Block Paving Sealer

Discussion in 'Landscaping and Outdoors' started by DIYDave., Jul 13, 2020.

  1. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select

    hi all,
    Looking for recommendations for a block paving sealer but really want a matt finish

    We have charcoal tumbled blocks in 5 sizes, been down around 8 years, all looking good but it’s a fair amount of maintenance we’ve found

    Chap that did the job was brilliant and at the time he offered as an extra to seal the blocks

    We looked into this but was put off by numerous reports of blocks ending up shiny, wet looking or a bit like plastic ! Or worse still - imprinted concrete :eek:

    Twice a year we ‘water’ the area with weed killer, leave a few days and this kills off weeds, grass and moss

    Stiff brush over removes some of the dead growth but moss requires teasing out by hand and this takes ages

    Have jet washed the paving a few times but constant jet washing isn’t recommended due to advanced weathering of the blocks and damage to the sand bed underneath

    Just spent a few days jet washing, brushing, removing moss, dealing with some oil drips and now ready to re-sand, once fully dry

    So now, we’re thinking of using a paving sealer to help reduce maintenance, inhibit weed and moss growth in the sand, and make cleaning easier - hopefully just a hose over and brush will do once sealed

    Really want a matt finish although we realise that any product is likely to change the appearance of the blocks to some degree

    SF No Nonsense has good reviews but there’s such a huge choice of sealers and widely varying price ranges

    Anyone care to recommend a sealer that they’ve used to good effect and leaves a matt finish please

    Also any comments if this does indeed cut back on maintenance, weeds, moss, cleaning etc, or are these products no more than ‘snake oil’

    Happy to spend the money on a good product and realise it’s gonna take a fair few litres, first coat blocks are ‘thirsty’ and need to fully soak sand in between blocks. 2nd coat uses a lot less, have approx 75m2 plus kerbs around perimeter and flower bed

    Any info will be much appreciated - thanks :)
     
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2020
  2. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select

    Its worth a 2nd try I guess ??

    Anyone care to chip in if they've used a paving sealer and how did / have they found it

    Cheers one and all :)
     
  3. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Screwfix Select

  4. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    Wickes block paving seal is a matt finish, applied it with a roller an was very natural looking. Often on a story promotional offer as well.
     
  5. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select

    Thanks guys for the feedback

    If used on your own driveways, has it reduced plant growth in the sand gaps between blocks and has it been beneficial to use in terms of cleaning the drive and maintenance ?

    From what I'm reading up about sealers, you use a heavy first coat and really soak the sand 'pointing' so the sand solidifies, then a lighter second coat

    With the sand sealed, plant growth is much less and you don't loose the sand by being blown away or washed away every time you wash the drive or even use a jetwash to clean the cars ....thats the 'promise' anyway !

    Thanks for any feedback you can offer, just want to make an informed decision on if to seal or not and what product to go with

    Most products suggest a re-coat after 3/4 years is required, have you found this to be the case ?

    Loads of firms offering this service, seems to be a bit of a boom industry but would rather do it ourselves....doesn't seem to be massively complicated and the hard work of cleaning the driveway is done

    Thanks again
     

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