Choosing the right **brick paver sealer** is what separates a paver patio that looks new for a decade from one that fades, weeds, and pits inside two summers. We seal thousands of square feet of brick pavers, concrete pavers, and natural stone every year across South Florida, and the sealer we reach for depends on the surface, the finish the homeowner wants, and how much sun and pool chemistry it has to survive. This review is what we tell homeowners when they ask which brick paver sealer to use. ## What is the best brick paver sealer to use? For most residential brick pavers and paver patios, the best paver sealer is a **solvent-based acrylic sealer** with UV inhibitors — Super Seal 25 Non-Yellow is our default pick. It penetrates deeply into the paver surface, enhances the natural color of the brick, offers long-lasting protection, and won't yellow in Florida sun. For homeowners who prefer a natural finish, a penetrating paver sealer in a matte finish is the right choice. For anyone chasing that deep wet-look sealer shine, Supreme Shield SB-600 or a similar wet look paver sealer wins. Our full regional pick list lives in the [best paver sealer for Florida](/resources/best-paver-sealer-for-florida/) guide. ## What types of paver sealers do professionals use? Professionals use four broad sealer types on brick pavers, patio pavers, and concrete surfaces: - **Penetrating (non-film-forming) paver sealers** — impregnating sealers that soak into the paver stones and create a protective barrier from within. Great for a natural look, no plastic look, breathable. - **Film-forming acrylic sealers** — form a visible layer on top, enhance color, and deliver gloss. Split into solid acrylics (high durability, high gloss) and breathable acrylics (release trapped moisture, prevent efflorescence). - **Solvent-based sealers** — deep penetration, strong color enhancement, fast dry times, best for outdoor high-traffic walkways and driveways. - **Water-based sealers** — low VOC (low volatile organic compounds), safer to apply, easier cleanup; better for enclosed patios and environmentally sensitive areas. The type of paver sealer you pick sets both the appearance of the paver and how long the seal lasts. Our [wet-look vs matte paver sealer](/resources/wet-look-vs-matte-paver-sealer/) walk-through is the fastest way to lock the finish before shopping. ## Is sealing brick pavers a good idea, and what are the benefits? Yes — sealing brick pavers is one of the highest-return maintenance decisions on a paver patio. A quality sealer designed to protect the paver surface delivers: - **Stain protection** from grill grease, wine, sunscreen, leaves, and rust. - **Long-lasting protection** against UV fading, freeze-thaw, and pool chemistry. - Locked joint sand — the sealer stabilizing paver joints stops sand washout and keeps weeds and moss out. - Enhanced color and gloss (with a color enhancer sealer or wet-look sealer) or preserved natural stone appearance (with a penetrating sealer). - Easier cleaning — sealed pavers rinse clean instead of holding dirt. ## What is the best method for applying paver sealer: spraying or rolling? The short answer: **spray and back-roll**. Applying the sealer with a low-pressure sprayer gives complete coverage across the paver surface, and following immediately with a paint roller works the product into the pores and evens the film. Spraying alone leaves puddles; rolling alone misses joints. The combined method is what the manufacturer's instructions on almost every professional-grade product describe. ## Which paver sealer offers the longest-lasting protection? **Solvent-based acrylic sealers** deliver the longest-lasting protection on brick pavers exposed to full sun and heavy use — typically 3–5 years between reseal cycles versus 2–3 for water-based paver sealers. Non-film-forming penetrating sealers can last 5+ years on a natural finish, though they don't offer the same visible gloss. The [how long does paver sealer last](/resources/how-long-does-paver-sealer-last/) resource has the full retest cadence. ## Product Reviews ### Best Overall: Super Seal 25 Non-Yellow Our default pick for brick paver sealer. This is a solvent-based acrylic sealer that enhances the natural color of concrete brick, brick pavers, and concrete surfaces with a low-gloss wet look and semi-gloss finish. UV protection prevents yellowing over time. The solvent-based formula ensures deep penetration and long-lasting protection, and the user-friendly application forgives an amateur hand. ### Best Glossy: Super Seal 30 Higher Gloss Super Seal 30 is a solvent-based, breathable styrene-acrylic surface sealer that delivers a deep wet look shine with higher gloss than the SS25. Joint sand stabilization is baked in. Best used on decorative cement and brick paver walkways where the homeowner wants the pavers to visibly pop and doesn't mind the slippery-when-wet trade-off in shaded areas. ### Best Wet Look: Supreme Shield SB-600 Supreme Shield SB-600 is a solvent-based wet look sealer that delivers a beautiful wet look without the plastic look many cheap products produce. One gallon covers 100–200 sq ft of concrete surfaces or brick pavers depending on porosity. Applies with a brush, roller, or sprayer. Long-lasting protection against stains and easy on the applicator. ### Best Water-Based: Masonry Saver Paver Sealer The Masonry Saver Paver Sealer is our top water-based paver sealer for anyone in a low-VOC market or an environmentally sensitive install. Guards against weathering, resists stains and wear, enhances surface durability, and maintains a natural finish on brick pavers and concrete pavers. Not as deeply penetrating as solvent-based options, but the eco-friendly profile wins in the right project. ### Best Water-Based Wet Look: Surebond SB-6000 Surebond SB-6000 is a water-based wet look paver sealer that dries fast, ships low-impact, and delivers a deep wet look shine. Ideal for pool decks, patios, and sensitive areas where a solvent-based product isn't appropriate. Quick application, minimal downtime, and a satin finish that reads natural at a distance and wet up close. ### Best Penetrating: Seal 'n Lock Natural For homeowners who prefer a natural finish or explicitly do not want a film-forming paver, a professional-grade penetrating paver sealer like Seal 'n Lock Natural is the right choice. Non-film-forming, breathable, penetrates deeply into the paver, stabilizes joint sand, and preserves the exact appearance of the paver — no gloss, no wet look, no plastic look. Best penetrating option we carry. ## What is the difference between solvent-based and water-based paver sealers? Solvent-based sealers use petroleum carriers that penetrate deeper, enhance color more aggressively, dry faster in humid climates, and generally last longer. Trade-off: strong odor, higher VOCs, and stricter handling. Water-based sealers use water as the carrier — lower odor, low VOC, safer for pets and enclosed patios, and often preferred for indoor-adjacent or environmentally sensitive concrete surfaces. Both categories seal concrete and brick effectively; the choice comes down to environment and finish preference. ## What is the difference between a wet-look and a natural finish paver sealer? A wet-look paver sealer leaves the paver surface looking like it just rained — colors darker, richer, and glossier. A natural finish sealer preserves the exact color and texture of the dry paver — no shine, no darkening. Wet look is the choice for entertainment areas, pool decks, and driveway projects that want visual impact. Natural finish wins for anyone who wants sealed pavers to look unsealed. ## Can I apply paver sealer myself, or should I hire a professional? You can — the tools (sprayer, paint roller, safety gear) are cheap and the technique isn't hard. What kills DIY jobs is skipping surface prep, applying to damp pavers, or using the wrong sealer for the surface. If the patio is over 500 sq ft, has staining or efflorescence, or the homeowner wants a wet-look finish (which is the least forgiving), a professional sealing job pays for itself. Our regional [cost to seal pavers](/resources/how-much-does-it-cost-to-seal-pavers/) guide helps you compare DIY math to a quoted service. ## Do paver sealers help prevent weeds and moss? Yes, indirectly. The paver sealant itself doesn't kill weeds — but by stabilizing the polymeric joint sand and creating a protective barrier over the paver surface, the sealer denies weeds a place to root. Sealed pavers with intact joint sand can go years between weed events. Skip the sealer and you'll be pulling grass every spring. ## Application and Maintenance Tips ### Proper application technique Clean the paver stones thoroughly with a pressure washer, allow the surface to dry completely (48 hours minimum in Florida), inspect for cracks and repair. Refresh polymeric paver sand joints. Apply the sealer in two thin, uniform coats using a sprayer and back-rolling with a paint roller. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying times between coats — usually 2–4 hours for solvent-based, 4–8 hours for water-based. Once the sealer dries, foot traffic can resume; vehicles wait 72 hours. ### Maintenance for longevity Sweep weekly, rinse monthly, and clean spills as they happen. Reapply the sealer every 3–5 years, or when the water bead test fails. Watch for fading, joint sand loss, or slippery patches — all signs the sealer protects less than it used to. Proper drainage prevents pooling that shortens sealer life. Refresh joint sand as needed before each reseal. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What paver sealer lasts the longest? Solvent-based acrylic sealers designed for brick pavers typically last 3–5 years in South Florida sun. Penetrating (non-film-forming) sealers can last 5+ years but don't provide a glossy finish. Water-based sealers land at 2–3 years. Longevity also depends on foot traffic, sun exposure, and pool chemistry. ### What do professionals use to seal pavers? Most professional installers use solvent-based acrylic sealers for driveway and outdoor high-traffic paver patios, and penetrating sealers for natural stone surfaces and travertine. Brand choice varies by region — in Florida we lean on Super Seal, Surebond, and Techniseal families. ### Is it better to spray or roll paver sealer? Both, in sequence. Spray a low-pressure coat for complete coverage, then back-roll with a paint roller to work the sealer into the paver surface and pull excess out of joints. Rolling alone under-covers; spraying alone puddles. ### Is sealing brick pavers a good idea? Yes — sealing brick pavers protects against stains and weathering, enhances color (or preserves natural finish, depending on sealer type), stabilizes joint sand, and roughly doubles the useful life between major maintenance events. It's the single best return on maintenance dollars for a paver patio. ### Can you seal wet or damp pavers? No. Paver sealers require a completely dry surface. Applying to damp pavers traps moisture, causes white blushing or peeling, and often requires a full strip. Wait 48 hours after any rain or pressure wash before sealing. ### Will sealer make the pavers slippery when wet? Wet-look and high-gloss paver sealers can be slippery when wet, particularly near pools. Non-film-forming penetrating sealers and matte-finish water-based products stay grippy. Add a fine slip-resistant additive to any glossy product used near a pool. ### How much sealer do I need per square foot? Coverage rates vary by product and paver porosity. Solvent-based acrylic sealers typically cover 100–200 sq ft per gallon on first coat, 150–250 sq ft on second coat. Penetrating sealers cover 150–300 sq ft per gallon depending on absorption. Always order 10% more than the calculated need. Choosing the right sealer for patio pavers, driveway concrete brick, or a natural stone walkway comes down to the finish you want and the exposure it faces. If you'd rather have the right sealer chosen, applied, and warrantied by a licensed contractor, [see our paver sealing service](/services/paver-sealing/) — we spec the sealer to the surface, not the shelf.