Looking for the best paving sealers? We reviewed five top paving sealers that protect patios and driveways from stains, weeds and weather, without the marketing nonsense.
Why Paving Sealers Matter More Than You Think
Your paving gets more hard use and abuse than most things within your house. Rain, ice, algae, barbecue grease, muddy footprints, and an occasional drink spill combine on it every day. A paving sealer works like an invisible raincoat on your slabs, shielding them and making them look cool and less like an old car park.
Not All Sealers Are Equal
A layer may add intense colours with a rich ‘laid’ finish. On the other side, it might be solely formulated for added protection with a natural finish. And then there are some that offer a glossy finish. While some people might be very fond of these, some would be annoyed with these.
Less Cleaning, Less Weeds, Less Regrets
A good paving sealer will also help suppress weed growth, inhibit algae from accumulating, and make it easier to clean. You will no longer have to scrub your driveway for hours before dirt can be washed away. A paving sealer will make it easier, with fewer curse words included.
All products recommended within this guide have been capable of being used within a house and chosen based on factors like reliability and functionality as opposed to promise on the packaging.
Top 5 Paving Sealers
#1, Ronseal Thompson's Patio & Block Paving Seal Wet Look
A bit bored with your paving looking like it's been there for years and hasn't been properly sealed – with a sly, superior air about it? Well, it does what it says on the tin, and it doesn't often do that, but Ronseal's Wet Look sealer will sort you out. However, this particular product aims at developing colours and giving patios and block paving a rich look without making it an ice rink.
Protection-wise, it matches up. It will assist with repelling dirt, resists oil and fuel spills, and contains a biocide which slows down moss and algae growth. That alone makes it a good option for driveways and patios, particularly if cars, bicycles, and the occasional leaky mower are factored into the equation.
It’s very easy to apply but preparation makes all the difference. The state of your paving needs to be clean and properly dry, no rushing this job on a damp afternoon. It will then dry within an hour but a textured area may require a second coat.
It will be more suited to people who are seeking an active wet look finish. I personally would not recommend it for someone who wishes to maintain a natural, unspoiled finish. It would be better suited for colour and some protection.
#2, PLINTEX Stone Sealer Outdoor and Indoor 5L
PLINTEX goes about paving protector products with a more subdued and sensible approach. It’s not about the shine or the colour change – it’s about penetrating, sealing from the inside out, and getting on with the task at hand without calling attention to itself.
It contains a water-based impregnating formula that resists water, dirt, and general outdoor unpleasantness but still allows the stone to breathe. That’s perfect for stone, concrete, slate, or even indoor surfaces, should you be someone with products that get multiple jobs done as you do.
The coverage area offered by these paints is quite generous, reaching up to an area of 60 square meters, depending on what is thirsty, your paving or your paints. The finish on these paints retains its natural look and does not become glossy or dark. There is a beading effect caused by these paints. Water runs off instead of seeping into the surface.
It works perfectly for people who want something that will offer them protection without altering the aesthetic appeal of paving they have. It's not something flashy. It would not make your patio shine. It's something that will just offer you cleaning benefits without making things stand out. Being boring sometimes might be an advantage.
#3, Everbuild 405 High-Performance Path and Patio Seal
Everbuild 405 - It's Just a good pair of shoes. It's not going to set any fashion statements alight, but it's a good pair of shoes nonetheless. It's very much like Marmite - you either love it or hate it. It might not be glamorous, but it does exactly what it says on the tin and does it well. It's an acrylic sealer and uses no solvent. It's for paths, patios, and
Once it’s put on, it dries with a low-shine, water-repellent finish that will withstand rain, oil, petrol, and general garden dirt. It also contains a fungicide, so it works against algae and other growths, instead of just counting on it not appearing. Ease of use is definitely one of its strongest selling features. It doesn’t have a strong smell, it isn’t flammable, and it’s easy to apply. It’s thus recommended for home use. It doesn’t leave a glossy finish but instead gives a subtle touch. It thus enhances the paving by giving it a lift.
A tough, hardworking sealer that will enhance and maintain your look with very little extra work, and at a price that won’t break your budget, would be Everbuild 405.
#4, Stormdry Masonry Waterproofing 6L
Stormdry is slightly different from the rest on this list, and it’s worth pointing out early on. It’s no patio renovation product. It’s a serious, long-term masonry water-repellent solution that just so happens to be good on stone and concrete too.
Rather than a surface film, Stormdry penetrates masonry and establishes an invisible breathable barrier which repels water but lets moisture evaporate. As a consequence, there will be no colour change, no gloss, and no slippery finish but mere dry masonry as it should be.
It is BBA approved and will offer 25 years' protection, which is longer than some people own their cars. It is surprisingly easy to apply given its heavy-duty usage, requiring just one coat.
This works perfectly well if your prime focus is on water entry, damp issues, and weather-resistant qualities, as opposed to aesthetic purposes. Perhaps a bit extreme for decorative patios, but perfect for stonework and structural designs that have serious needs for weather resilience.
#5, Sika Patio Seal 5 Litre
Sika Patio Seal is the well-behaved guest at the garden party. It doesn't shout, it doesn't stink, and it won't disturb your plants. It is an acrylic sealer that uses water as its base. It's meant for people who want a reliable sealer without making their patio a chemistry lab.
It dries with a low sheen finish that resists slipping and works well to accentuate paving without giving it an entire wet look touch. Once it dries, it enhances water and mark resistance as well as everyday dirt, making it easier to clean. A simple soap and water solution will be enough. Additionally, it contains a fungicide that ensures algae and algae-like growths do not form. It is easy to apply and has a low odour that makes it a delight to use.
If you want a reliable and easy-to-apply patio sealer that also gets on well with pets, plants, and neighbours, Sika Patio Seal is an extremely safe option.
Conclusion - Which Paving Sealer Should You Choose?
As for choosing a paving sealer that will perform best, it very much depends on your personal preferences regarding your outside area. Perhaps you appreciate an excellent, wet finish. A wet look sealer will achieve exactly that. Perhaps you have something more conservative and safety-minded in mind. A low sheen sealer will suit your needs.
When it comes to prolonged protection against moisture and weathering, penetrating sealers provide serious substance with no aesthetic impact. At the same time, all-purpose formulas with fungicides and water-repelling properties are well balanced.
Final Word
But things are better because there are paving sealer paints on the market today that are very easy to apply compared with old ones. Picking the best for your paving materials and your level of patience will make your patio happy because it will be pleased with your work and will remain good for years to come instead of just weeks.
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