Sealing pavers

[novice22]

Hi, all. My handle says it all!

We have about 68 m2 of terra cotta paving on our patio and pool surround area. We are tired of how easily it gets stained and absorbs just about anything with a fat content that spills on it.

I am planning on cleaning it with the water blaster [grout joints are dirty] and sealing it all. I thought it best to get a word from the wise here as the salesperson at Bunnings wasn't much help yesterday. He suggeste d Berger Aquatread as it iis water based and easy to apply but the label says it is for concrete.

A few questions:

1. water blasting on its own doesn't remove stains like grease from BBQ etc. I have used CLR Oil & Grease Remover, also Kircher Degreaser - both helped but I can't get it all out. Any ideas?

2. what brand sealer do people recommend I use? I'm looking for a matt, satin o r natural finish, resists staining well and of course with as little maintenance as possible. Easy is best! All suggestions welcome.

3. once pavers have been sealed, how often must they be re-done and how much preparation is required second or third time around? Hopefully I'm not creating a rod for my own back.

Many thanks

[Barry_White]

Hi Novice

This may help if you went to a pool shop and asked for a product called Zeolite. It may come as a different name. It comes in several forms eg. Powder, Grit or Granules and it is also used a pool filter medium. It is a natural occurring mineral that takes up oil grease heavy metals etc. Just spread it over the stains and leave it there for several days.

They use it in service stations to soak up oil and fuel spills.

Another option maybe Kitty Litter

http://www.cmzeolites.com.au/

I have friend that does sealing of concrete and stenciling. I wont see him until Sunday so I will ask him what is the best sealer and let you know next week if someone doesn't give you a heads up in the meantime.

[Planned LScape]

Spend a bit extra on a good cleaner and sealer, as they will last a few years, cheaper ones last 12 months or so.

I usually use a sealer called Miteq, not sure of availability in states other than Vic though. The cleaner has some pretty harsh thinga in it, but will not etch some of the mortar/grout away like some of the products with straight hydroichloric acid will.

Then you can either get a penetrating sealer- which seals the surface and inside, but the surface looks the same as what it did before.

Then there is a sealer which coats the top and leaves a semi-gloss, glossy or slightly wet finish. I usually go for the slightly wet look, too glossy doesnt look the best but considering most paving looks good slightly wet, I use that one. Expoect to pay a few $100 for the sealer though, it's not cheap.

[novice22]

Thanks for the replies.

My apologies. When I said "pavers" I meant "tiles" ie they are square terra cotta, about 400 x 400, grouted and laid on concrete base.

I take it Miteq is suitable for that?

[Planned LScape]

Yes, the 102 sealer can do that
http://www.miteq.com.au/products/ps102.html