Quick Answer:
For most homeowners, a high-quality water-based paver sealer is the best choice because it offers excellent protection with lower odor, lower VOCs, and simpler long-term maintenance.
Solvent-based sealers are mainly worth considering if you want maximum “wet look” color enhancement and you’re comfortable with strong odor and stricter application conditions.
On This Page:
Finish Options
Water Based
Solvent Based
Wide range: gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and natural - easy to match the home's style.
Often leans glossy; fewer natural finish options.
Color Enhancement
Water Based
Solvent Based
Enhances color without over-darkening - more consistent, "clean" enhancement.
Can darken more aggressively; sometimes looks "too wet", "fake" or uneven on some pavers.
Longevity
Water Based
Solvent Based
3-5 years before next application depending on traffic and site conditions.
2-3 years before next application depending on traffic and site conditions.
The Evolution of Sealing
Out with the Old, In with the Breathable
For decades, "Solvent-Based" (Oil-Based) Acrylic was the only option. It smelled strong, it looked shiny, and it worked—until it didn't. In the harsh Chicagoland climate, traditional solvent sealers have a major flaw: They form a plastic film that traps moisture.
Today, the industry has shifted. We use commercial-grade Water-Based Urethanes (similar to the ultra-tough finish on hardwood floors). These are not the "weak" water-based sealers of the past; they are chemically engineered to outlast and outperform solvents in almost every category.
The Top 3 Reasons We Favor Water-Based
1) The "Breathability" Factor (Crucial for Chicago) This is the #1 reason we steer clients away from solvent-based products.
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The Problem: Chicago ground is constantly wet from snowmelt and rain. Solvent sealers create a non-porous "cap" on your pavers. When ground moisture tries to evaporate, it hits that cap and turns into a milky white haze ("blushing").
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The Water-Based Solution: Our water-based sealers are microporous. They stop water from soaking in from the top, but they allow ground vapor to breathe out. This virtually eliminates the risk of white haze and peeling.
2) Structural Joint Stabilization A driveway or patio is only as strong as the sand holding it together.
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The Problem: Solvent sealers are thin. They coat the sand but don't always bind it deeply.
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The Water-Based Solution: Water-based polymers are excellent "glues." They soak deep into the paver joints, hardening the sand into a grout-like barrier that resists weeds and ants far better than most solvent alternatives.
3) Safety & Comfort
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No Toxic Fumes: Solvent sealers release high-VOC fumes that can linger for days, irritating pets and neighbors. Water-based is low-odor and eco-friendly.
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Natural Grip: Solvent sealers can turn your patio into a skating rink when wet. Water-based sealers naturally preserve the texture of the paver, making them the only safe choice for pool decks and steep driveways.
The "Wet Look" Myth
Do I Need Solvent to Get Color? No. A common misconception is that water-based sealers look "dry." When applied correctly, we can obtain a Gloss, Matte or Satin finish (the preferred look for modern luxury homes), and they still provide Color Enhancement. They bring out the reds and charcoals of your brick, making them look clean and vibrant, without the artificial "plastic" shine of an oil-based coating.
When is Solvent-Based Actually Necessary?
We view Solvent-Based sealers as a Restoration Tool, not a daily maintenance product. We generally only recommend them in two specific cases:
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Extreme Fading: If your pavers are 20+ years old and completely white/gray, solvent is sometimes the best choice to artificially darken them back to life.
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Previous Application: If you already have a solvent sealer on your driveway or patio, we must use a compatible solvent to re-coat it (unless we strip it first).
Why We Typically Recommend Water-Based (Simple Science)
The main difference is the carrier:
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Water-based sealer: resin is dispersed in water, then forms a protective barrier as water evaporates.
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Solvent-based sealer: resin is dissolved in solvent and deposits as the solvent flashes off.
Modern water-based chemistry has come a long way. When the surface is properly cleaned and dried, water-based systems can deliver outstanding protection—often with fewer headaches for homeowners during application and future maintenance.
The Comparison That Matters to Homeowners
1) Odor, VOCs, and “Living With It”
This is where water-based clearly wins for most residential properties.
Water-based:
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Lower odor (more comfortable for families and neighbors)
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Typically lower VOCs
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Better choice around windows, attached garages, and enclosed patios
Solvent-based:
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Strong odor
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More sensitive for tight spaces and occupied homes
Bottom line: If you’ll be home while it’s curing—or if neighbors are close—water-based is almost always the better experience.
2) Maintenance and Re-Coating Simplicity
A great sealer is about long-term ownership, not just day-one shine.
Water-based: Often easier to maintain and recoat because many systems are designed to be more forgiving when refreshed (depending on the product line and surface condition).
Solvent-based: Can look amazing, but homeowners often run into issues when re-coating years later—especially if the old film wears unevenly or if an incompatible product gets applied on top.
Expert tip: Most sealer “failures” we see are actually application problems from inexperienced contractors and DIY's. This is why hiring a professional to do it properly the first time is so important.
3) Driveways vs Patios (real-world performance)
Driveways are tough: turning tires, hot rubber, winter salt residue, and repeated cleaning.
Water-based (favored for driveways):
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Often handles driveway realities better (scuffs and recoat planning)
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Strong protection without pushing an ultra-thick, high-gloss film
Solvent-based:
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Can show tire marks and wear patterns more obviously, especially in higher gloss finishes
Bottom line:✅ Water-based is usually the better default for driveways.
4) Slip Risk (Traction)
Gloss increases slip risk more than “water vs solvent.”
But in the real world, the highest-gloss systems are often solvent-based, and that’s where homeowners feel slipperiness most.
Water-based: Often easier to select semi-gloss, satin, or natural-look options that maintain safer traction.
Solvent-based: High-gloss wet-look finishes may feel slicker, especially when wet.
Best practice: Choose the lowest sheen that achieves your desired look, and consider a traction additive in priority areas.
5) UV Protection and Longevity
UV protection comes from UV additives + resin quality + correct film build, not just the carrier.
Key point: You can get excellent UV resistance with modern water-based systems—especially when installed correctly on clean pavers.
Bottom line: Don’t choose solvent-based assuming it “automatically lasts longer.” Many long-lasting residential systems today are water-based because formulations have drastically improved over the years.
6) Appearance: Wet Look vs Natural Look
This is an area that is truly a personal choice and one needs to weigh their options.
Water-based: Great protection with a clean, controlled look—often enriched color, natural to satin, with gloss options available.
Solvent-based: Typically the biggest color pop and deepest wet look.
Best Choice by Goal
Best Overall Choice for Most Homes
✅ Water-based paver sealer
Lower odor, appealing color enhancement, strong protection, and easier long-term maintenance.
Best for Driveways
✅ Water-based
Better real-world practicality for wear patterns, cleaning, and future recoats.
Best for Patios
✅ Water-based (most cases)
More natural looking gloss levels and easier ownership.
Consider solvent-based only if your #1 priority is maximum wet look & high gloss.
Best for Maximum Gloss
⚠️ Solvent-based
Choose only if you specifically want the strongest gloss and accept the drawbacks.
Best for Traction-Sensitive Areas
✅ Water-based in a lower sheen + optional traction additive.
What We Look At Before Recommending a Sealer (pro checklist)
To choose the right system, we evaluate:
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Paver texture (tumbled vs smooth)
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Drainage & moisture (standing water causes failures)
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Existing sealer (compatibility is everything)
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Finish preference (natural / satin / wet look)
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Traffic (cars vs foot traffic)
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Joint sand plan (polymeric sand or stabilization strategy)
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Age & condition of pavers (20 years old vs brand new)
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Sun exposure (full sun vs full shade)
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Tree cover (organic tannin stain potential)
Common Mistakes Inexperienced Contractors & DIY's Make
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Sealing over damp pavers with solvent based sealant → haze/whitening, poor bonding
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Skipping deep cleaning → sealing in stains and organics
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Improper application of sealant → rolling the sealant instead of spraying it
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Over-applying → bubbles and uneven cure
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Mixing sealer types without testing → peeling/tackiness
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Ignoring drainage issues → moisture pressure damages the film
Why water-based helps: it generally offers a more manageable application experience and simpler maintenance—so fewer homeowners end up with expensive fixes later.
Common Questions About Sealer Types
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Is water-based sealer better than oil-based?
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Yes. Modern water-based urethanes are more durable, safer for the environment, and most importantly, breathable. This prevents the "white haze" issues that plague oil-based sealers in the Chicagoland area.
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Does solvent-based sealer last longer?
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No. In our experience, the commercial grade, water-based sealer that we use lasts approximately twice as long as conventional oil-based sealers.
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Why does my contractor recommend oil-based?
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Many older contractors prefer oil-based simply because it is what they have used for years ("Old habits die hard"). However, paver manufacturers like Unilock generally recommend water-based sealers to protect the integrity of the paver.
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Which is less slippery?
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Water-based sealants are less slippery than solvent-based. This is due to the penetrating, non-film forming effect of water-based. Solvent-based leaves a film on top of the paver which leads to it being slippery when wet.
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Chicagoland Performance Notes
In Chicago-area conditions—freeze/thaw cycles, de-icing salt residue, and big seasonal temperature swings—proper cleaning, drying, and product compatibility matter more than anything. Water-based systems are often the best match for homeowners here because they provide strong protection while being easier to maintain and recoat over time.
Finish Options
Water Based
Solvent Based
Wide range: gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and natural - easy to match the home's style.
Often leans glossy; fewer natural finish options.
UV Protection
Water Based
Solvent Based
Superior protection. Modern water-based formulas tend to hold color and clarity incredibly well.
Can be durable, but some solvent films are more prone to yellowing/uneven aging.
Color Enhancement
Water Based
Solvent Based
Enhances color without over-darkening - more consistent, "clean" enhancement.
Can darken more aggressively; sometimes looks "too wet", "fake" or uneven on some pavers.
Moisture Sensitivity
Water Based
Solvent Based
Breathable barrier. Handles normal vapor transmission very well when applied correctly.
Can trap moisture under a tighter film; can contribute to issues if moisture is present.
Longevity
Water Based
Solvent Based
3-5 years before next application depending on traffic and site conditions.
2-3 years before next application depending on traffic and site conditions.
Slip Resistance
Water Based
Solvent Based
Does not create a film on top of the paver. No slip issues when applied correctly.
Creates a thick, plastic-like film that can become incredibly slippery when it rains or snows.
Odor
Water Based
Solvent Based
Very low to no odor. Some report the smell of milk during application.
Strong chemical fumes. Smells like nail polish remover or gasoline.
Family & Pet Friendly
Water Based
Solvent Based
Non-toxic. No issues for children, pets, and landscaping.
Oil-based product with high VOC's.
VOC Level
Water Based
Solvent Based
Low VOC's. Easier fit for stricter local requirements.
Very high VOC level. Proper ventilation is required.
Environmental Impact
Water Based
Solvent Based
Eco-friendly, low VOC's, non-flammable.
Oil-based, high VOC's and off-gassing, flammable.
Salt Resistance
Water Based
Solvent Based
High tolerance due to penetration of paver, not form filming.
Medium salt tolerance, however, susceptible due to film forming properties.
Maintenance Coats
Water Based
Solvent Based
Often easier and cleaner for future maintenance coats.
Recoats can be less predictable. Require xylene reactivation or chemical stripping.