Sealing an Indian Sandstone Patio, Paving and Setts

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Kevin Cowans, Jan 11, 2025 at 2:25 PM.

  1. Kevin Cowans

    Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

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    Hello all

    I Hope you are Well.

    One Job I am looking at for This Year is to Seal the Kandla Grey Indian Sandstone Patio, Paving and Setts to give it some protection from the Elements, Birds, Staining etc. and to make General Cleaning easier, easier is always Good :)

    Does anyone have any experience of applying Sealant to a Sandstone Patio or is it more suited to getting someone in to do it?

    Basically, how easy is it to do?

    The Sealant I am looking at is the ResiBlock 'Indian Sandstone Sealer Colour Enhancer'.

    The Stone is Beautiful when it gets Damp and I would rather not lose that by using a Dry Look Sealant, hence the Colour Enhancer.

    Thanks in advance

    Kevin
     
  2. Loofah

    Loofah Admin Staff Member

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    I wouldn't do it. It forms a barrier where moisture can get stuck underneath, freeze and damage the surface.

    I don't think it makes cleaning easier either but could be wrong. We had a Indian sandstone patio laid and the workers all said to just leave and enjoy it.
     
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    • Bluejayway

      Bluejayway Plantaholic

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      We did seal ours when it was first laid but haven't redone it since. Don't think it's worth doing really. It's very easy to keep it clean with Patio Magic, just dilute in a watering can and sprinkle it on:)
       
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      • Kevin Cowans

        Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

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        Hello

        Thanks for the Replies.

        @Loofah

        All Modern Sealers are Breathable so I do not understand how any Moisture would get trapped below the Surface.

        I was actually advised by the People who supplied the Stone to Seal it, hence the Question.

        As it is Smooth Indian Sandstone, it gets Very Slippery over Winter, Pressure Washing the Patio. Paving and Setts is one of the First Jobs I do in Early March(ish).

        @Bluejayway

        I will look into 'Patio Magic', do you know if it is Safe for Vegetation as my Patio et al is surrounded by Grass and Planting.

        Thanks

        Kevin
         
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        • Bluejayway

          Bluejayway Plantaholic

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          @Kevin Cowans we haven't noticed any problems with the nearby planting but we are careful not to overdo the sprinkling. They say the ingredients naturally break down in the soil but advise not to let it go directly onto plants. It can take a few days before you notice a change to the slabs but be patient! It's good stuff.
           
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          • Plantminded

            Plantminded Head Gardener

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            @Kevin Cowans, I use a 5L garden sprayer for applying Patio Magic which is easy to control and avoid spraying nearby plants. I noticed one year that an Erigeron close by that I sprayed by mistake didn't look too happy a couple of days afterwards so now I cover it with a plastic boot liner beforehand.

            If you have the time (or the will :biggrin:) to read this link, there's some excellent guidance about using sealants.

            pavingexpert.com
             
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              Last edited: Jan 12, 2025 at 11:51 AM
            • Kevin Cowans

              Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

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              Hello @Plantminded

              Thanks for the Reply, and the Link.

              I have Read through it, and now I do not know.....

              I have a Spare 4L Garden Sprayer so that would be an Option.

              Also, I have just discovered that when I Purchased my 'K 4 Premium Power Control Car & Home' Pressure Washer in May 2023, the T5 was supplied with Green Nozzles and when using it with the 'K 4 Premium Power Control Car & Home' it should apparently be using the Grey Nozzles.

              I find it strange that since the T5 was supplied with the 'K 4 Premium Power Control Car & Home' that it was supplied with the Green Nozzles and not the Grey Nozzles as it should have been.

              I have Emailed Karcher so it will be interesting to see their take on it.

              I could buy the Nozzles Pack (£14.99 + PP @ £2.99) but I do not see why I should need to since the correct Nozzles should have been supplied as standard.

              Having used the wrong Nozzles since May 2023 probably explains why I have had difficulty getting a Good Clean of the Patio and Paving when using the T5.

              All Fun

              Thanks

              Kevin
               
            • Plantminded

              Plantminded Head Gardener

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              When I had my sandstone paving laid @Kevin Cowans, the contractor advised me not to use a jet wash on it as it abrades the surface of the sandstone, making it more prone to algal growth. I ignored him, tried it, and he was right! I still use a jet wash on one area but then follow that up with an application of Patio Magic. (If in doubt about your sealant, don't do it would be my advice. :))
               
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              • Kevin Cowans

                Kevin Cowans Super Gardener

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                Hello @Plantminded

                The issue you mention regarding Pressure Washing is why I use the T5 which is much gentler on the Stone.

                Thanks

                Kevin
                 
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