Choosing a paver sealer? Start with your surface, the appearance you want, and how the area is used. Confirm product instructions and test a small, inconspicuous area before treating the full surface.
How do ReliaSeal’s paver sealers compare?
| Decision point | Paver Seal RX | EasySeal™ Satin | EasySeal™ Gloss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | Color-enhancing clear film. The listing does not specify a sheen level. | Named Satin, but the current description says glossy acrylic finish. Confirm the intended sheen before ordering. | Glossy acrylic finish that enhances color in faded concrete and pavers. |
| Surface use | Designed for concrete pavers; the listing addresses foot and vehicular traffic. | Listed for concrete and pavers, alone or as a top coat over stains. Confirm compatibility with your surface, stain, and traffic needs. | Listed for concrete and pavers, alone or as a top coat over stains. Confirm compatibility with your surface, stain, and traffic needs. |
| Traction considerations | No slip-resistance rating is stated in the listing. Do not assume a clear finish is slip-resistant. | No slip-resistance rating is stated in the listing. Do not choose by the Satin name alone. | No slip-resistance rating is stated in the listing. A gloss finish is an appearance choice, not a traction rating. |
| Preparation | The listing permits application to damp pavers. Follow product instructions for cleaning, moisture conditions, and application. | Confirm cleaning, drying, and existing-coating requirements in the product instructions before application. | Confirm cleaning, drying, and existing-coating requirements in the product instructions before application. |
| When to consider stripping | Before recoating, confirm whether an existing coating can remain. Do not assume compatibility. | Confirm whether the existing coating or stain can accept this top coat; removal may be needed if it cannot. | Confirm whether the existing coating or stain can accept this top coat; removal may be needed if it cannot. |
How do Sealthane and Ure-Seal H₂O compare?
| Decision point | Sealthane Matte | Sealthane High Gloss | Ure-Seal H₂O |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | Clear matte film with very little color enhancement, intended to maintain the surface’s appearance. | High-gloss option with a color-enhancing clear film. | The listing describes Gloss, Mid-Gloss, and Natural finishes. On pavers, Gloss is described as appearing semi-gloss and Mid-Gloss as satin. Confirm the supplied finish before ordering. |
| Surface use | Concrete and pavers; the listing addresses foot and vehicular traffic. | Concrete and pavers; the listing addresses foot and vehicular traffic and use over decorative vinyl flakes on concrete floors. | Interior and exterior concrete and concrete hardscapes, including brick pavers. The listing also identifies driveways, walkways, patios, and pool decks. Confirm suitability for your exact surface and use. |
| Traction considerations | No slip-resistance rating is stated in the listing. Matte appearance is not a traction rating. | No slip-resistance rating is stated in the listing. Do not assume a clear coating is slip-resistant. | No slip-resistance rating is stated in the listing. Listed pool-deck use does not establish non-slip performance. |
| Preparation | Two-part, water-based acrylic urethane. The listing permits damp-surface application. Follow product instructions for mixing, cleaning, moisture conditions, and curing. | Two-part, water-based acrylic urethane. The listing permits damp-surface application. Follow product instructions for mixing, cleaning, moisture conditions, and curing. | Two-part, water-reducible urethane for properly prepared surfaces. Follow product instructions for mixing, moisture limits, existing-coating compatibility, and curing; do not assume damp-surface application is permitted. |
| When to consider stripping | Confirm whether an existing coating can remain before recoating. Remove it if required by the selected coating’s instructions. | Confirm whether an existing coating can remain before recoating. Remove it if required by the selected coating’s instructions. | Confirm compatibility with any existing coating. If removal is required, verify the remover is suitable for that coating and substrate; do not assume Paver Sealer Remover removes every urethane. |
Is penetrating sealer the same as wet-look or gloss sealer?
No. Penetration describes how a product enters the surface; wet-look and gloss describe appearance. Paver Seal RX and both Sealthane listings describe penetration and clear-film formation, so they should not be treated as film-free options. Sealthane Matte is described as providing very little color enhancement. Test the selected product on your own pavers to assess color and sheen.
Which sealer should I choose for a walkway, driveway, or poolside area?
Confirm the exact paver material, existing treatment, pedestrian or vehicle use, and exposure to water before choosing. For wet areas, steps, and slopes, request product-specific traction guidance. These listings do not establish that any option is non-slip or suitable for every location. Use only traction additives specifically approved for the selected sealer.
How should I prepare pavers before sealing?
Identify any existing sealer or stain, clean the surface, and follow the selected product’s instructions for drying, weather, application, and curing before reopening to traffic. Paver Seal RX and both Sealthane listings permit damp-surface application; do not extend that allowance to EasySeal or Ure-Seal H₂O without checking their instructions. Follow the mixing directions for two-part products. Do not guess coat counts or return-to-traffic times.
When should I use Paver Sealer Remover?
Consider stripping when an existing coating needs removal rather than another coat, or when the new sealer’s instructions require it. Paver Sealer Remover is designed to soften and remove various coatings and comes in spray and gel formulations. It is a remover, not a protective sealer. Confirm compatibility with the coating and underlying surface, test a small area, and follow the label and safety data sheet for handling, cleanup, and disposal. Do not assume it removes every acrylic or urethane coating. Confirm resealing preparation before applying a new finish.
