Q1. Why should I seal?
A. Pavers, or any surface, should and can be protected from many different environmental damages and man-made spills. For example, over time, pavers tend to dull due to exposure to UV rays and acid rain. Also, spills such as oil, gasoline, automotive fluids, rust, food and cleaning chemicals can penetrate into the surface making these substances more difficult to remove. By protecting the surface with Seal King’s sealers these substances are much easier to remove without damaging the surface. Seal King’s sealers not only protects, but brightens and enhances the hardscape, resulting in an improved look.
Q2. What steps do I need to take before I seal?
A. First, make sure the surface is completely clean and dry. This ensures proper penetration and adhesion as well as increasing the aesthetics of the pavers. The use of a pressure washer is highly recommended, as well as a drying period of at least 24 hours in temperatures above 10?C (50?F). Use Seal King’s cleaners to remove any stains or dirt you may have. Refer to our “Installation Guide” for more details.
Q3. Can I apply Seal King products over other sealers?
A. Yes. It can be applied over other sealers but please remember, generally water bourne sealers cannot be applied over oil based sealers (unless using Seal King’s Premium sealers). Always test sealer compatibility in a selective area prior to application.
Q4. What temperature can I apply sealer?
A. Ideally the temperature should be above 10 Degrees Celsius (50 F).
Q5. How do I take old sealer off my driveway and when should I put on new sealer?
A. You can remove old sealer by using Seal King Strip-All or other industrial based strippers. When the surface is completely clean, wait 24 hours in dry weather before re-sealing.
Q6. When using Seal King’s Polymeric Sand, should I put the sand in before or after I seal?
A. It is recommended to put the sand in BEFORE you seal. Please note: It is important to make sure the sand is completely swept into the joints before activating (with water) the polymeric sand. Please make sure you allow 24-48 hours of drying time before sealing the surface. Also note, that although sand joints appear to be dry they still may maintain moisture. Please check the sand thoroughly to ensure it is completely dry.
Q7. How many coats of sealer do I apply?
A. Two coats are recommended for most applications.
Q8. What is Efflorescence?
A. Efflorescence is a by product of calcium oxide (lime) and water. When moisture evaporates the white haze of efflorescence becomes visible. It is a condition in all cement based products and although the condition may be minuscule or severe, it usually corrects itself overtime with exposure to the environment.
Q9. How do you clean Efflorescence?
A. Use Seal King’s Efflorescence cleaner and follow directions as printed on the product label.
Q10. Why, after sealing, does the surface turn white?
A1. If the sealer is applied when the surface is wet. It appears to be dry but still contains moisture in the stone or sand joints. Water and Oil based sealers DO NOT MIX.
A2. Over time an over-accumulation of sealer has built up a thick coat. This thick coat does not allow moisture to escape causing the moisture to trap between the surface and the sealer.
A3. Chemical reaction between sealer and cleaning products that have not been properly rinsed.
A4. Drainage problem. Water or moisture is trapped beneath the stone and base. This tainted water/moisture evaporates through the brick causing a whitening of surface.
Q11. How do you solve this problem of whitening or blushing?
A. Obtain Seal King’s Laquer Thinner. Apply over tainted area with roller or pump sprayer. The tainted sealer will disappear. Repeat process if necessary. DO NOT USE WITH WATER.
If problem persists, then using a scrub brush, scrub Laquer Thinner onto sealer and remove excess material with a rag, shop vac or pressure washer.
WARNING: Using a pressure washer may cause splashing or spilling onto other areas.
Q12. How do you store the products when not using them?
A. Refer to our product data sheets. Usually our products must be stored in a dry cool environment (above 0?C) Also keep product away from children.