety precautions and instructions to ensure a successful project. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it may be best to hire a professional.

Hellen James

I am Hellen James, a landscape architect. For many years I have written about landscaping for various publications; however, recently decided to focus my writing on personal experience as a profession.