Sand coming to the surface problem

[msh paving]

its a product just like unibond????? mix it with water as instructions,put in a watering can with a rose on and coat the whole driveway,it will look like you poured white emusion all over it then after a few mins it dry's off job done,it a bit worrying the first time you use it as it all goes white but it clears in about 15 mins MSH

[rab1]

Was worried about the sand coming out when we laid the drive 3 years ago. i`ve got a 5ltr drum of Marshall's joint stabiliser in the garage, would this be of any use after i`ve had the drive cleaned as the sand settled naturally? (60m2 key block 60 in buff, wives choice)

[msh paving]

give it a good mix,leave it in the sun for a while should be ok to use MSH

[worldofpaving]

MSH, Sorry but I'm curious, who told you that you can't use a PIC sealer for block paving? How can they not be compatible, both things are coloured concrete, just one is pre-cast whilst the other is cast on site.

Best,
WOP

[msh paving]

WOP read the tech. spec. from creative impressions and learn,you dont use PIC's sealer on block paving and vice versa read the resiblock website as well, you can't compare PICS and block paving due to the sand joint's MSH

[worldofpaving]

There is no technical design reason whatsoever why a standard methacrylic PIC sealer cannot be used on Block Paving, I know, I have used them many times and so have very large numbers of contractors and clean and seal companies in the UK.

If the sealer concerned is high in solids, say 20% and above, it can be diluted up to 50% with xylene when sealing better quality blocks.

Resiblock correctly stipulate that their polyurethane sealers are not suitable for PIC, basically because PIC tends to be sealed early age and it is still releasing moisture which, if sealed with polyurethane, becomes trapped under the seal coat resulting in a bubbly, silvery stain that spoils the effect - not a problem with blocks assuming that they have been kept dry.

I would agree that because PIC is sealed early in it's curing cycle, if all else were equal, at the same solids content of the sealer it would tend to absorb more than the blocks.

I have to opt out at this point as I don't wish to get involved quoting brands and comparing them, my point is that in my opinion sealing block paving is perfectly affordable and highly desirable.

There are many excellent sealing products out there, both film forming and those that simply aim to stabilise joints without creating a surface film on the paving.

Given the damp UK climate I perfectly understand why many busy installers are reluctant to become involved in sealing work and would prefer to move on to the next digout and it may well be that this is best left to the many excellent specialist clean and seal companies that have come into the market in significant numbers over the last 10 years.

Best,
WOP