Should I strip old sealer off my Vancouver pavers before resealing?

Yes, you should strip old sealer before resealing if the existing sealer is peeling, flaking, wearing unevenly, or showing white haze. However, if the old sealer is still in good condition with just normal wear, you can often apply a new coat directly over it after proper cleaning.

When You Must Strip Old Sealer

If your existing paver sealer shows any of these problems, stripping is mandatory before resealing. Peeling or flaking sealer indicates the original application failed — often because it was applied over moisture, dirt, or uncured polymeric sand. Applying new sealer over failing sealer will trap the problem and make it worse. White haze or cloudy appearance means moisture or efflorescence was trapped beneath the original sealer, and new sealer will only intensify the haze. Uneven wear patterns where some areas are glossy and others are completely worn create an inconsistent surface that won't accept new sealer uniformly.

Metro Vancouver's marine climate makes sealer problems more common than in drier regions. The persistent humidity (60-80% year-round) means pavers rarely get completely dry, and many sealers are applied over slight moisture that isn't visible but prevents proper adhesion. Additionally, the heavy rainfall from October through March can cause poorly applied sealer to fail within 1-2 years instead of the expected 3-5 year lifespan.

How to Strip Paver Sealer

Use a commercial sealer stripper specifically designed for concrete pavers — products like SealGreen Sealer Stripper, Techniseal Sealer & Adhesive Remover, or Alliance Sealer Stripper. Apply the stripper according to manufacturer directions (usually spray on, let dwell for 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush). A pressure washer helps remove the loosened sealer, but keep pressure under 2,500 PSI to avoid damaging paver surfaces. Work in small sections because stripping products can dry out before they've done their job. The process typically takes a full day for a 400 sq ft patio and requires 48-72 hours of dry weather afterward before resealing.

When You Can Seal Over Existing Sealer

If the old sealer is simply worn thin but still adhering well with no peeling, haze, or uneven wear, you can clean thoroughly and apply a new coat. Pressure wash first to remove dirt, moss, and loose material. Check and replenish polymeric sand in the joints if needed — new sealer over empty joints allows sand to wash out during the next heavy rain. Wait for completely dry conditions — at least 48 hours without rain and low humidity. In Metro Vancouver, this means scheduling resealing between May and October when you can get consistent dry weather windows.

Professional vs. DIY Sealer Stripping

Sealer stripping is more complex than initial sealer application because the chemicals are stronger and the process is more labor-intensive. Hire a professional if you have a large area (over 300 sq ft), multiple sealer layers, or significant haze problems. Professional contractors have commercial-grade stripping equipment and experience with problem sealer removal. DIY is feasible for smaller areas with straightforward peeling or wear issues, provided you have the time for the multi-day process and access to proper stripping products.

Need help finding an interlock contractor experienced with sealer stripping and reapplication? Vancouver Interlock can match you with professionals who understand Metro Vancouver's climate challenges and proper sealer maintenance.