Paver stripping removes failed or deteriorated sealer from the surface of your pavers.
Paver restoration is the complete process that brings your pavers back to like-new condition, including stripping, cleaning, sanding, and resealing.
In Fort Myers, most pavers with failed sealer need a full restoration, not just stripping. Removing old sealer without properly cleaning, sanding, and resealing leaves the surface unprotected.
What Is Paver Stripping?
Paver stripping is the chemical removal of old, failed, or deteriorated sealer from your paver surface. It is one step in a larger process, not a complete solution on its own.
We use Enseco Paver Sealer Remover (PSR) in a gel formula. We roll the stripper on rather than spraying it. Rolling gives us stronger, more consistent contact with the failed sealer and eliminates the overspray risk that comes with spraying. Spray-on strippers can land on windows, doors, cameras, and metal fixtures, staining or damaging surfaces that have nothing to do with the pavers.
Before we begin, we protect anything nearby that could be affected. We place plastic over metal surfaces, windows, doors, and security cameras. Concrete and stucco are fine and do not need covering.
Our stripper does not contain methylene chloride. The EPA banned most consumer and commercial uses of methylene chloride in 2024 after linking it to at least 88 deaths since 1980, primarily from paint and sealer stripping. We chose Enseco PSR because it delivers strong stripping performance without that risk.
Signs Your Pavers Need Stripping
Not every paver problem requires stripping. These are the signs that tell you old sealer needs to come off before anything else can happen.
A white, milky, or cloudy film across the surface is the most common sign. This happens when moisture gets trapped underneath a non-breathable sealer. The sealer acts like a lid, and the moisture underneath turns it hazy.
Peeling or flaking is another clear indicator. If you see patches of sealer lifting off the paver surface, the bond has failed and new sealer will not adhere to what remains.
Yellowing or discoloration of the sealed surface points to UV degradation or chemical breakdown of the old sealer.
You can test this yourself. Pour water on your pavers. If the white haziness does not go away when the surface is wet, the sealer has failed and needs to be stripped. If the haziness disappears when wet and returns when dry, you may be dealing with efflorescence (mineral salt deposits), which requires a different treatment.
If a previous company sealed over old sealer without stripping first, you likely have multiple layers trapping moisture between them. That layering problem only gets worse with each additional coat.
What Is Paver Restoration?
Paver restoration is the complete, multi-step process that brings your pavers back to like-new condition. It goes far beyond removing old sealer.
A full restoration addresses everything: failed sealer removal, deep cleaning, stain treatment, degreasing, joint sand replacement, and a fresh seal coat. The goal is to return the pavers to the condition they were in when they were first installed, then protect them properly so they stay that way.
We treat restoration as the full package. We do not offer stripping as a standalone service because stripping without cleaning, sanding, and resealing leaves your pavers completely exposed. Bare, stripped pavers absorb water like sponges. Mold, algae, and stains set in faster than they did before the old sealer was even there.
Our Restoration Process (Step by Step)
Every full paver restoration follows this sequence:
1. Inspection and assessment. We evaluate the sealer condition, identify paver damage, and note the types of stains present. This determines how many stripping passes are needed and what cleaning treatments to use.
2. Stripping. We roll on the Enseco PSR gel formula in sections, brush the edges by hand, and protect surrounding surfaces with plastic. The stripper sits for 30 to 60 minutes depending on how severe the sealer failure is. Then we pressure wash it off. We repeat this process as many times as needed to remove as much of the old sealant as possible.
3. Sanitization. We apply a mixture of sodium hypochlorite (pool chlorine) and water to the entire surface. This kills bacteria, mold, and algae and loosens organic buildup before pressure washing.
4. Stain treatment. Rust stains get treated with Surface Logics Cobble Oxide. Efflorescence, salt, and calcium deposits get treated with Surface Logics Cobble Prep. Oil and grease stains get their own dedicated treatment. Each stain type requires a specific product because general pressure washing alone will not remove them.
5. Degreasing. We apply sodium hydroxide across the entire surface. This pulls embedded dirt out of the paver pores that pressure washing and chlorine cannot reach. Other companies skip this step regularly, but it is what ensures the pavers are truly prepared to accept new sealer. Without it, dirt remains trapped in the stone, and the new sealer bonds to a compromised surface.
6. Pressure washing. We go over the entire surface with a rotary surface cleaner and use a turbo nozzle to clean out the paver joints. We remove about one inch of old sand and debris from the joints so the new sand has a clean foundation.
7. Sanding. We install SEC joint sand that meets the ASTM C144 standard. This sand is washed, angular, and builds a structural interlock inside the joint. We wet-sand it to push it all the way to the bottom, then sweep and level it to sit 1/8 to 1/4 inch below the paver edge. This is different from play sand or mason sand sold at hardware stores. Those sands lack the angular structure needed to stay in place and wash out much faster.
8. Sealing. We apply the customer’s chosen sealer. Topical sealers typically get two or more coats. Penetrating sealers get one coat, and we mop off the excess because over-application does more harm than good with penetrating products. The sealer type depends on the look, finish, and protection level you want.
9. Quality assurance and site security. We tape off driveways, close pool deck access doors, and inspect the entire surface before leaving. We make sure no one walks or drives on the fresh seal before it cures.
Paver Stripping vs. Paver Restoration: Side-by-Side Comparison
This table breaks down what you get with each service and why the difference matters.
Paver Stripping vs. Full Paver Restoration
Compare what each service includes, its expected cost, and the final result.
| Feature | Paver Stripping Alone | Full Paver Restoration |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Removes old or failed sealer only | Strips, cleans, sands, and reseals for complete renewal |
| When it’s needed | Sealer is peeling, white, hazy, or yellowing | Pavers need a fresh start due to failed sealer, staining, weed growth, or worn joints |
| Steps involved | 1 step: Chemical stripping and pressure washing | 7–9 steps: Stripping through sealing and a final quality check |
| Estimated cost range | $1.00–$2.50 per sq. ft. | $2.50–$5.00+ per sq. ft. |
| Timeline | A few hours to one day | Typically completed in one day |
| End result | Limited Bare, unprotected pavers | Complete Fully restored, sealed, and protected pavers |
| Longevity | Pavers degrade quickly without new sealer | Three to five years of sealer life, with resealing recommended every two to three years |
| Joint sand | Not addressed | Old sand removed and new ASTM C144 graded sand installed and compacted |
| Stain removal | Not included | Rust, efflorescence, oil, and grease treated before sealing |
| Warranty | Typically none | Two-year sealing warranty plus a one-year repair warranty |
| Maintenance plan | Not offered | Loyalty program with up to three cleanings per year and resealing included when needed |
Swipe horizontally to view the complete comparison on mobile.
Pricing reflects general Fort Myers area market ranges. Actual cost depends on project size, paver condition, and surface type. Contact us for a free in-person estimate.
Why We Don’t Offer Standalone Paver Stripping
We get asked about this regularly. Homeowners sometimes want us to strip their pavers and stop there. We always explain why we will not do that.
Once old sealer is stripped off, the pavers underneath are completely bare. They are porous, exposed, and unprotected. In Fort Myers, bare pavers will start absorbing moisture, growing mold, and collecting stains within weeks. You end up in a worse position than before because at least the old sealer was providing some barrier, even a failing one.
We operate as a full-service company. We handle paver repair services in-house with no subcontractors. We can order small quantities of replacement pavers if you have broken or missing ones. We move furniture so you do not have to hire a separate crew. When we leave, the job is complete. Your pavers are stripped, cleaned, sanded, sealed, and protected.
If your pavers need stripping, they need restoration.
What Causes Sealer Failure in Fort Myers?
Understanding why sealers fail in Southwest Florida helps you make better decisions about restoration timing and sealer selection.
Fort Myers receives roughly 56 inches of rainfall per year. Most of that falls between June and September, when monthly totals reach 8 to 10 inches. Combined with summer highs averaging 92 degrees and humidity regularly above 70%, this climate creates ideal conditions for sealer failure.
The problem starts below the surface. Florida has a shallow water table, and moisture migrates upward through the paver base constantly. When that moisture hits a non-breathable sealer, it gets trapped. The moisture cannot escape through the coating, so it spreads underneath it. That is the white, hazy film homeowners notice across their pool decks and driveways.
Improper application compounds the issue. Sealing pavers that are still damp, applying sealer too thick, or layering new sealer over old sealer without stripping first all accelerate failure.
Year-round UV exposure in Fort Myers also breaks down sealer faster than in cooler climates. A sealer that might hold up for five years in a northern state may start showing wear in two to three years here.
We primarily use water-based urethane sealers like Enseco Seal Thing for this reason. Water-based formulas are breathable. They allow moisture to pass through rather than trapping it underneath. That single characteristic eliminates the most common cause of sealer failure in our climate.
Choosing the Right Sealer After Restoration
After stripping and restoring your pavers, the sealer you choose determines how long the results last and how your pavers look. We offer four sealer types across two categories.
Topical sealers sit on the surface like a coating. They provide joint stabilization, which means the sand in your paver joints hardens and locks in place. They have a visible sheen.
Penetrating sealers absorb into the stone. They do not form a surface coating, so there is no visible sheen. They protect from within but do not stabilize joint sand.
You can combine enhancement level (wet look vs. dry look) with finish level (high gloss vs. no sheen) depending on what you prefer.
Compare Paver Sealers
Explore the appearance, finish, base, and recommended use for each sealer.
| Sealer | Look | Sheen | Base | Coats | Joint Stabilization | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most Popular Enseco Seal Thing | Enhanced wet look | Adjustable from high gloss to satin | Water-Based Topical | 2+ | ✓ Yes | Most paver surfaces and color enhancement |
| Trident Cyclone | Natural dry look | Matte | Water-Based Topical | 2+ | ✓ Yes | Protection without changing the pavers’ appearance |
| ICT Stone Joe Nano Enhancer | Enhanced wet look | Very low or matte | Solvent-Based Penetrating | 1 | × No | Natural stone and a wet look without a surface coating |
| Catalina Chemical Impregnator Plus | Natural dry look | Very low or matte | Solvent-Based Penetrating | 1 | × No | Invisible protection with no noticeable visual change |
Swipe horizontally to see all sealer details on mobile.
Most of our Fort Myers customers choose the Enseco Seal Thing for its combination of color enhancement, adjustable sheen, joint stabilization, and breathability. We can adjust the finish from high gloss down to a satin or semi-gloss, which is the more popular choice for residential properties.
For driveway sealing, we often recommend topical sealers because the joint stabilization keeps sand locked in place under vehicle traffic.
What to Expect After Paver Restoration
You can walk on your pavers 3 to 6 hours after sealing. Furniture can go back after 12 hours. If your driveway was sealed, wait 48 hours before driving on it.
If you have a pool, shut off the pool pump before our crew arrives. Pressure washing and cleaning will push some sand and debris into the pool. The pool is the lowest point in the area, so gravity sends material there. Have your pool service come back after we finish to clean it out. Turning the pump off prevents debris from getting into your filter and plumbing, which would cost you extra on the pool service side.
The sealer has a total lifespan of 3 to 5 years from application to fully worn. We recommend resealing every 2 to 3 years rather than waiting until the sealer is completely gone. Maintaining the sealer while it still has life is far easier and less expensive than letting it fail and doing another full restoration.
Between sealings, keep up with basic maintenance. Sweep or blow your pavers regularly. Remove potted plants from paver areas, especially around pool decks, because plants sitting on pavers trap moisture and promote weed growth. Keep leaves and grass clippings off the surface.
Sealing does not prevent weeds and algae entirely. It inhibits growth and makes cleanup far easier. Unsealed pavers absorb everything like sponges. Sealed pavers are more like your kitchen floor. Mold and dirt will still land on the surface, but cleaning it off is simple.
Cost Factors: Paver Stripping vs. Restoration in Fort Myers
The cost difference between stripping and restoration comes down to scope of work.
Estimated Paver Cleaning and Restoration Costs
Compare the estimated cost per square foot and what is included with each service level.
| Service Level | Estimated Cost/Sq. Ft. | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Paver Cleaning Only | $0.35–$0.80 | Pressure washing and surface cleaning |
| Standard Clean, Sand, and Seal | $1.50–$3.25 | Cleaning, sanding, and sealer application |
| Complete Service Full Restoration With Stripping | $2.50–$5.00+ | Stripping, sanitization, stain treatment, degreasing, sanding, and sealing |
| Paver Replacement For comparison | $8–$25 | Full tear-out and new paver installation |
Prices are estimates and may vary based on paver condition, failed sealer, staining, accessibility, and total project size.
Ranges based on Fort Myers area market data. Actual pricing depends on square footage, paver condition, surface type, and stain severity.
Restoration costs more than a standard clean and seal, but it costs a fraction of full paver replacement. For a typical 1,000-square-foot pool deck, restoration runs roughly $2,500 to $5,000 compared to $8,000 to $25,000 for new pavers.
With Fort Myers median home values around $310,000, well-maintained pavers protect your property’s curb appeal. In a market where most homes are currently selling below asking price, the condition of your outdoor surfaces makes a visible difference.
We provide 95% of our quotes in person. Paver restoration pricing depends on factors you cannot assess from a photo: how many stripping passes the sealer needs, the severity of staining, whether repairs are needed, and the condition of the base material. A free on-site estimate gives you an accurate number.
See the Difference Paver Restoration Makes
Explore real paver restoration projects completed in Fort Myers Beach. Select any image for a closer look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you just strip my pavers without resealing them?
We do not offer standalone stripping. If another company offers to strip your pavers and walk away, ask them what happens to the bare surface afterward. Stripped pavers are fully porous. In Fort Myers’ climate, moisture absorption, mold growth, and staining begin within weeks on unprotected surfaces. We include the full restoration with every stripping job because the outcome without it is worse than the problem you started with.
How do I know if my pavers need stripping or just resealing?
The water test is the quickest indicator. Pour water on the surface. If a white or hazy film stays visible even when wet, the sealer has failed and needs stripping. If the sealer is just losing its sheen or the color looks less vibrant, but there is no peeling, flaking, or whitening, a standard clean, sand, and reseal is usually enough. We can confirm which service you need during a free in-person assessment.
How long does a paver restoration take?
Most residential projects are completed in a single day. Larger surfaces or pavers requiring multiple stripping passes may extend into a second day. The sealing step itself is the last part of the day. After that, stay off the surface for 3 to 6 hours on foot. Furniture goes back after 12 hours, and vehicles stay off sealed driveways for 48 hours.
What products do you use for paver stripping?
We use Enseco Paver Sealer Remover (PSR) in a gel formula. We roll it on for stronger, more even contact and to prevent overspray onto surrounding surfaces. This product does not contain methylene chloride, which the EPA restricted for most commercial uses in 2024 after documenting serious health risks, including fatalities linked to exposure.
Is paver restoration worth it, or should I replace my pavers?
Unless your pavers are physically broken or the base has failed beyond repair, restoration is almost always the better investment. Replacement involves demolition, disposal, base prep, and new paver installation, which adds up quickly. A 1,000-square-foot pool deck restoration runs a fraction of what a full tear-out and reinstall would cost, and the result is a surface that looks and performs like new.
Get a Free Paver Assessment in Fort Myers
If you are not sure whether your pavers need stripping, restoration, or a standard seal, we can tell you in person. We assess the sealer condition, check for staining and structural issues, and give you an honest recommendation based on what the pavers actually need. Call us at (239) 312-3180 or request a free estimate online. We offer 10% off for veterans and first responders, and our loyalty program covers ongoing maintenance so you never have to think about resealing timing again.
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