From time to time, we come across questions in contractor forums or homeowner groups where people are struggling with paver and natural stone projects. Our goal in sharing these is not to critique, but to educate. By explaining the “why” behind the right approach, we hope to give both contractors and homeowners useful information that helps them make better decisions.

The Question

A contractor recently asked whether faded, dull-looking pavers could simply be brought back to life with a fresh coat of sealer. On the surface, it seems like a reasonable solution—after all, sealer is meant to enhance color, right?

The reality is more complex. In this case, the pavers didn’t just need sealing. They needed stripping first. Here’s why.

What’s Really Going On with These Pavers

Looking closely, these pavers aren’t just “faded.” What you’re seeing is the result of failed sealer that has broken down over time. Instead of fully peeling away, remnants of the old sealer are still clinging to the surface of individual particles in the paver.

That thin, uneven film is what’s blocking much of the pavers’ natural color from showing through. Simply applying a new layer of sealer on top won’t solve the problem—it’ll only lock in the dull, blotchy look.

Why Stripping Is the First Step

By stripping away the remnants of the old, failed sealer, you can restore the paver surface to a clean slate. Once stripped, the natural colors can show again, and that’s when a new sealer will do its job properly.

Without stripping first, no amount of sealer will bring back the depth of color. Think of it like painting over peeling paint—the underlying problem remains, and the finish never looks right.

Other Factors at Play

These pavers also show inconsistent wear patterns, which is common on older surfaces:

• Central areas (heavier traffic and direct sun exposure) are more weathered and worn.
• Edges and shaded sections hold more of their original finish.

Even after stripping and sealing, some of that contrast will remain. That’s where tinting can be a valuable tool.

The Role of Tinting

Tinting isn’t a solid stain or a paint-like cover-up. Instead, it’s applied strategically to help balance out color differences between more-worn and less-worn areas.

Done correctly, tinting:

• Enhances worn areas to better match surrounding pavers.
• Adds subtle depth without looking artificial.
• Supports the color-enhancing qualities of sealer.

It won’t make every stone perfectly uniform—that’s not realistic—but it can help create a more balanced, natural appearance.

The Takeaway

When pavers look faded, sealing alone isn’t always the answer. If remnants of failed sealer are still present, stripping is the critical first step. Only then will sealing (and tinting, if needed) truly restore color and beauty.