When you think of a wet look paver sealer, two different things come to mind. There is “wet look” as in high gloss, and then there is “wet look” as in the pavers look like they look when wet with water. While you would assume the meaning is the same across all products, it couldn’t be more different.

First, let’s to over the types of wet look paver sealers because the type of wet look paver sealer will often determine the finish.

There are several differences between water and solvent based acrylics, but the main difference when it comes to how the sealers look is that water based acrylic sealers will not darken the concrete to make it look wet, but solvent based acrylics will. If you want your pavers to look like they look when wet, then you want a solvent based acrylic. If you want a high gloss but don’t want your pavers to darken, then you want a water based acrylic.

Water based acrylic wet look sealer reviews:

• Seal-Krete Clear Seal Acrylic Sealer (average 4 star review)
• Armor WB25 Acrylic Sealer (average 4.9 star review)

Solvent based acrylic wet look sealer reviews:

• Eagle High Gloss Sealer (average 4.6 star review)
• Armor AR350 Wet Look Sealer (average 4.8 star review)
• Armor AR500 High Gloss Sealer (average 4.9 star review)
• Enduraseal SB Acrylic Sealer (average 4.5 star review)

There are a few different types of acrylic sealers on the market. There are acrylic lacquers, acrylic co-polymers, and acrylic latex sealers. Acrylic latex sealers should not be classified as an acrylic sealer because they contain latex. Latex is non-breathable and functions more like a paint. If you apply an acrylic latex sealer to pavers, it will most likely fail because of the lack of breathability and ability to bond.

Acrylic lacquer sealers and acrylic co-polymers. Acrylic lacquers are pure acrylic sealers primarily used on cured concrete and pavers, and acrylic co-polymers contain styrene and are commonly used on new, uncured concrete. Both types of sealers will do a great job at sealing pavers, but an acrylic lacquer typically offers a better bond and higher shine.

How to Apply a Wet Look Paver Sealer

Pavers are very porous and will soak up a lot of material which is why modifying application instructions can give you better results. There isn’t much that can be done to modify the application of a water based acrylic, but with a solvent based acrylic a few things can be done:

1. When applying a solvent based wet look sealer you want to apply two coats. Applying only one coat to pavers can result in an uneven wet look or a low gloss.
2. When applying a solvent based wet look sealer you should space the coats out by 12-24 hours. If you apply the second coat onto an uncured first coat, the pavers will soak up the second coat almost as fast as they soaked up the first coat. By allowing the first coat to fully cure then the second coat will sit on the first coat, resulting in a higher gloss.
3. Make sure the pavers are completely dry during the time of application. Pavers are porous and allow for moisture to pass through, and acrylics are sensitive to moisture. If a pressure washer is used to clean the pavers, make sure they are allowed to dry for at least 24 hours before sealing.