Best Sealant Solutions for Brick Pavers and Patio Surfaces
Finding the right sealant for brick pavers helps protect against moisture, staining, and wear while preserving the natural look of stone, brick, and concrete surfaces. This guide highlights five top-rated options, reviews their key features, and provides practical buying tips to help you choose the best sealant for your outdoor spaces.
Product Summary (selected for brick pavers and patios):
| Product | Brand | Type | Coverage/Volume | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MasonryDefender Low Gloss Patio Paver Sealer (1 gal) | MasonryDefender | Water-based acrylic sealer | 1 gallon | Clear, low-gloss finish with joint sealing and sand lock |
| McKinnon Concrete Sealer (5 gal) | McKinnon Materials | Water-based acrylic sealer | 5 gallons | Durable, long-lasting, versatile on multiple substrates |
| Siloxa-Tek 8500 Ready to Use (1 gal) | Ghostshield | Silane/siloxane penetrating sealer | 1 gallon | Breathable, water and salt repellent, DOT approved |
| Armor SX5000 WB (1 gal) | Foundation Armor | Silane/siloxane penetrating sealer | 1 gallon | Very high water repellency with no color change |
| Concrete Sealer Clear – Penetrating (1 gal) | Black Diamond Stoneworks | Penetrating water-based sealer | 1 gallon | Durable waterproofing with natural look |
These options cover a range of needs—from surface-applied sealers that provide a visible protective sheen to penetrating silane/siloxane formulas that block water intrusion without altering appearance. The right choice depends on your surface type, climate, maintenance goals, and whether you want enhanced color or a completely natural look.
MasonryDefender Low Gloss Patio Paver Sealer (1 gal)
The MasonryDefender Low Gloss Patio Paver Sealer provides a clear, low-gloss finish after application. This water-based acrylic sealer goes on milky white and dries clear, delivering a protective shield that helps prevent color fading while maintaining the surface’s natural look. It is VOC-compliant and formulated to avoid yellowing over time. An added benefit is joint sealing and sand locking, stabilizing joint sand to reduce weed growth and ant colonization. It’s suitable for clay brick, clay paver stones, cement paver stones, and natural stone on horizontal, above-grade concrete surfaces.
Application considerations: For best results, ensure surfaces are clean and dry before sealing. The product’s milky appearance during application is normal, and wait times between coats (if applying more than one) should follow the manufacturer’s guidance. It’s a solid choice for patios and walkways where you want a subtle sheen without altering the natural color of the pavers.
McKinnon Concrete Sealer, Paver Sealer (5 gal)
McKinnon’s Concrete Sealer is an industrial-grade option designed for both outdoor and indoor use. This water-based modified acrylic formula is crafted to work on unsealed surfaces as well as those already sealed with water-based sealers. It emphasizes durability and is marketed as not peeling or cracking after application. The sealer is versatile, suitable for concrete, cement, pavers, stone, natural stone, rock, limestone, flagstone, pool decks, brick, and even stucco. For brick pavers and patio applications, this sealer provides robust protection against moisture and wear while maintaining flexibility to accommodate temperature and weather changes.
Key considerations: When applying, ensure adequate ventilation and follow coverage guidelines to avoid pooling. Its durability makes it a good option for high-traffic outdoor areas like driveways and patios where long-lasting protection is important.
Siloxa-Tek 8500 Ready to Use (1 gal)
Ghostshield’s Siloxa-Tek 8500 is a penetrating silane/siloxane sealer designed to reduce water and moisture intrusion without altering aesthetic appearance. It is a breathable, low-VOC formula that remains clear and non-film forming, meaning it won’t peel, flake, or delaminate. DOT-approved, it resists surface damage from chlorides and deicing salts, making it well-suited for climates with freeze-thaw cycles. Its penetrating action limits water ingress and helps prevent cracking and spalling, extending the surface life of concrete, brick, masonry, and pavers.
Practical notes: Because this is a penetrating sealer, visible color enhancement is minimal. It’s ideal for homeowners who want a natural look with maximum protection against moisture and chemical exposure from road salts and harsh weather.
Armor SX5000 WB Natural-Look Sealer (5 gal)
The Armor SX5000 WB is a professional-grade silane/siloxane penetrating sealer designed for concrete, brick, pavers, and natural stone. It creates a water-repellent barrier below the surface, reducing water absorption by up to 95%. Importantly, it does not change the look, color, or feel of the substrate, preserving the surface’s natural appearance. This makes it a strong candidate for brick paver patios where a discreet protective layer is desired. The 5-gallon size is convenient for larger projects and long-term maintenance contracts.
Usage guidance: This type of sealer is best applied to clean, dry surfaces. Avoid sealing in extreme temperatures or when rain is forecast soon after application. Expect the finish to feel natural while remaining highly resistant to moisture intrusion.
Concrete Sealer Clear – Penetrating (1 gal)
Black Diamond Stoneworks offers a penetrating, clear, water-based sealer designed for driveways, patios, pavers, brick, grout, stucco, and natural stone. It provides durable moisture protection while preserving the natural look of the surface. This option is widely used for outdoor hard surfaces where a long-lasting shield against water and weather is desired, without adding a heavy film or changing the surface’s color.
Considerations: This sealer emphasizes long-term protection with a natural appearance. It’s a practical choice for those who want a simple, effective seal that won’t alter the texture or tint of brick pavers.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations For Brick Pavers Sealers
- Surface compatibility: Determine whether you need a penetrating silane/siloxane sealer for a natural look or a surface-applied acrylic sealer for a light sheen and joint stabilization.
- Water and salt resistance: In climates with freeze-thaw cycles or road salt exposure, prioritize sealers with strong water repellency and salt resistance (e.g., DOT-approved or high-penetration formulas).
- Ventilation and safety: Most water-based sealers are low-odor and low-VOC, but always follow label directions, especially for enclosed spaces or when applying indoors on adjacent surfaces.
- Color and appearance: If you prefer a natural look, choose penetrating sealers that do not alter color. If a subtle sheen is desired, a low-gloss surface sealer can enhance appearance while protecting the surface.
- Durability and maintenance: Consider the expected traffic and maintenance schedule. Higher volume options (like 5-gallon containers) can lower cost per square foot for large patios but may require longer cure times between coats.
- Joint stabilization: Some sealers include joint sand stabilization to reduce weed growth and insect intrusion. This feature is beneficial for paver patios with visible sand joints.
- Application conditions: Check the substrate condition, humidity, and temperature range recommended by the manufacturer. Improper application can reduce efficacy or shorten service life.
To summarize, brick paver sealing should balance appearance, protection, and maintenance. For a subtle, natural finish with strong moisture protection, penetrating silane/siloxane options like Siloxa-Tek 8500 or Armor SX5000 WB are solid choices. For a surface-sealing approach with joint stabilization and a low-gloss look, MasonryDefender’s 1 gal product delivers a practical balance. Larger projects may benefit from McKinnon’s 5-gallon option for durability and substrate versatility. Homeowners seeking a simple, effective penetrating seal with a focus on long-term water resistance may consider Black Diamond Stoneworks’ penetrating sealers or Ghostshield’s DOT-approved solution.