Will the sealer change the colour of my paving?

Only if you want it to. An invisible product leaves the colour alone, a wet-look sealer deepens it permanently, and a colour sealer gives it a new shade.

How do I know when to seal again?

By how the water behaves. While it still beads on the surface, the treatment is working. Once water starts soaking in and dark patches return after rain, the protection has worn out.

Can I apply sealer to wet paving?

No. Water occupies the pores the product is meant to enter, and stays trapped under the film. The result is often a milky bloom that cannot be removed without stripping the coat. The exceptions are the few products that tolerate slight surface dampness.

Will sealing make the paving slippery?

Not if you choose a penetrating product - it forms no film on the surface and does not change its grip. If the surface is already slippery, choose an anti-slip treatment rather than a sealer.

EC-22 is acidic and removes efflorescence, streaking and mineral deposits. EC-87 is a surfactant product for general refreshing of paving and facades. For greasy and industrial soiling, choose the alkaline EC-90.

Will it damage the joints?

It can, because acidic products act on the cement binder. On sensitive surfaces dilute the product with water, and with fresh or washed-out joints test it on a small section first.

Efflorescence and staining remover EC-22 EKSIL

Removes carbonate efflorescence, streaking and deposits from paving, concrete, engineering brick and granite - including dried-on ones. It is acid-based: on coloured surfaces dilute it with water, as undiluted it can lift the colour.

Surface

Block paving

See the whole range

Product image: Efflorescence and staining remover EC-22 EKSIL

Block paving

EC-22 is an acidic product specialised in one job: it removes carbonate efflorescence, streaking and deposits - including dried-on and long-standing ones.

Its acidity calls for care: on coloured surfaces the product can lift the colour, so dilute it with water there. On coloured paving, always test it first in an inconspicuous place.

Coverage is 3-6 m² per litre, working temperature 5-35 °C. Do not let the product dry on the surface being cleaned - that is the commonest cause of streaks after washing.

The usual reason a sealing job fails is not the product but the substrate. A sealer will not bond to a surface with grease, lime efflorescence or an old coating on it.

Wash the paving. Lift oil stains with a degreasing cleaner - water alone, even under pressure, will not shift them.
Remove lime efflorescence with a product made for it, not with hydrochloric acid from the builders' merchant.
Make good the joints and let them set. Sealer applied over an empty joint runs straight into the sub-base.
Wait until the paving is dry all the way through, not just on top. Moisture trapped under the film can bloom it white.
Check the forecast. Rain within a day of application will wash off a fresh coat.

New paving has to season first - usually around 28 days from the date the block was made. You will find the exact time for each product in its technical data.

Before sealing the whole area, test on a patch hidden by a planter or in a corner of the patio. The same product can read differently on two batches of the same material, and on a surface with old coating left on it, it will not bond at all.

Coverage: 3-6 m²/l
Coats: 1
Application method: brush, spray
Dilution: Dilute with water on coloured surfaces - undiluted it can lift the colour.
Application temperature: +5 to +35 °C
Where to use: indoors, outdoors
Chemical base: acid-based solution
Appearance: liquid, colourless to yellow
Note: do not let the product dry on the surface being cleaned
Manufacturer's pack sizes: 1 l, 5 l

Will the sealer change the colour of my paving?: Only if you want it to. An invisible product leaves the colour alone, a wet-look sealer deepens it permanently, and a colour sealer gives it a new shade.
How do I know when to seal again?: By how the water behaves. While it still beads on the surface, the treatment is working. Once water starts soaking in and dark patches return after rain, the protection has worn out.
Can I apply sealer to wet paving?: No. Water occupies the pores the product is meant to enter, and stays trapped under the film. The result is often a milky bloom that cannot be removed without stripping the coat. The exceptions are the few products that tolerate slight surface dampness.
Will sealing make the paving slippery?: Not if you choose a penetrating product - it forms no film on the surface and does not change its grip. If the surface is already slippery, choose an anti-slip treatment rather than a sealer.
EC-22 or EC-87?: EC-22 is acidic and removes efflorescence, streaking and mineral deposits. EC-87 is a surfactant product for general refreshing of paving and facades. For greasy and industrial soiling, choose the alkaline EC-90.
Will it damage the joints?: It can, because acidic products act on the cement binder. On sensitive surfaces dilute the product with water, and with fresh or washed-out joints test it on a small section first.