- Paving sealing applies a protective sealer to clean, dry paving to resist stains, fading and water.
- Not all paving needs sealing. It depends on the material and how the area is used.
- Describe the job once and compare quotes from independent contractors.
Send the area, the paving type and the finish you want.
Compare Paving QuotesDoes Your Paving Need Sealing?
| Often worth sealing | Often not needed |
|---|---|
| Porous natural stone near braais and pools | Good-quality clay pavers |
| Driveways with oil stains | Low-traffic garden paths |
| Faded concrete pavers you want to enhance | Areas where maximum grip matters more than looks |
Sealer Types and Finishes
| Type | Finish | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Penetrating (impregnating) | Natural, no sheen | Repels water and oil; keeps the surface grip |
| Water-based acrylic | Matt to satin | Enhances colour; needs reapplying more often |
| Solvent-based acrylic | Wet look to gloss | Strongest colour boost; can be slippery when wet |
Some film-forming sealers can take an anti-slip additive. Avoid glossy finishes around pools.
Surface Preparation
- A thorough clean and stain removal.
- Joints re-sanded.
- Paving completely dry, usually after a few dry days.
- A test patch to check colour and finish.
Common Sealing Problems
- Milky or white patches from moisture trapped under the sealer.
- Peeling where sealer went onto dirty or damp paving.
- A slippery surface from a gloss sealer.
- Patchy colour from uneven application.
How Paving Sealing Works
- Cleaning. Stains and growth removed.
- Drying. Paving left to dry fully.
- Application. Sealer applied by roller or sprayer, usually in two coats.
- Curing. No foot or vehicle traffic until the sealer has cured.
Upkeep
- Film sealers usually need recoating every few years; penetrating sealers last longer.
- Clean with gentle, pH-neutral products.
- Avoid high-pressure cleaning on sealed paving.
Paving Sealing Prices
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Sealer only, on clean paving | R40 - R80 per m² |
| Clean, re-sand and seal (combined job) | R90 - R150 per m² |
| Pressure cleaning | R30 - R80 per m² |
Ballpark figures, not quotations. Indicative 2026 estimates compiled from published Western Cape and national paving price guides and a Cape Town materials supplier price list, checked September 2026. Most sources do not say whether VAT is included, so confirm VAT on every quote. A site visit and a written quote set the actual price. See Paving Prices Cape Town for what these figures include.
What to Check in a Sealing Quote
- Product name, type and finish.
- Cleaning and preparation included.
- Number of coats.
- Drying time before you can walk or drive on it.
Cape Town Site Conditions
Sealing needs a dry spell, so summer is the usual season. Strong sun breaks down some acrylic sealers faster, so ask how long the product lasts in full sun.
Comparing Quotes
Ask each contractor to name the sealer so the quotes compare.
Send one enquiry through Cape Town Paving and compare quotes from relevant independent paving contractors covering your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does all paving need sealing?
No. Clay pavers and dense stone often do well without it. Porous stone and concrete may benefit.
How long does paving sealer last?
Film sealers typically need recoating every few years. Penetrating sealers last longer.
Will sealing make my paving slippery?
Gloss sealers can. Penetrating sealers and anti-slip additives help keep grip.
When can I drive on sealed paving?
After the sealer has cured, often a day or more. Ask for the product's curing time.
Can I switch to a different sealer?
Only if it is compatible, or after the old sealer is removed.
Related Pages
Cape Town Paving is a free quote-comparison service. Paving work is quoted and carried out by independent contractors, and your agreement is with the contractor you appoint. Ask each one for a written, itemised quote, what is and is not included, and their payment terms before paying anything.
Paving Sealing Cape Town. Describe your paving once and compare sealing quotes.
Compare Paving QuotesCompare Paving Sealing Quotes
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