Thompsons Water Seal on block paving

Thompsons Water Seal on block paving

Author
Discussion

TheGreatSoprendo

Original Poster:

5,286 posts

255 months

Monday 23rd March 2009
quotequote all
Had new block paving laid last year, and my old man is suggesting that I protect it with Thompson's Water Seal. Anybody got any experiences of using this on block paving who can offer any pro's and con's?

V8mate

45,899 posts

195 months

Monday 23rd March 2009
quotequote all
I'm looking for a sealant for my patio too; don't want anything shiny/glossy though.

215cu

2,956 posts

216 months

Monday 23rd March 2009
quotequote all
Indeed, could be a useful thread this.

Having spent two hours sweeping a dry sand mortar mix into the driveway where the frost has clobbered it (leaving whacking great big sections with no mortar at all).

I would be interested to know how good the protection is.

m3jappa

6,554 posts

224 months

Monday 23rd March 2009
quotequote all
I would look no further than resiblock sealants.
They are the original and all others are copies, i will say i dont know how good the copies are. I personally dont get involved with resin- too much to go wrong for not enough money and is easily applied by anyone.

im

34,302 posts

223 months

Monday 23rd March 2009
quotequote all
Wow - what a coincidence.

I had a block-paved drive laid last week and on Saturday (just past) used this to 'seal' it:



For a 'clear' liquid I was surprised at how much it darkened down the brickwork but to be fair:

1. It does tell you it will do that on the can (something like: "Be aware that this product will change the colour of your bricks...")

2. Although its a clear liquid - It actually does make the bricks look better as its brought out the colour of the bricks quite a bit.

Its approx £20 for 5 Litres in Homebase and according to the blurb on the can should cover 6m sq per 1 Litre...although I think thats generous in the extreme.

Apply using a roller (thick pile) or brush......or the wife biggrin

m3jappa

6,554 posts

224 months

Monday 23rd March 2009
quotequote all
im said:
Wow - what a coincidence.

I had a block-paved drive laid last week and on Saturday (just past) used this to 'seal' it:



For a 'clear' liquid I was surprised at how much it darkened down the brickwork but to be fair:

1. It does tell you it will do that on the can (something like: "Be aware that this product will change the colour of your bricks...")

2. Although its a clear liquid - It actually does make the bricks look better as its brought out the colour of the bricks quite a bit.

Its approx £20 for 5 Litres in Homebase and according to the blurb on the can should cover 6m sq per 1 Litre...although I think thats generous in the extreme.

Apply using a roller (thick pile) or brush......or the wife biggrin
I hate to be the one who brings bad news but i do hope there is no efflorescence waiting to come out of those blocks, if there is a nasty creamy patch will occur. You may be ok as it is hit and miss, its recomended to leave for a good few months before sealing.

Companys like resiblock will do matt finish, satin, gloss etc depending on how you want the finish to look.
I must say that in most cases it does enhance the paving as like mentioned it brings all the colour out.

im

34,302 posts

223 months

Monday 23rd March 2009
quotequote all
m3jappa said:
I hate to be the one who brings bad news but i do hope there is no efflorescence waiting to come out of those blocks, if there is a nasty creamy patch will occur. You may be ok as it is hit and miss, its recomended to leave for a good few months before sealing.
I tested it on a small patch of the paving first - no problems were evident after 8 hours.

Instructions are here:



Compatability

NOTE: Some block paving may discolour or darken and a clear seal such as Thompson's One Coat Patio & Block Paving Seal will highlight this effect. Block paving with a high lime content and newly laid blocks may produce unsightly white surfaces deposits which may reduce with weathering. Test on a small inconspicuous area prior to general application. Avoid contact with plastic and rubber materials (including footwear) whilst wet.

Preparation

For maximum performance on new block paving and paving slabs, ensure blocks or paving slabs and jointing sand are dry. In order to avoid dislodging the sand, the sand should be well compacted and slightly below the level of the block or paving slab. For existing block paving and paving slabs ensure all surfaces are clean, dry and free from grease, oil, dust or loose material that may interfere with the penetration of the sealer to be applied. Dirt, moss, lichen and other loose material can be removed using Thompson's Patio & Paving Cleaner. Grease and oil stains can be removed using Thompson's Oil & Drive Cleaner. Rinse thoroughly with water to ensure all cleaning residues are washed away. Brush area to be coated to remove all surface debris. Allow to dry thoroughly.

Application

Thompson's High Performance Patio & Block Paving Seal can be applied using a long pile roller and a roller tray or a brush. Surfaces should be dry before application. Apply an even coat to ensure all surface irregularities are covered. Attention should be paid to textured block paving slabs to ensure the surface is evenly coated and that the coating does not 'pond' in surface depressions. Brush well into the surface redistributing any surplus product. Treated surfaces should not be walked on until at least 4 hours after the final coat has dried. Avoid heavy foot traffic and the parking of any vehicles on surfaces treated with Thompson's High Performance Block Paving Seal for at least a further 24 hours. Thompson's High Performance Block Paving Seal will achieve its full hardness within a few days of application.

Clean Up

Clean brushes, rollers and other equipment immediately after use with white spirit or brush cleaner. Remove as much product





Edited by im on Monday 23 March 17:01

Balmoral Green

41,620 posts

254 months

Monday 23rd March 2009
quotequote all
Why would block paving need sealing? I would have thought that your typical paving block would be extremely durable. Surely all that is required is to refresh the jointing with sharp sand and then use something like Marshalls Key Bond to seal the joints and stop the sand washing out of them. Going over the whole thing with something like Thompsons water seal is asking for trouble IMO, regarding run off and efflorescence.

im

34,302 posts

223 months

Monday 23rd March 2009
quotequote all
Balmoral Green said:
Why would block paving need sealing? I would have thought that your typical paving block would be extremely durable. Surely all that is required is to refresh the jointing with sharp sand and then use something like Marshalls Key Bond to seal the joints and stop the sand washing out of them. Going over the whole thing with something like Thompsons water seal is asking for trouble IMO, regarding run off and efflorescence.
Parked Vehicle Oil Spills - I own a TVR after all...

hehe


im

34,302 posts

223 months

Monday 23rd March 2009
quotequote all
This is VERY informative re Efflorescence on newly laid drives:

http://www.pavingexpert.com/eff01.htm

Apparently theres bugger all you can do about it no matter what and it'll be gone (probably) within 6 months of it appearing.

Interesting reading if you're about to have your drive laid.

V8mate

45,899 posts

195 months

Monday 23rd March 2009
quotequote all
I had a coloured/printed concrete drive laid two years ago. The contractor told me it would happen and said they'd come back after 12 months, remove the original sealant, clean the surface and then re-apply the sealant.

It happened, they came back, and it's never happened since thumbup

im

34,302 posts

223 months

Tuesday 24th March 2009
quotequote all
V8mate said:
I had a coloured/printed concrete drive laid two years ago. The contractor told me it would happen and said they'd come back after 12 months, remove the original sealant, clean the surface and then re-apply the sealant.

It happened, they came back, and it's never happened since thumbup
How did they remove the original sealant & clean the surface? Pressure washer?

Emsman

6,962 posts

196 months

Tuesday 24th March 2009
quotequote all
HG products do a sealant for this but i (rather usefully) cant remember its name

They are the only ones i ever used when sealing terracotta, and i never had a problem.

Avoid DIY stores, go to a specialist shop

V8mate

45,899 posts

195 months

Tuesday 24th March 2009
quotequote all
im said:
V8mate said:
I had a coloured/printed concrete drive laid two years ago. The contractor told me it would happen and said they'd come back after 12 months, remove the original sealant, clean the surface and then re-apply the sealant.

It happened, they came back, and it's never happened since thumbup
How did they remove the original sealant & clean the surface? Pressure washer?
No, it was another clear liquid, rollered on, clearly some kind of reaction with the original product. Dried in the air. Then just swept surface and applied a new sealant coat. All done in less than an hour (100m^2).