What Seal to Use When Sealing a Patio

New Wooden Patios

• Wood sealers are preservatives that provide a semi-porous finish for your patio without the need for paint or stain. Sealer for a new patio may be directly applied on a wooden surface that has been left to dry for at least 48 hours. Post-application drying adds a further 12 to 24 hours to the process. Wood sealer is available from your local hardware or home improvement store in colored or uncolored waterproofed formulations. A second coat will darken colored sealers.

Wooden Patio Restoration

• Previously painted, stained or otherwise protected wooden patios must be stripped before a new application of sealer is applied. Removers may be quick-acting methyl chloride, sodium hydroxide or slower water-based products. The former two emit flammable, toxic fumes while the more benign latter products take longer to work. An electric sander fitted with 80- to 100-grit sandpaper is required to remove surface flaking. Subsequent cleaning with a brush or broom and a brush or roller-applied layer of stripper will allow you to remove the old paint or seal with a putty knife.

Concrete Patios

• Concrete patios should be cleaned with dishwashing liquid applied with a nylon bristle brush and rinsed clean with a garden hose. A push broom may be used for larger areas. The surface must be clean and allowed to dry for a minimum of 24 hours before concrete sealer is applied. Look for a sealer that contains an anti-skid ingredient for added patio safety. Your local hardware or home improvement store will have what you need. Apply the sealer with a fluffy roller to avoid clogging spray equipment.

Paver Patios

• For patios made with porous brick or stone pavers, dampen the surface before rolling on a penetrating sealant. This product must be left on the surface for 48 hours before rinsing it with your garden hose.Two applications of penetrating sealant are recommended. After allowing 10 days of curing time, dampen the surface once more, and spray or brush on a topcoat product. After applying a second layer to a slightly tacky first coat, allow the patio 36 hours or more to dry before use. Look for paver sealant at landscape paving companies or home improvement stores.