Sealing Hardscapes
By Pierre Tessier, Techniseal
Much like paver selection, protectors are primarily chosen for their aesthetic properties, of which there are four basic looks: natural look, clear look, color boost, and wet look.
Landscape contractors choose pavers because they are a great choice for the foundation of their new elegant outdoor spaces. However, sealing surfaces is an important aspect of hardscape projects that is often overlooked in many projects.
By using different tinted sealants, the contractor brought out the intricate details of their paver work. Here, the contractor used two different colored NuLook sealers (cognac and honey) to highlight the fish in this paver project. However, as with any decorative exterior pavement, these materials are exposed to weather and staining which, over time, can lead to fading, discoloration and deterioration. The once treasured aesthetic appeal of pavers becomes tarnished by harsh weather conditions and stains from motor oil, barbeque grease, fertilizer, tire marks and paint drippings. This is why hardscape professionals should use a sealant application to protect and enhance the aesthetic values of their paving projects.
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Each of these four looks (natural, clear, color and boost and web look) is available in a matte, semi-gloss or gloss finish. In addition, landscape contractors can choose to tint pavers a different color or give older, faded pavers back their original color with the proper sealant product.
These options allow contractors the ability to customize the finished look of their outdoor ?EUR??,,????'?????<
A wet-look, such as one offered by Techniseal, adds a rich, semi-glossy or gloss finish to pavers. This sealant is recommended for driveways, patios, parking lots and walkways.
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Color boost is designed to enhance the original color of new or worn pavers. It is recommended for pool decks, patios, walkways and retaining walls. It leaves a matte finish. It won?EUR??,,????'?????<
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Another sealant company, Surebond, manufacturers a line of joint stabilizers, sealers, cleaners and adhesives for hardscape installations. According to the company, the formulation of their sealers allows the products to be applied immediately after paver installation without trapping efflorescence.
3-Step Sealant Application
In order to achieve the best results when sealing a hardscape surface, there are several steps and guidelines to follow. Before beginning the process, first make sure that the necessary repairs have been completed (such as filling holes and cracks). Next, follow the instructions below to properly prime the surface and apply the sealant. Note: The following is only for NuLook check the application instructions for other brands, as their applications may
be different.
Before you begin: Wear adequate protective clothing. To ensure the results will meet expectations, always test the product on a small hidden area (four square feet.) Do not thin or dilute the sealant and keep it from freezing.
1. Stain Removal: If necessary, remove all stains (oil, rust, etc.) from the surface using the appropriate product based on the surface being cleaned. Simply apply, scrub and rinse.
2. Surface Preparation: This step is essential to obtain an optimal and uniform result. Prepare the entire surface by removing all efflorescence and ground-in dirt. This ensures a uniform look and allows the protector product to better penetrate the surface. Use an efflorescence cleaner for pavers with efflorescence or pavers that are less than five years old. Use a hardscape cleaner for pavers without efflorescence on pavers that are more than 5 years old or poured concrete. If the surface is unevenly porous, apply a protective sealant before applying a single coat of the sealant.
3. Application: The surface must be clean and dry (24 hours without precipitation) and warm to the touch (morning). The joints must also be dry. The temperature must be between 50 and 80???????(R)?F and rain should not be forecasted for the following 24 hours. All sprinklers must be shut off.
A sprayer application is recommended for optimal results. Soak the surface using an airless or pump sprayer.
For a roller application, use a regular 1/2-inch polyester nap roller and a paint tray. Saturate the surface with a coat of sealant product. Once a section of approximately 100 square feet has been rolled or sprayed, back-roll any excess protector with a foam roller before it dries. To achieve a more intense color, apply a second coat. One gallon of product should cover up to 150 square feet, however, proper coverage depends on surface porosity and joint width.
NOTE: These directions are not complete. Always read directions on label or at techniseal.com.
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