If you’ve been looking at paver sealers, you know that they come in a nearly infinite number of different varieties. Not only are there different finishes to think about, you also have the option of using water-based paver sealer or solvent-based. What’s the difference between the two? And is one or the other better if your live in the Sunshine State? What is the best paver sealer for Florida residents?
What are solvent-based paver sealers?
Solvent-based paver sealers are normally made up of an acrylic polymer blend that includes different quantities of solid material in them. This varying amount of solid determines how thick or thin the sealer is. Although solvent-based paver sealer performs similarly to water-based sealers, it normally offers a thicker coat that leaves a higher gloss to your pavers. Generally, solvent-based sealers are more difficult to apply, creating more problems and forcing you to deal with issues that you wouldn’t have with a water-based sealer.
In addition, solvent-based sealers tend to have a stronger smell and require a well-ventilated area during application. They also do better when they’re rolled on rather than being sprayed since they’re so much thicker than water-based sealers.
Finally, if solvent-based sealers aren’t applied correctly, moisture can become trapped inside and your pavers can end up with unwanted, washed-out colors.
Although solvent-based sealers have their place, we generally recommend a water-based paver sealer for Florida residents.
What are water-based paver sealers?
Like solvent-based sealers, water-based sealers also include acrylic polymers. The difference between the two is the way that those polymers are distributed. As their name implies, water-based sealers disperse their polymers using water molecules. This creates a mixture that’s much thinner and more easily applied.
Water-based sealers can be laid down with a sprayer – even an ordinary garden sprayer that you might normally use for fertilizer. And since the consistency isn’t so thick, water-based sealers also tend to offer coverage that’s more uniform. You won’t have to worry about spreading out thick spots since the watery sealer tends to spread on its own.
After you apply this kind of sealer, the water will evaporate, leaving the acrylic polymers to lock and seal your pavers, protecting them from stains, unwanted vegetation, and undesirable movement.
In addition to a simpler application, water-based sealers also fade more gradually, don’t have the strong odors associated with solvent-based sealers, and won’t trap moisture.
So, what’s the best paver sealer for Florida residents?
After years of experience in the industry, we believe that the best paver sealer for Florida residents is a water-based sealer. It’s easier to apply, less likely to have problems, and lasts just as long. Unless you have very specific reasons for wanting to use a solvent-based sealer, we recommend a water-based one. And if you’d like more information about water-based paver sealers and why we think they’re a better option, check out this article.
Check out our water based sealers here!
