Marble pavers are the most beautiful terrazzo, but they are also expensive. The cost of sealing further drives up the price. So if you have a limited budget, you may wonder if it is necessary to seal pavers.
Marble pavers should ideally be sealed. Although sealing does not necessarily improve the structural integrity or performance of the pavement, it helps to maintain its appearance and prolong its lifespan. Sealing protects the pavement from permanent stains, weathering, and wear and tear from pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
One important thing to note, however, is that sealing marble pavers could make them slippery. One way to avoid this is by using a non-slip coating or penetrating sealer that fills the pores of the pavers instead of sitting on the surface and causing slippery conditions.
In this article, you will learn more in detail why you should seal pavers and what the benefits are. I will also discuss how to choose the right sealer for marble pavers, how to seal sealed marble pavers, and how to maintain sealed marble pavers.
Contents
Do You Need to Seal Marble Pavers?
You do not need to seal marble pavers as sealing does not improve any properties of the stone. Marble is quite dense and durable, so it can withstand wear and tear. However, since pavers are usually exposed to the outdoor elements such as snow, sun, rain, foot and vehicular traffic, they tend to become unsightly and less durable over time.
Why Should You Seal Pavers? Sealing provides a protective barrier between the marble and stains, traffic, and the elements that cause pavers to deteriorate over time. This barrier prevents the marble from being impacted, preserving its appearance and protecting your investment.
Benefits of Sealing Marble Pavers
There are several benefits when you seal your marble pavers; here are the main ones:
- Sealing prevents weed growth by sealing off all the pores in the stone where weeds would grow.
- Sealing protects the marble from degradation by the elements.
- It preserves the appearance of the marble. A well-maintained sealed paver will still look as good as new after two years.
- It facilitates cleaning. Most sealers are resistant to dirt and liquids to protect the marble underneath. This keeps stains and dirt on the surface where they can be easily wiped or swept away.
- It saves on costs. Sealing marble pavers is also a cost-effective step. A sealed marble paver will remain in good condition for a long time, so you won’t have to replace it frequently and avoid the costs associated with replacement.
- Sealing can enhance the appearance of your pavers. Some sealers have a glossy quality that can polish and make marble look shiny.
How to Seal Marble Pavers
Having seen why sealing is important, you can choose to pay to have your pavers sealed or do it yourself.
However, first check if your pavers have been pre-sealed by the manufacturer, as it would be unnecessary and expensive to seal an already sealed marble. To do this:
- Put a tablespoon of water on the marble.
- Let it stay for some time without heat or airflow.
- Wipe off the water after 15 minutes.
If the marble appears unchanged after wiping, it means the stone is sealed and does not need to be sealed again at this time.
However, if the marble has a darker shade where the water was, it means the marble is not sealed, in which case you need to seal it. For this, you will need the following materials:
- Sealer
- Vacuum or broom
- Optional pH-neutral soap
- Spray bottle or nap roller. (The choice depends on the brand of sealer used and will be indicated in the instructions on the container.)
After gathering the materials, these step-by-step instructions will guide you in sealing your pavers.
Clean the pavers thoroughly
Make sure your marble pavers are properly cleaned before sealing, as the sealer will not work as intended if you have trapped dirt and grime.
Use a broom or vacuum cleaner to remove stone dust and dirt from the pavers. Be careful with the joints, as you do not want to suck or sweep away the stabilizing sand between the pavers.
If the pavers have been in use for a while, you should also lightly scrub the paver surface after vacuuming to remove oil or tire marks. Use a pH-neutral soap specially formulated for marble and avoid acidic cleaners including vinegar, as such agents can dull the surface of the marble.
Also, remove any weeds between the pavers.
Test the sealer on a small section of the paver
Before applying a sealer to the entire marble paver, it is best to test it on a small area first so you can see what the finished product would look like.
Apply sealer to a small section of the paver (preferably one of the corners) and when it dries, compare its appearance to the surrounding unsealed marble.
You may find that the tested area looks slightly shinier than the untouched areas, but not too drastic. If there is a noticeable difference or the sealed spot does not meet your expectations, you will need to dispose of the sealer and get a different one.
Apply sealer to the pavers
Read the label on the container to find out if there are requirements for ambient temperature and humidity. Also, note if you need to use a spray bottle or a nap roller (or both) to apply the sealer. Brands usually specify exactly what to use.
In any case, seal the pavers one by one in one direction. This approach is better as you can cover the entire area without missing spots or making multiple passes over a single paver.
The goal is to apply a thin layer of sealer over the pavers. It should not form puddles, and make sure to smooth out any forming bubbles. Let the sealer dry in the air for three to four hours.
Apply a second coat
One coat of sealer should ideally be sufficient. However, it is best to apply another coat for extra measure. Then apply the sealer in the same way as before, working in a specific direction to avoid mistakes.
Let the second coat dry for another three to four hours, and let it stand if possible until the next day to walk on the pavers. But again, it depends on the sealer and the manufacturer’s instructions.
To help you better understand the process, here is a seven-minute video showing how to seal marble pavers:
Tips for Sealing Pavers
- Do not seal pavers if it is going to rain within 24 hours, as rain can compromise the sealer and cause it to peel off sooner.
- Rinse the spray/pad roller immediately after use, as leaving the sealer to harden in the sprayer or on the roller. Sometimes you may need more than just water to get the sealer out; a paint thinner should do the job.
Choosing the Right Sealer for Your Pavers
There are many marble sealers available today. However, all sealers fall into two main categories:
- Coatings
- Penetrating sealers
Coatings
As the name suggests, coatings coat the top layer of the marble with a protective shell that prevents water, dirt, and oil from penetrating the pores of the marble. Additionally, coatings can alter the appearance of the marble, giving it a glossy or wet look.
Advantages of coatings
- The upfront cost of application is low.
- It is easy to apply and does not require skilled labor.
- The glossy nature of coatings can make the marble appear more vibrant.
Disadvantages of coatings
- Some low-quality coatings can yellow over time, especially when exposed to UV light.
- They are usually not breathable, trapping moisture in the stone and causing stone spalling.
- Most coated sealers are often softer than marble, making them susceptible to scratching and showing tire tracks and footprints.
- Coatings need to be removed and reapplied frequently. And the stripping agents and chemicals used for stripping can harm the stone.
Penetrating Sealers
Also known as impregnating sealers, these not only coat the surface of the stone but also penetrate the marble to deposit particles in the pores. This creates a barrier against moisture, oil, and dirt.
Penetrating sealers can be hydrophobic, repelling water and water-based liquids, or oleophobic, repelling oil-based liquids. Additionally, penetrating sealers do not compromise the appearance of the marble.
Advantages of impregnators
- Impregnators are not affected by UV light as they are not on the surface of the stone.
- Impregnators are breathable, allowing water vapor to escape and thus preventing spalling.
- Penetrating sealers need less frequent reapplication as they work from within the stone, not on top.
Disadvantages of impregnators
- High upfront cost.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Sealers
- Budget: Coatings are generally cheaper than impregnators and do not require skilled (and paid) labor to apply. So if you have a tight budget, you can opt for coatings.
- Slip resistance: Impregnators do not compromise the slip resistance of the stone as they are not on the surface. On the other hand, coatings can affect slip resistance. So if you use coatings, make sure to use non-slip brands, especially near pools.
- Appearance: Do you prefer a glossy surface for pavers or the natural look of the stone? Coatings alter the appearance of marble, while impregnators do not.
- Location: Choose sealers approved for your region as some states like Delaware restrict the use of certain solvent-based sealers.
Maintaining Sealed Marble Pavers
Sealings only last as long as you maintain them. Lack of maintenance will result in pavers losing their aesthetics.
- Use the right cleaners. Use pH-neutral cleaners on sealed marble pavers. These agents help preserve the surface’s shine and appearance.
- Sweep rather than wash. Excessive washing of your sealed marble pavers can compromise the sealer used. Therefore, only wash when absolutely necessary.
- Exercise caution. It may be impossible to keep marble pavers clean at all times. Nevertheless, be cautious with your sealed pavers.
Final Thoughts
Sealing protects marble pavers from UV light, weather, stains, and traffic, all of which compromise the quality of marble over time. Therefore, sealing can extend the lifespan of marble pavers and preserve their original appearance.
There are two basic types of sealers; coatings and impregnators – each with advantages and disadvantages. Your choice depends on your needs, preferences, and usage.