How to remove penetrating sealer picture framing from granite pavers?

[crhoward99]

Hi,

I am looking for advice on how to remove picture framing from granite pavers. We have installed some granite pavers on a crushed rock and sand base with polymeric sand in between. We were advised to seal the pavers after they had dried which we did however the sealant (Crommelin Natural Finish Penetrating Sealer & Water Repellent) remained wet within the sand and has caused picture framing around most of the pavers. I have tried removing a couple of pavers and letting it dry out in the open (not surrounded by other pavers) and I have tried using a general solvent such as Crommelin DiamondCoat Solvent to try to re-wet the sealer to allow it to fully dry. There hasnt been much change using either of these approaches.

I have since tested a couple of new previously un-laid pavers by sealing fully with the same product and then laying them and they appear to work without any picture framing and they repel the rainwater. Now I would like to fully remove the previously applied penetrating sealant (if possible) and re-seal using the newly discovered technique. If I have to I am open to fully removing all pavers, cleaning up and starting again. Is there a product or technique that would return the pavers to as-new condition? I was thinking maybe a hot water high pressure hose but I would like some input before I go an hire anything or is it just a matter of me using the solvent and scrubbing harder. Or maybe there is no solution. Thanks Chris.  

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @crhoward99. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about applying sealants.

I'm sorry to hear you've experienced an issue whilst sealing your pavers.

This issue has most likely occurred due to moisture retained in the pavers or sand. Given the picture framing, it's indicative that moisture within your polymetric sand has wicked into the pavers and is now stuck under the sealant.

The first thing to do is wait a couple of weeks, as there is a chance that this issue might resolve itself. If not, try Crommelin 1L DiamondCoat Clean N Prep on a test area to judge its effectiveness. It's better at removing sealants than the solvent alone. If successful, move on to the rest of your pavers. After completion, allowing the pavers and sand to dry out before coating entirely is essential. Due to the setting agents in the polymetric sand, it can appear bone dry on the surface yet still be wet beneath.

If the Clean N Prep does not work, let us know, and the Crommelin technical team can walk you through using other stronger products.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[crhoward99]

Great! Thanks MitchellMc.

I have purchased some Crommelin DiamondCoat Clean N Prep on my drive home and will try it on one of the spare pavers I have already removed and that are nice and dry in the garage. 

I will let you know how it all goes.

Thanks

Chris

[sarah860]

Hi Chris,

I was wondering if you had any luck with the clean n prep. I'm having the same issues with my pavers. 

Thanks, Sarah 

[EricL]

Hello @sarah860 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us.

Let me tag @crhoward99 to make them aware of your question. It would be interesting to find out if the Crommelin 1L DiamondCoat Clean N Prep was effective on the rest of the granite pavers. 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[crhoward99]

@sarah860 

Hi Sarah,

I didn't have any luck unfortunately. I ended up turning all of the pavers over so the bottom is now the top and they didn't have the same markings on the bottom. I read somewhere about dip sealing pavers so when I lifted up each paver I cleaned them, let them dry, dipped them in sealant, let them dry, dipped them again, let them dry then re-layed the pavers..it was quite a task. They all seem to be well sealed now. Don't know what I will do in 10 years when they need sealing again.

Hope this helps

Chris