Water Based Sealers
Pros
Natural look, no colour enhancement of paving
Can be applied to damp surfaces
Easy to apply
Eco friendly
Little to no smell
Can be applied with standard equipment from a hardware store
Safer to work with, no harsh chemicals
Easy clean up
Cons
Needs to be applied in warmer temperatures (10+ degrees)
Doesn't enhance colours of paving.
Can be difficult to put right/remove if something goes wrong
Depending on the type of Water based sealer it might not harden sand joints
May allow efflorescence to come to the surface
Slower drying times
Acrylic Sealers
Pros
Enhance the colour of the paving
Most Acrylics are compatible meaning you don't have to remove the old sealer before applying a fresh coat
Easy to put right/remove if something goes wrong
Set the sand hard on block paving
Easy to apply
Comes in a wide range of finishes (Matt through to High gloss)
Can be coloured using suitable colour
Will block efflorescence from coming to the surface (any existing efflorescence needs to be removed before applying)
Quick drying time (depending on the sealer)
Cons
Strong solvent smell that some people find unpleasant
Needs special equipment or single use tools to apply
Surface must be dry
PPE needed due to chemicals (gloves and eyewear are a minimum, mask if working in an enclosed space)
Urethanes
Pros
Enhance the colour of the paving
Very hard wearing with high chemical resistance
Comes in a wide range of finishes (Matt to High gloss)
Can be coloured using suitable colour
Will block efflorescence from coming to the surface (any existing efflorescence needs to be removed before applying)
Sets sand hard on Block paving
Cons
Strong solvent smell that some find unpleasant.
Needs special equipment or single use tools to apply
Surface must be 100% dry
PPE needed due to chemicals (gloves and eyewear are a minimum, mask if working in an enclosed space)
Impossible to put right has to be removed if something goes wrong
Longer drying times
Must be 100% removed before applying a fresh coat of sealer
As you can see there are pros and cons of each type of sealer.
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