Q: Sealing Paving Stones

18 years ago

I recently got the idea to decorate some 12" concrete paving stones. We were camping when I got the idea. Of course, I painted them before I did any research on sealing but I did use the proper outdoor craft paint. Before I started on any more projects I went to Micheal's & Home Depot, & a few others, to ask about the correct way of sealing my stones and I got different answers. The suggestions that I was given were: to use a clear concrete sealer, use exterior varathane and even a tile sealer. Some said to seal the whole paving stone(top, bottom, & sides) and some said to just seal the top. Some said to seal before I paint then again when it is completed, some said I only needed to seal the top after I painted. My head was spinning with indecision. I don't want to continue if it is not going to be done properly.

Help!!! Has anyone painted paving stones and what did you seal it with? How long ago did you do this and how has it lasted? Any first-hand help would sure be great. My many thanks in advance.

I thought I would post the paving stones for you to see.

{{gwi:55694}}

Carol from BC

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Comments (5)

Bonbon_N_KS
18 years ago
Carol, sorry I can't help you, but the stones are beautiful.. You might try posting on accoutrements or garden junk.
luckygardnr
18 years ago
I used an exterior primer to seal the stones before I painted my design. Then I used Patio Paints from the craft store. My stones have been out in the weather for 4-5 years with no ill effects.
{{gwi:55697}}

Laurel
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Bramma_BC
Original Author
18 years ago
Thank you both for your reply. Sorry I took so long to get back. Laurel, that is one beautiful paving stone. Too lovely to walk on. I do have some further questions for you though. Was your Ext primer clear or coloured? And did you seal the top of your work? I'm originally from Ont so I know the winters are much worse than in BC. We get a lot of rain so that will be my biggest problem with the sealing.

Carol in BC
hklimsa
18 years ago
use concret sealer go to building supply store they have them.
luckygardnr
18 years ago
Carol, I just used some white exterior primer that my DH found in the garage. If I didn't have it, I would just use a regular concrete sealer. Since I was using Patio Paints, which are acrylic paints designed for exterior use, I didn't have to seal it after painting.

Your stones are lovely. I haven't quite mastered the one-stroke painting, but I enjoyed doing it anyway.

Laurel