How to Apply Patio Sealer
Knowing how to apply patio sealer can be a challenge, but well worth it if you’re looking to save money on a professional clean.
Sealing your patio is one of the best ways to protect it from stains, weather damage, and green algae. It also enhances the colour and finish of your paving – keeping it looking new for longer.
Learn how to apply sealer to patio surfaces with Premium Paint’s complete guide.
We’ll walk you through the process step by step, including how long does patio sealer take to dry and how to remove patio sealer if things don’t go to plan…
What You’ll Need to Seal a Patio
Before you start, make sure you have:
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Pressure washer or stiff broom
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A dry, mild-weather window (at least 2–3 days without rain)
Choose the right patio sealer for you to get started
How to Apply Patio Sealer – 4 Simple Steps
1. Wait Until Your Patio Is Fully Settled
If you’ve recently installed new paving, don’t rush to seal it. You should wait at least 8–12 weeks after installation before applying a sealer.
This gives time for any efflorescence (a white, chalky residue caused by salts in the stone) to rise to the surface and wash away naturally. If you try to apply sealer to patio surfaces too early, you can trap this residue beneath the surface, leaving white patches that are difficult to remove.
2. Clean Your Patio Thoroughly
Start by giving your patio a deep clean. Remove debris, moss, and dirt using a pressure washer or stiff broom. Make sure the surface is completely clean as any dirt or stains left behind will be sealed in permanently.
Once you’ve finished, allow at least 72 hours of dry weather before applying sealer. If there’s any trapped moisture, it can react with the sealant and cause a cloudy or “bloomed” finish.
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Tip: Avoid blasting jointing sand with high-pressure water. If necessary, refill gaps with kiln-dried sand once the patio is dry. |
3. Apply the First Coat of Sealer
Once your patio is clean and dry, you can start sealing!
To begin, pour the patio sealer into a tray and use a long-handled roller to apply an even coat over the slabs, working in small sections.
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Tip: Avoid brushing or rolling sealer into the joints, as this can prevent proper drainage. |
You can also use a sprayer for faster coverage, but ensure the layer is consistent and not over-applied. Remember, one coat is sufficient for most invisible sealers. But, if you’re using a colour-enhancing sealer, apply two or three coats depending on the desired finish – from matte to a wet-look gloss.
4. Apply Additional Coats (If Required)
If you’re applying more than one coat, wait until the previous layer is touch-dry (usually around an hour) before adding the next.
Don’t let the first coat dry completely before applying the second – slightly damp sealer allows better penetration and adhesion between layers.
As a guide:
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1 coat: Subtle, matte finish
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2 coats: Gloss finish
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3 coats: Deep, wet-look shine
How Long Does Patio Sealer Take to Dry?
Drying times vary by product and weather conditions, but most patio sealers take between 24 and 48 hours to fully dry.
Here’s a general rule of thumb:
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Touch dry: 1–2 hours
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Safe to walk on: 24 hours
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Fully cured: 48 hours
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions, as cold or humid weather can extend drying time.
Remember not to walk or place furniture on the patio until the sealer has cured completely!
How to Remove Patio Sealer
If you’ve applied too much sealer, used the wrong product, or want to start fresh, you can remove patio sealer to keep your patio paint sealer job on track.
Here’s how to do it safely:
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Use a specialist sealer remover – these break down the old coating without damaging the stone.
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Apply the remover evenly and leave it to soak for the time recommended on the product label.
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Scrub or pressure wash the surface to lift the softened sealer.
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Rinse thoroughly and let the patio dry before reapplying a new coat.
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Avoid using harsh acids or household solvents, as they can damage the stone surface.
How to Maintain Your Patio Paint Sealer
Sealing isn’t a one-time job thanks to rain and UV exposure wearing the coating down over time.
To keep your patio protected we recommend:
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Reseal every 3–5 years (or every 18–24 months for high-traffic areas).
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Clean regularly with mild, pH-neutral products.
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Sweep away debris and leaves to prevent staining.
A little routine care helps your patio paint sealer last longer and keeps your outdoor space looking freshly finished all year round.
Choosing the Right Patio Sealer
There are two main types of patio sealer:
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Invisible sealers: Provide long-lasting protection without altering the natural colour of your paving.
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Colour-enhancing sealers: Deepen and brighten tones for a richer appearance.
Browse our range and find the right patio sealer for your project
Keep your patio protected with Premium Paints.
At Premium Paints, we stock a wide range of patio sealers and primers suitable for all stone types – including sandstone, limestone, concrete, and porcelain.
Our products offer long-lasting protection, easy application, and high resistance to UV, algae, and staining.
