The Breathable Barrier
The "Breathable" Barrier In the sealing industry, moisture is the enemy. If moisture gets trapped under a sealer, it turns into a white, cloudy haze (blushing). This is a common risk with solvent-based acrylics in damp environments.
Water-based sealers are different. They are "microporous," meaning they create a strong protective shield that stops water and oil from soaking in, but allows ground moisture to breathe out.
-
Why this matters in Chicago: Our ground is constantly wet from snowmelt and spring rains. A breathable sealer is the safest insurance policy against whiteness and peeling.
Myth vs. Reality
-
The Myth: "Water-based sealers are weak and wash away quickly."
-
The Reality: That was true 20 years ago. Today, we use commercial-grade Water-Based Urethanes and Polymers. These form a chemical bond that is now harder and more durable than traditional solvents. They provide incredible resistance to de-icing salts, oil, and UV rays.
The Aesthetic: Water-based sealants are available in a range of finishes. From wet look, natural look, gloss, semi-gloss to matte finishes, the choice is yours.
"The Wet Look" option enhances and deepens the natural color of your pavers, creating a vibrant, refreshed appearance. This water-based sealant also provides strong protection against water penetration, stains, and everyday wear.
-
No Artificial Shine: If you dislike the "plastic" or "high-gloss" look of solvent-based sealants, this is the product for you. It looks natural, just cleaner.
"The Natural Look" Water-based sealant is the perfect choice if you want to protect your investment without changing its appearance. This option also provides the same strong protection against water penetration, stains, and everyday wear.
-
Invisible Armor: It does not darken the stone significantly. It preserves the natural, matte texture of the original paver.
Best Applications We highly recommend our premium water-based sealers for:
-
Brick Pavers: Driveways, patios and walkways.
-
Natural Stone: Bluestone, Limestone, and Travertine (which naturally hold moisture).
-
Pool Decks: It provides excellent slip resistance compared to high-gloss alternatives.
-
Clay Pavers: Preserves the classic red clay look without making it look orange or artificial.
Eco-Friendly & Low Odor Because there are no harsh solvents, our water-based application is low-VOC and virtually odorless.
-
Safe for Landscaping: No risk to your sensitive plants and grass.
-
Safe for Those with High Sensitivity to Odors: Most homeowners report this to be odor-less.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Will it look like I put nothing on it?
-
This depends on which finish you choose. If you choose the "Natural/No Gloss" option, yes, tt will look like your pavers do when they are clean and dry. You won't see a "film," but you will see the water beading up when it rains, proving the protection is there. If you choose the "Wet Look, Gloss" option, you will see color enhancement of your pavers along with a gloss finish.
-
-
Is it cheaper than solvent-based?
-
No. The high-quality commercial water-based sealers we use are actually more expensive per gallon than standard solvents because of the advanced polymer technology.
-
-
Is water-based better than solvent based?
-
In our professional opinion, absolutely! The benefits that a high quality water-based sealant provides far outweighs the minor difference in color enhancement and gloss.
-