How to Clean, Seal and Polish a Brick Driveway

London asked: What products can I use to clean and polish my interlocking brick driveway? I need to seal, clean and polish the bricks in my driveway. The driveway was installed four years ago, and the bricks now look old and faded.

To give your aging or faded interlocking brick driveway a fresh new look, follows these steps. Remember to wear safety goggles throughout the process to protect your eyes.

You Will Need:

  • Pressure washer
  • Water hose (with water)
  • Safety goggles
  • Masonry sealer
  • Paint roller with long handle

Steps to Clean, Seal and Polish:

  1. To thoroughly clean the pavers, use a pressure washer. Consult a professional or read the instructions before you begin. Remember to protect surrounding objects (including landscaping) and start with low pressure, increasing it as necessary. High pressure may actually damage bricks, so proceed with caution.
  2. Once the bricks are clean, check for stains. If you find any, clean the spots with muriatic acid or a masonry stain remover . Follow label instructions for use. Always use caution when working with acids.
  3. Rinse the pavers, and allow them to dry completely before continuing.
  4. To seal the pavers, first ensure the area is clean and dry. Remove all debris, including dust and vegetation, before continuing.
  5. Follow label directions to apply masonry sealer. This is commonly done with a brush or a paint roller.
  6. Allow the sealer to dry completely before applying a second coat, if desired.
  7. Allow the driveway to dry completely before use.

Additional Tips and Advice

  • Seal bricks every 1-2 years to best maintain the polished look.
  • Be mindful of the weather before beginning this project, specifically forecasted precipitation and temperature extremes. There are ideal weather conditions that will help ensure positive results. Consult product labels for specifications.
  • Remove stains before you seal the bricks. If you don’t, the stains will become a permanent part of the landscape.

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