Downsides You Need To Know About Wet Look Paver Sealers

Thinking about using a "wet look" paver sealer to give your outdoor space that glossy, sleek finish? It's definitely a tempting idea. That shiny, wet appearance can make a driveway or patio pop, making it look freshly washed all the time. But before you rush to apply one, let's talk about a few things that might not be so great about these sealers. First, while the wet look is undeniably appealing, it's not always practical for every outdoor space. A glossy finish might not match the style of your home, and you could find that what looks fantastic in photos ends up feeling out of place in reality. For example, if your home has a more rustic or traditional look, a shiny driveway or patio might clash with the overall aesthetic.

And here's something to think about: These sealers can make the surface of your pavers much more slippery when wet. It's ironic, right? The thing that makes them look wet also makes them feel wet -– even when they're dry. This can be dangerous, especially if you have a pool, stairs, or pathways where people might be walking after rain or watering the plants. Slipping hazards are no joke.

One more potential drawback is the actual application process. It's not as simple as rolling on a coat of paint. The surface needs to be prepped -– cleaned, dried, and completely free of contaminants like oil or dirt. If you don't do that prep work properly, you could end up with streaking or trapped moisture, which will cause more problems down the line. Depending on the pavers' wear and tear, you may need to reapply the sealer every couple of years. This adds ongoing costs and labor, which are factors when considering your long-term plans for the space.

That brings us to another thing to consider: maintenance. A freshly sealed patio or driveway looks amazing, but keeping it that way takes some work. The gloss can dull over time as dirt, dust, and general outdoor muck settle in, meaning you'll need to clean it regularly if you want it to stay shiny. Depending on how much foot traffic the area gets or what kind of weather you're dealing with, you might spend more time hosing down and scrubbing than you initially planned. And if the sealer starts to wear unevenly? You'll be looking at patchy spots that are anything but glossy.