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How to update red brick pavers?

Hi Brains Trust,

I want to spruce up our red brick pavers. I love the pattern so don't want to cover them but they get REALLY hot and hold the heat (we're in Darwin). Plus, there's some ugly glue stains from adjoining tiles

that would be nice to not see any more. I'm thinking a mortar wash could be nice to lighten the colour a bit without making it too glarey. But will that textured surface attract and trap too much mould? It needs to be pretty considerate of full sun, a lot of rain and not get slippery or mouldy.

Love to hear your thoughts, experiences or product recommendations.

Pic is of part of the red brick pavers and the adjoining tiles around the pool.

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Comments

EricL

Hello @Span

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your red brick pavers.

A mortar wash would give your paved area a fresh new look, but you'll need to be vigilant when mould or mildew start to grow on the surface. A lighter coloured surface will make any dirt or blemish stand out and easily seen. My only thoughts are to give the surface a thorough clean with a pressure washer in combination with 30 Seconds 5L Outdoor Cleaner Concentrate. As for the glue stains, I recommend manual removal using a Craftright 5-in-1 Scraper.

Once the surface has been cleaned, I propose using a sealer such as the Crommelin 1L Natural Finish Penetrating Sealer And Water Repellent. When the heat gets too much, I suggest putting down a Crystal Velvet 70x300cm Dune Rug Runner temporarily on the surface to save your feet from getting cooked. The rug can be rolled and put away once the sun goes down and the pavers have cooled off.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Span

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/52280#Comment_52280

Thanks EricL,

What about if I still want to pursue some kind of partial recolouring to freshen them up? I'm looking at options like a transparent tint, mortor wash or paint on that is then partially off while still wet, to leave that whitewashed look.

What products are available for that kind of effect?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/88467#Comment_88467

Hi @Span,

There aren't any off-the-shelf products I'm aware of that are specifically designed to give that partially whitewashed, aged look on pavers — aside from doing a DIY mortar wash or limewash-style effect yourself. Most of the coating products we stock tend to fall into two categories: clear sealers, which preserve the existing look, or opaque concrete paints, which will completely cover the brick.

If you decide to go the mortar wash route, it's a hands-on job, but it can give you that softened, sun-faded effect you're after. Just be sure to test in a small area first, as the finish can vary depending on how porous your pavers are and how quickly the mix dries.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Span

Thanks Mitchell.
Great advice. Cheers.

Char1991

Hi Original Poster

I am having a similar issue re: hot pavers. Did you end up doing some sort of wash/paint with this and if so could you share your experience?

Thank you

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/57159#Comment_57159

Hello @Char1991

Let me tag @Span to make them aware of your question. It would be interesting to find out if they decided to mortar wash the surface.

Eric

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