How Long Does Paver Sealer Take to Dry?

You definitely want your patio, walkway, or driveway pavers to keep looking great and be protected from the harsh elements. For that purpose, the most crucial thing to do is seal the pavers. But here’s the big question: how long does paver sealer take to dry? Knowing the right answer and planning the paver sealing accordingly is super important. If you get it wrong, you could be dealing with a sticky mess that ruins all your hard work.

In the very basic sense, the drying time varies depending on the type of sealer. While solvent-based sealers may need up to 48 hours or longer to set completely, water-based sealers might be ready for modest foot traffic within 12-24 hours. Then again, the weather, even the amount of traffic the area sees, impacts the duration, too.

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about paver sealer drying times so you can get back to enjoying your space as soon as possible.

How Long Does Paver Sealer Take to Dry - Based on Types

First of all, you need to understand all available types of sealants for pavers. From coal tar, asphalt, and acrylic sealers to water and oil-based sealers, there are plenty of options with varying characteristics and drying period. We’ll talk about 8 of the most popular ones now.

Coal Tar Sealer

Coal tars are very popular sealers when it comes to protecting asphalt surfaces. Coal tar is a byproduct of coal coking, and the sealer made out of it is extremely durable against weather damage, oil, gasoline, UV rays and wear and tear. 

It takes a full day and some more for coal tar sealers to dry out fully before use. You need to apply two coats of this sealant on your asphalt paver or driveway. Wait for 2-4 hours in between the two seal coatings. After the second coating, wait for at least 24 hours to make sure the sealer has dried out. Now, it’s ready for you to walk on that driveway or park your car in that parking lot!

Asphalt Sealer

Coal tars have some environmental concerns, as they contain high levels of harmful polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In that sense, asphalt sealer is a better alternative. This sealant is also very useful for asphalt parking lots or driveways.

Just like coal tar sealers, asphalt sealers will also perform better with multiple coatings. Also, don’t forget to wait for 2 to 4 hours between the two coatings. Before heavy duty usage of the space, give it 24 hours to set.

Acrylic Sealer

Acrylic sealers are versatile water-based coatings great for concrete and masonry surfaces such as driveways, patios, and floors. They provide a thin, transparent coating that shields against moisture, UV radiation, and stains. At the same time, they offer a glossy or matte appearance.

Acrylic sealers are popular because they are easy to apply, dry quickly, and allow moisture to escape from the surface, preventing cracking and peeling.

It usually takes only 4-12 hours for acrylic sealers to dry before it’s safe to walk or drive. However, keep in mind that when applied to concrete or new asphalt pavers, they may continue to harden up for approximately 48 hours. So, it’s wise if you can wait for that long before using your walkway or driveway.  

Water-based Sealer

Water-based paving sealers are an eco-friendly option as they emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOC) than sealers based on solvent. They have a low odor and are popular with concrete, brick, or stone pavers.

Water-based sealants take way less time to dry than the ones we have already discussed. You just have to give it 3-6 hours before allowing light foot traffic. Still, for the best result, wait for 12 hours after you've applied the sealer for walking and 24 hours before driving. 

Oil-based Sealer

Although they have a stronger odor and take longer to set in than water-based sealers, oil-based sealers are excellent for better durability and resistance to harsh weather and heavy traffic. They can also penetrate through the surface and create powerful bonds that reduce the risk of issues like efflorescence and surface cracking.

Yes, you may feel them dry up in a few hours under strong sun, but that’s not enough for a long-lasting driveway or walkway. For the best result, give the space 24-48 hours to dry before there can be any vehicles or extreme foot traffic. 

Crack Filler Sealer

Crack-filler sealers are the go-to option for keeping asphalt and concrete surfaces in peak condition. They basically seal up the cracks and prevent water and debris from causing more harm. These sealers are made of flexible, rubberized materials that adjust to temperature fluctuations. They are a versatile choice coming in different forms like liquid pourable fillers, caulk tubes, and patching compounds.

When set in perfect condition, crack fillers can dry up within an hour, and the space can be ready for walking on. But for driving, you should rest your driveway for a day after the sealer application.

Epoxy Sealers

Epoxy sealers are high-performance asphalt coatings. They are made up of two components: resin and hardener. When combined, these two elements chemically react to establish a strong, long-lasting bond with the surface.

Epoxy sealers are highly resistant to chemicals, abrasion, and impact. That makes them perfect for use in places with heavy machinery, automobiles, and rough environments. 

When epoxy sealer is applied, the driveway can be open for light use within 10-12 hours. But the coating keeps on hardening up for the next 24-48 hours. So, have patience and wait for that period to pass before allowing heavy vehicles or foot traffic.  

Polyurethane Sealer

Water-based polyurethane sealers usually possess less odor, are environment-friendly and are great for residential use. However, solvent-based polyurethane paver sealants produce strong fume, and have higher VOC levels but provide a glossy and more durable finish. 

If you’re using polyurethane sealers, then 10-12 hours is enough before you start using the driveway. You may wait a bit longer as the coating continues to dry up for a day. But it’s still alright after 12 hours if there’s an urgency. 

Factors That Can Affect the Performance and Drying Time of Paving Sealers

We have already indicated that other than the types of sealers, weather, and traffic are critical factors that can have an impact on the performance and drying time. Let’s see how:

Weather

Contractors always target optimum temperature and weather for the best delivery with paver sealing. However, no one can control the nature. Relatively hot weather can speed up the drying time but may cause weak adhesion. Then again, cold and dry weather may cause tacky surfaces and uneven protection. On the other hand, high humidity attracts dust and debris to the surface; low humidity leads to improper curing. 

Foot Traffic

Most of the sealers we have discussed require a few hours before they can dry out enough to be walked on. The important thing is that you have to patiently wait out that period and, if possible, 1-2 hours more before you use that walkway or driveway. Also, you should avoid intense foot traffic for at least 4 hours more. Otherwise, it can hurt the integrity and further performance of the construction. 

Vehicle Traffic

Whatever paver sealant you choose, it’s always best to give it at least 24 hours (in some cases, 48 hours) to set in before you allow vehicles in that space. The manufacturer's manual will help you determine that timeline better.

Look for alternative parking spaces for that particular time period if you’re remodeling the parking spot.

How To Make the Drying Process Faster

You can either wonder, “how long does it take for the paver sealer to dry out?”, or you can learn some tips and apply them for a quicker result. 

• A hot temperature paired with low humidity can reduce the drying time to a great length. Check the weather forecast and wait for that precious window of time.
  
  
• The movement of air can play a key role in this process. Try to utilize warm wind or place fans around the space to speed up the process of paver sealing.
  
  

The Weather and Temperature You Should Aim For

The ideal temperature to apply walkway or driveway sealers is between 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit. To be more accurate, if it is less than 60 degrees and rising with enough sunshine and low humidity, that’s the best weather to go for sealing pavers. But make sure there’s no rain forecasted for the next 24 hours or more.

Will Rain Ruin a Newly Sealed Pavers?

Absolutely! There’s no way that rain can ever help paver sealing. No asphalt sealing can sustain even a mild rain if the drying time is not successfully carried out. So, you need to check and make sure there’s no chance of rain for the next 24 hours or more when you plan to initiate the sealing process.

Conclusion

We hope that it has been an insightful read for you as we aimed to inform you about the drying time of paver sealers. As you know by now, there are many types of sealers, and they showcase different drying times. Most of them tend to be dried out within 24 hours or less for light foot traffic. Nevertheless, heavy walking and allowing vehicles will require 36-48 hours on average to let the sealer rest. 

You should also consider the weather and look for a window that provides the optimal temperature and humidity to carry on the sealing job. And, remember, rain is the biggest enemy!

Expert support is always beneficial when you plan to remodel your outdoor space, particularly installing pavers. Professionals help you get the job done in time and with precision. Here in Florida, Outdoor Escapes helps families and businesses with expert paver installation and maintenance. Reach out for the best paver contractor in Florida - call at 407.456.7000 today!

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