Best Sealants for Long-Lasting Interlock Pavers

Interlock pavers have become an increasingly popular choice for driveways, patios, walkways, and other outdoor surfaces due to their aesthetic appeal, durability, and versatility. However, to ensure that interlock pavers maintain their beauty and structural integrity over time, proper sealing is essential. Sealants protect the pavers from staining, weathering, weed growth, and other forms of damage. Choosing the right sealant can significantly extend the life and appearance of your interlock pavers.

In this article, we will explore the best sealants for long-lasting interlock pavers, covering different types, their benefits, application tips, and factors to consider when selecting a sealant.

Why Seal Interlock Pavers?

Before diving into the best sealants available, it’s important to understand why sealing interlock pavers is necessary:

• Protection from Staining: Pavers are porous by nature and can absorb oils, dirt, and other contaminants. Sealants create a protective barrier that prevents stains from penetrating.
• UV Protection: Constant exposure to sunlight can cause fading and discoloration. Sealants with UV inhibitors help preserve the original colors.
• Prevention of Weed Growth: Sealants fill joints and reduce gaps where weeds can sprout.
• Resistance to Water Damage: Sealed pavers repel water, minimizing erosion and freeze-thaw damage.
• Ease of Cleaning: A sealed surface is easier to wash and maintain.
• Enhancement of Appearance: Many sealants enhance color vibrancy or provide a desired finish such as matte or glossy.

Types of Sealants for Interlock Pavers

Different types of sealants serve various purposes depending on the look you want and the environment your pavers will face. Here are the main categories:

1. Acrylic Sealers

Acrylic sealers are among the most popular choices for interlock pavers because they are affordable and easy to apply.

• Water-based acrylics are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and environmentally friendly. They tend to dry quickly but might not be as durable in extreme weather.
• Solvent-based acrylics offer better penetration and longer-lasting protection but have higher VOC levels.

Pros:

• Enhances color vibrancy
• Available in gloss, semi-gloss, or matte finishes
• Affordable and easy to apply
• Good UV resistance

Cons:

• May require reapplication every 2-3 years
• Less resistant to chemicals and heavy abrasion

2. Penetrating Sealers

These sealers penetrate into the pores of the paver instead of sitting on top. They chemically bond with the material to provide protection.

Common penetrating sealers include silane, siloxane, and siliconate-based products.

Pros:

• Provide natural look without altering appearance
• Excellent water repellency while allowing vapor permeability (breathability)
• Long-lasting protection (5+ years)
• Resistant to salt damage and freeze-thaw cycles

Cons:

• Do not enhance color or provide gloss
• More expensive upfront compared to acrylics
• Require clean surface for proper penetration

3. Polyurethane Sealers

These are high-performance sealers providing a tough protective layer.

Pros:

• Extremely durable and chemical resistant
• Excellent abrasion resistance
• Suitable for high traffic areas

Cons:

• Can yellow over time with UV exposure
• More complex application process (may require professional application)
• Higher cost

4. Epoxy Sealers

Epoxy sealers form a very hard surface coating on pavers.

Pros:

• Outstanding durability
• Resistant to most chemicals and stains

Cons:

• Can be slippery when wet
• Tend to crack or peel under freeze-thaw conditions if not applied correctly
• Usually used indoors; less common for outdoor paver sealing

Top Recommended Sealants for Interlock Pavers in 2024

Based on performance reviews from homeowners, contractors, and manufacturers, here are some of the best sealants currently available:

1. Foundation Armor SX5000 WB Penetrating Concrete Sealer

A premium water-based silane-siloxane penetrating sealer ideal for interlock pavers.

• Offers excellent water repellency without trapping moisture.
• Breathable formula reduces efflorescence.
• Long-lasting protection up to 5+ years.
• Low VOC content makes it eco-friendly.

2. Acrymax Hi-Build Acrylic Concrete Sealer

A high-quality solvent-based acrylic sealer that enhances color depth with a glossy finish.

• Durable coating suitable for both residential and commercial use.
• Provides UV protection that prevents fading.
• Good resistance to oil stains.

3. Seal-Krete Original Concrete & Masonry Sealer

A versatile water-based acrylic sealer favored for easy application and good performance.

• Enhances colors with a semi-gloss finish.
• Prevents staining from oil, grease, dirt.
• Suitable for interior/exterior use.

4. Ghostshield Lithi-Tek 9500 Silicate Hardener & Sealer

Combines the benefits of a penetrating silicate hardener with sealing properties.

• Deeply penetrates surfaces strengthening them.
• Offers breathable waterproofing.
• Ideal for areas with heavy traffic.

5. Rust-Oleum Concrete & Garage Floor Epoxy Coating

For those looking for extremely durable epoxy protection in covered or sheltered areas.

• Resistant to chemicals, stains, abrasions.
• Forms thick protective layer on the surface.

Note: Generally not recommended for exposed outdoor interlock paving due to UV sensitivity.

How to Choose the Right Sealant

Selecting the right sealant depends on multiple factors including:

Location & Climate

If your area experiences heavy rainfall or freeze-thaw cycles, penetrating sealers with breathable waterproofing perform best by preventing trapped moisture damage. Acrylics may be sufficient in dry climates with moderate wear.

Desired Appearance

For natural look preservation without gloss or color enhancement, go with penetrating sealers. For vibrant colors or gloss finish acrylics work well.

Traffic Load

High traffic surfaces benefit from tougher polyurethane or epoxy coatings to withstand abrasion. Residential patios may only need acrylic or penetrating types.

Ease of Application & Maintenance

Water-based sealants are easier and safer to apply than solvent-based ones but might require more frequent reapplications. Penetrating sealers usually only need occasional touch-ups if properly applied initially.

Environmental Concerns

Low VOC water-based products minimize environmental impact during application and curing.

Tips for Applying Sealant on Interlock Pavers

Proper application ensures maximum longevity of your sealed surface:

1. Clean thoroughly: Remove all dirt, debris, moss, algae, oil stains before sealing.
2. Dry completely: Moisture trapped under sealant can cause bubbling/pulling off.
3. Repair damages: Fix any cracks or loose pavers prior to sealing.
4. Use proper equipment: Apply evenly using brushes, rollers or sprayers as recommended by manufacturer.
5. Apply multiple coats: Some sealants require two coats for optimal protection.
6. Allow adequate curing time: Follow instructions carefully regarding drying times before foot or vehicle traffic.
7. Reapply as needed: Most acrylics need reapplication every few years; penetrating sealers last longer but inspect periodically.

Maintenance After Sealing

To keep your interlock pavers looking great after sealing:

• Clean spills promptly with mild detergent.
• Avoid harsh chemicals that degrade sealer films.
• Sweep regularly to prevent dirt buildup in joints.
• Power wash gently when necessary but avoid damaging sealed surface.

Periodic resealing extends life even further; always check manufacturer recommendations based on product type used.

Conclusion

Sealing interlock pavers is one of the most effective ways to preserve their natural beauty while protecting against weathering, stains, weed growth, and water damage. The choice between acrylic, penetrating, polyurethane or epoxy sealers comes down to your specific needs regarding appearance preference, climate conditions, traffic intensity, maintenance willingness, and budget.

For most homeowners seeking long-lasting protection combined with ease of use and environmental friendliness, penetrating silane-siloxane based sealers like Foundation Armor SX5000 WB offer excellent waterproofing without altering natural stone look. Acrylic sealers remain popular where enhanced color vibrancy is desired at a moderate price point but require more frequent upkeep.

Careful surface preparation followed by correct application is essential regardless of product type chosen to maximize benefits that keep your interlock paver surfaces beautiful and durable year after year.

By investing in quality sealer products tailored to your setting and maintaining them properly over time you can enjoy stunning outdoor spaces built on resilient interlocking stones that last for decades with minimal hassle.