Strongseal Wetlook – Concentrated Wet Look Paver Sealer – Gloss Finish
$14.00 – $281.30
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StrongSeal Wetlook is a heavy duty, water-based paver sealer with wet finish.
It's a professional grade, damp tolerant clear sealer and joint-sand stabilizer.
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Strongseal Wetlook Video
Is Using A Paver Sealer Necessary?
I would strongly recommend sealing a paver or using a paver sealer.
Firstly, this helps to protect your pavers. If you don’t protect them, they can be damaged by a freeze-thaw attack. This happens when water gets in and repeatedly freezes and expands, leading to cracking in the pavers.
Salts or chlorides can get in and damage the surface.
If you’re in a more tropical climate, mold and mildew can damage the pavers, or make them unsightly.
Again, I would strongly recommend sealing just to protect it.
Secondly, sealing the surface makes it easier to clean. If you’ve got a sealed surface, you have a fighting chance to get any solutions, oils or food stains off the surface before they soak in permanently.
Which Type Of Paver Sealer Is Best?
In order to get the best seal, and stop any staining or solutions getting into your pavers, I would recommend a Topical sealer. This is something that puts a thin film or barrier across the surface of the paver. That will give you and absolute seal. The next consideration is what do you want your surface to look like?
Is your goal for the paver surface:
- Enhancement
- Adding color
- Providing a sheen
- Bringing out the current color?
In each of these cases, a Topical sealer is the choice you should make.
If you don’t want to change the appearance and keep the natural look, but maintain a seal, a Penetrating sealer will do well.
The Penetrating paver sealer will soak into the paver. It will get into the capillaries and pores – filling them up – to repel any moisture or oils from getting into the pavers.
However, this is not an absolute barrier. This top surface is open so you still can get some staining, but it gives you a fighting chance. It gives you time to clean it and pressure wash it. So, it certainly makes it much easier to clean.
In the end, a Penetrating sealer is good if you don’t want to change the appearance, but it is not as good a sale as a Topical paver sealer.
The next choice you need to make is whether you go with a solvent-based or a water-based paver sealer.
There are solvent based:
- Topical sealers
- Penetrating sealers
There are also water based:
- Topical sealers
- Penetrating sealers
The difference between a water-based and solvent-based sealer comes down to their sensitivity to moisture. Solvent-based sealers tend to be a lot more sensitive to moisture.
If your pavers are damp, and you can’t get them to dry out fully, the sealer could begin turning white or leaving like a “milky” residue on your pavers.
You’re less likely to experience these situations using a water-based sealer compared to solvent-based product.
Another issue with solvent sealers is they tend to burn off quicker.
They might give you an initial high gloss shine, but they will lose that appearance much faster than a water-based sealer. You also don’t get the same longevity with a solvent, as you would with a water-based sealer.
In short, a water-based penetrating or a topical sealer would be the better choices you could make. If you want an absolute seal, I would push you towards a topical sealer. If you don’t want any change in appearance, choose a penetrating sealer.
What is a Water-Based Sealer?
A water-based sealer is one that uses water as the carrier agent, as opposed to a solvent.
The water takes the polymer (sealer material) onto the surface of the paver and inside it. This is preferable to using a solvent like Xylene or Acetone because it’s much safer.
There are no flammability issues. No odor issues. It’s much easier to handle, especially if you’re indoors.
Also, the water-based sealers tend to last longer, and are less moisture sensitive than solvent-based sealers.
What Differences Will You Notice Using A Polyurethane vs. An Acrylic Product?
The differences you’ll notice are as follows:
Polyurethane:
- Tougher
- More cross-linked
- Provide a more permanent barrier
- Much more UV-resistant
Acrylic:
- UV-resistant
- Sensitive to moisture
- Weaker cross-linking breaks down fast
What Is The Best Wet Look Paver Sealer?
The best water-based sealer (in our opinion) is a two-part, water-based polyurethane, sealer.
More specifically, something that when mixed together chemically reacts, cross links and forms a very tough barrier across your paver surface. It should soak into the sand, and locks everything together to provide a much more durable, longer lasting seal than a single component acrylic sealer.
StrongSeal WetLook Review - Paul Sims
What Should You Look For In a Paver Sealer With A Wet Look Finish?
Things to look for in a wet look paver sealer include:
- It’s not moisture sensitive
- It can be used on damp surfaces.
You should choose something that can be used on damp surfaces. This way, you don’t have to wait an extensive amount of time in order to apply it.
The sealer will “milk” (start looking cloudy) if it’s sensitive to moisture. When this happens, it’s very difficult to remedy.
Use a two-part product that forms a tight, cross-linked film across the paver and sand, and locks everything together.
Again, think about using a water-based versus a solvent-based product. Solvents tend to be very most sensitive. They’re more hazardous to use. They also lose the wet look faster, or don’t keep the sheen for as long as a water-based sealer does.
Should You Apply A Water-Based Over A Solvent-Based Sealer on Pavers?
You should be careful when trying to use a water-based sealer over a solvent-based product.
You could get situation where the solvent-based rejects the water-based sealer over it.
If the solvent-based product was applied recently (less than a year ago), we don’t recommend using a water-based sealer over it. The better choice would be to top-coat that with a solvent based product.
If the surface was sealed with a solvent-based product more than a year ago, and it’s “weathered” in that situation, then there’s a possibility of top coating it with a water-based sealer.
In this situation, we recommend using a two-part urethane, something like our StrongSeal Wetlook. It has much greater adhesion, and the kind of cross-linking chemical action, that would bond better to a weathered, solvent-based sealer.
If this is not an option, you should strip out that solvent-based sealer first. Then, apply the water-based product directly.
Can You Paint Over A Water Based Wetlook Sealer?
This is something you should be careful about.
The function of a water-based sealer is to repel water and other solutions from sticking to the surface. As a result, it can be a challenge to paint over.
You’d have to use something like a two-part urethane or an epoxy if you’re inside. It would also require you to sand the surface lightly to rough it up and give that epoxy paint or urethane paint something to stick to.
We don’t recommend using a latex paint. There’s a greater chance of you getting adhesion failure between the water-based sealer or the paver sealer and the latex paint. We would suggest that you strip the surface first in this situation.
How Long Should You Wait To Apply A Sealer?
There are a few considerations on this topic.
Obviously, you need to clean the paver, and you’re going to be using moisture. If you use a sealer that is moisture insensitive, something like our StrongSeal Wetlook, then you can seal within 1 or 2 hours.
If you use a solvent-based product, you may have to wait 24 hours before you can seal it. There’s a major difference between the 2 sealer types.
It’s unlikely that you can seal the same day using a solvent-based product. Using a water-based product – like the StrongSeal Wetlook – you can seal the same day, soon after you pressure-wash the surface.
It doesn’t matter if the pavers are slightly damp. Just make sure you don’t have any puddles or pools of water on it.
The other consideration is about the sand. If you’re using regular, course sand between your pavers, then you can use our sealer and it will lock everything together. If you’re using polymeric sand, it needs to be wet down, and given time to react. We normally recommend waiting 24 hours for that before you seal it with any sealer, including StrongSeal Wetlook.
How Long Does It Take For A Paver Sealer To Dry?
Dry time depends on:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Interior or Exterior application
When applied outside, a paver sealer will dry quickly. Usually, within a couple of hours.
When applied indoors, it’s going to take longer. You’ve got less air movement and more temperature difference than you would on the outside. Typically, you’ll experience a cooler temperature inside than you would on the outside.
A key point to note is that once you get below 70 degrees, everything takes longer to dry. Whether you’re inside the property or outside the property, the paver sealer takes longer to dry.
Our recommendation:
- Figure on average, 3 to 4 hours outside
- Maybe 4 to 6 hours on the inside.
Again, once you’re below 70 degrees, things are going to take longer – potentially twice as long to dry.
The important thing is to make sure that the 1st coat is dry tack free before you apply the 2nd coat. That way the whole 2 coat system drys out quicker.
Features
- Wet look non yellowing sealer
- Highly water repellent
- Beautifies and protects faded pavers
- Repels, oil, grease and rust stains
- Resistant to hot tire pickup
- Reduces weed growth
- VOC compliant
- Abrasion resistant
- Makes surface easier to clean
- Mildew and fungi resistant
- Ideal joint-sand stabilizer
- Retards efflorescence
Typical Uses
- Interlocking concrete pavers
- New and old concrete
- Colored and stamp concrete
- Unglazed ceramic tiles – Saltillo
- Paving stones
- Masonry brick
- Natural stone
Shelf Life
12 months when stored at 77°F (25°C) or less in a dry and shaded area. Protect from freezing.
Theoretical Coverage
- Porous surface 150 – 200 ft²/gal (3.7- 4.9 m²/l)
- Dense surface 250 – 300 ft²/gal (6.0 -7.4 m²/l)
- A two coat application is recommended for porous substrates.
Applying StrongSeal WetLook - Demonstration by CoverTec
Frequently Asked Questions
What is StrongSeal Wetlook?
StrongSeal Wetlook is a professional grade water based polyurethane sealer developed specifically for sealing pavers, concrete, stone, and brick. The product is a concentrate that comes in 2 parts that you mix together and then dilute 1part sealer to 1-part water. We have many customers using StrongSeal Wetlook to provide a clear protective seal to pavers. It will also bring out the colors in the paver, stone, or concrete.
What comes in a kit of StrongSeal Wetlook?
The product is concentrated comes in a 5-gal kit and a 2-gal kit. The 5-gal kit will make 10 gals Ready To Use (RTU) when diluted with 5 gals of water. The 2-gal kit will make 4 gals RTU when diluted with 2 gals of water. The kit consists of an A side Plastic Pail and B side Plastic bottle. The mix ratio is 4A:1B. Cleaning products and application equipment are not included.
How do I clean and prepare the surface before sealing?
Spray the entire area with SurfaceClean using a low-pressure sprayer. Rinse with a pressure washer (1500 PSI minimum, 3000 PSI is best).Use CoverClean HC and scrubbing action to help remove petroleum stains.
Use Surface PrepWork cleaner to remove efflorescence and rust stains. The final cleaning step is to always pressure wash rinse with clear water, angling the spray to minimize loss of sand in the joints. If loss exceeds 3/8 inch, sweep in more when dry.
Does the surface need to be bone dry before I apply StrongSeal Wetlook?
No. StrongSeal Wetlook is damp tolerant. (unlike solvent based sealers). The surface can be damp but with no standing water.
How do you apply StrongSeal Wetlook?
StrongSeal may be applied by low pressure sprayer or 3/8th nap roller. Apply two or more coats. EACH COAT SHOULD BE DILUTED. Allow to dry tack free between coats. Apply each coat uniformly using a sprayer. For the first coat apply enough Wetlook to flood the joint which will provide joint stabilization. Ensure that all joints are flooded to maximize sealer soaking into the dry sand. Avoid puddling on the surface. Brush or roller any excess product.
Should I sand the joints first?
Yes. Sand the joints first and then use the sealer to lock everything together. This will also help reduce anthills and plant growth.
Can I use Polymetric Sand?
You can use polymetric sand with our sealer as well. It will work but no real advantage over real sand (if you are going to seal anyway) and more expensive. With polymetric sand, you need to make sure our sealer soaks in and not just pond on the top.
How do you recoat StrongSeal Wetlook?
It is not normally necessary to strip the sealer; you just need to pressure wash and scrub the surface clean so it can be top coated. Scrub with a red or marron pad and use SurfaceClean. Rinse off and allow the surface to dry.
How long does StrongSeal Wetlook take to dry?
Light foot traffic is possible after 2-6 hours and heavy foot traffic is possible after 12 hours at 77deg F (25 deg C) and 50% humidity. Dry time is very dependent product thickness, temperature, and humidity. The higher the temperature and humidity the faster it will dry. If the surface is cold and the air is dry the dry time will be significantly extended. Allow a further 24- 48 hours before driving over the surface.
Does the surface get slippery?
StrongSeal Wetlook has good anti slip properties when dry but it can get slippery when wet on a smooth surface. Increase slip resistance can be achieved by mixing in our CoverGrip anti slip additive at the time of application.
Can I use StrongSeal Wetlook inside?
Yes, StrongSeal water based a low odor (low VOC) sealer. It is a UV resistant non yellowing polyurethane coating and can be used for exterior and interior applications.
How long will StrongSeal Wetlook last?
Our go to product for sealing driveway pavers is the StrongSeal Wetlook. This is a tough sealer that will hold up well against your harsh summers and winters. Because it is a 2-part water-based urethane it last longer than standard acrylic sealers. Typically, it last up to 3 years before needing a recoat. High traffic (commercial) applications may need to be re coated sooner.
How many square feet will a full kit cover?
Each diluted gallon with cover approx. 200 sq. ft The 5-gallon kit will cover approximately 2000 sq. ft (186 sq.m) per coat. The 2-gal kit will cover approximately 800 sq. ft (74 sq.m) per coat. We recommend 2 coats.
Note that coverage depends on the texture of the surface and the size and porosity of the sand joints. Wider joint lines and very porous surfaces will use more material per gallon.
What Temperature should I apply StrongSeal?
Application is not recommended below 45°F (7°C) or above 95°F (35°C) . Avoid applying the sealer during the hottest part of the day when the surface temp is high. This will cause the sealer to dry too fast and prevent it from soaking in the surface properly.
How do you mix StrongSeal Wetllook?
The Mix Ratio is 4Part A to 1 Part B and is pre-measured in each container. Add the two parts together and mix for two minutes. The usable pot life of the mixed material is approximately 90 minutes. Only mix enough material that can all be used within 90 minutes of mixing. Split the quantities in 1/2 if necessary and only mix 1/2 the product at a time.
Mixed product should NEVER be stored in a closed container.
DILUTE 1 PART MIXED MATERIAL WITH 1 PART CLEAN WATER. For example, 5 gals of mixed material with 5 gals of water makes 10 gals of sealer ready to use.
How many Coats of StrongSeal do I need to apply?
Two coats are recommended. The first coat will soak deeper into the surface lock the pavers and sand together and seal off the surface > The second coat will provide further protection and color enhancement.
What type of sand should I use with your sealer?
The best sand to use with a paver sealer is coarse angular sand, that is well graded and washed. This will allow the sealer to soak into the sand and bind all the particles together. This will form a tough barrier to weed growth and anthills formation. Look in the concrete aisle. Avoid play sands and fine sand typically found in the garden aisle.
Can I color the pavers first?
Yes, StrongSeal Wetlook is fully compatible with ColorStain UV and most concrete stain (water based and solvent ). Follow concrete stain manufactures instruction regarding dry time. The concrete stain must be dry before sealing over with StrongSeal Wetlook.
How do I Clean and Maintain the Sealed Surface?
StrongSeal Wetlook when fully cured has a hard surface so dirt does not easily stick to it. You do not need to use aggressive cleaners. You can use mild liquid detergents and pressure washing. Stay away from harsh corrosive bleach type chemicals and solvents like Paint strippers, Acetone and Xylene. If you do have to use concentrated cleaners/degreasers. Dilute according to manufactures directions and clean up residue right away.
Can You Use StrongSeal Wetlook Sealer Over A Solvent-Based Sealer?
You should be careful when trying to use a water-based sealer over a solvent-based product.
You could get situation where the solvent-based rejects the water-based sealer over it.
If the solvent-based product was applied recently (less than a year ago), we do not recommend using our StrongSeal Wetlook over it. The better choice would be to top-coat that with a solvent based product.
If the surface was sealed with a solvent-based product more than a year ago, and it is “weathered” in that situation, then there is a possibility of top coating it with a water-based sealer.
Our StrongSeal Wetlook. good adhesion, and the kind of cross-linking chemical action, that would bond better to a weathered, solvent-based sealer. Always test a small area first. Check for adhesion and compatibility by coating a small test area. If lifting, wrinkling, excessive bubbling, slow drying, or other undesirable conditions occur, the previous sealer must be removed. Then, apply the StrongSeal directly.
Can StrongSeal be used for other surfaces other than pavers?
Yes. Because StrongSeal contains adhesion promoters it can bond to may surfaces including concrete, saltillo, brick, natural stone, and terrazzo.
StrongSeal Wetlook is not recommended for porcelain or ceramic tile or polished surfaces such as polished porcelain or polished marble.
Is the pot life important?
Yes, the pot life is very important. The pot life is basically the amount of working time you have to apply the product once the product is mixed. StrongSeal has a 90-minute pot life at 77deg F (25 deg C). Any remaining product after that point must be thrown away. Using product once in its past its pot life will result in product failure.