In general, we recommend stopping vehicle traffic for at least 48 hours after applying the sealant. Pedestrian traffic is fine after 3-4 hours. Sealants can take 4 to 12 hours to dry before you can run them over them, but they will continue to harden for up to 48 hours after application. Concrete sealed with an acrylic sealant should not be stepped on (except if a coating layer is applied), and should not be driven on or wet for at least 36 to 48 hours.
Many inexperienced contractors forget to tell their customers to turn off automatic water sprinklers for at least 24 hours after applying the sealant. Customers should also allow it to dry at least 24 to 48 hours after applying the sealant. If the sealant doesn't cure properly, water can cause white marks or spots on the pavers and even get trapped under the sealant layer. It is very important not to walk or drive on sealed pavers for at least 24 to 48 hours after application.
While the floor sealants in the Universeal range only take a few hours to dry, it's probably best not to walk on pavement for up to 4 hours. If the sun has come up, at least 2 hours are recommended. While 24 hours is ideal for a sealant to dry on pavers, specific circumstances can slow down or speed up the process. On the contrary, setting and curing times vary depending on popular cobblestone materials, such as paving stone, brick and concrete.
JSBrick has more than 20 years of experience providing paving stone installation, cleaning and sealing services in Sarasota and surrounding cities. The number one problem when it comes to a paving stone sealant going bad is not using the right sealant for your pavers. Buying your own sealant at local hardware stores such as Lowes or Home Depot to seal your pavers is not a good idea and can often cause irreparable damage. The sealing process itself is often overlooked by people who install cobblestone patios, which is a mistake, especially if you want to keep them looking new for much longer.
When in contact with water after sealing work, pavers can develop imperfections and discoloration, ruining their aesthetic appeal. In fact, a lot of people choose not to seal their pavers because they don't want them to look wet, they don't want them to look shiny. We can use a natural looking sealant and it won't change the look of the cobblestone, but the pavers will be protected. The advantage of sealed pavers is that they dry much faster, reducing the time they will stay wet.
After installation or maintenance, you've probably wondered how long you should stay away from pavers after sealing. The most important reason you want to seal your pavers when they are newly installed is to protect them, protect the color, and prevent the surface from deteriorating.
