At Rusty's Pro Wash & Seal, we use commercial-grade urethane sealer systems — SealThane® by Inseco Products and Ure-Seal H2O® by ICT — because they deliver better color enhancement, stronger UV resistance, and a longer service life than typical store-bought sealers, especially in Florida's climate.
Homeowners researching paver sealing often assume every sealer does roughly the same job. In practice, the type of sealer applied matters just as much as the cleaning and preparation behind it — and the gap between a professional-grade urethane system and a big-box product shows up fastest in Florida, where UV exposure and rainfall are more extreme than almost anywhere else in the country.
This guide explains what makes commercial-grade urethane sealers different, why we've standardized on SealThane and Ure-Seal H2O specifically, and what the rest of the sealing process looks like beyond the product itself.
This article has been reviewed by James "Rusty" Lowrey, owner of Rusty's Pro Wash & Seal, using real-world experience cleaning and sealing pavers throughout the Greater Tampa Bay area.
Florida Is Tough on Pavers
Tampa Bay pavers face challenges that many other parts of the country simply don't experience: intense UV exposure year-round, heavy summer rainfall, high humidity, mold and algae growth, pool chemicals and saltwater splash, and frequent foot and vehicle traffic. Without proper protection, pavers can fade, stain, lose joint sand, and develop a weathered appearance far sooner than expected. We see this firsthand on jobs from Sun City Center to Belleair to Lutz, regardless of how new the installation is — we cover exactly how that plays out in what happens if you never seal your pavers.
Commercial-Grade vs. Store-Bought Sealers
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that the sealer available at a home improvement store is often very different from the products used by professional paver restoration companies. The technical differences matter less than what they actually mean day-to-day, so here's how the two compare on the outcomes homeowners care about most:
| Feature | SealThane® / Ure-Seal H2O® | Typical DIY Sealer |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for Professional Application | Yes | Usually No |
| Protection Against Florida UV | Excellent | Fair–Good |
| Color Enhancement | Excellent | Moderate |
| Joint Sand Stabilization | Excellent | Fair |
| Resistance to Pool Chemicals | Better | Limited |
| Finish Options | Natural to High-Gloss | Limited |
| Reapplication Frequency | Lower | Higher |
| Suitable for Driveways | Excellent | Varies |
| Long-Term Appearance | Premium | Often Dulls Faster |
Why We Chose SealThane and Ure-Seal H2O
We tested and evaluated multiple professional sealer systems before selecting SealThane® and Ure-Seal H2O® as our primary products. We chose these systems because they consistently provide excellent color enhancement, strong joint sand stabilization, attractive finish options, and performance that holds up well under Florida's intense UV exposure and frequent rainfall.
Rather than using the same product on every project, we select the system that best fits the paver type, condition, desired appearance, and intended use of the surface.
Unlike many large service companies, Rusty personally evaluates every paver restoration project and recommends the sealer system based on the condition of the surface, the customer's goals, and the environment.
Benefits of Professional Urethane Sealers
At Rusty's Pro Wash & Seal, we primarily use SealThane® by Inseco Products and Ure-Seal H2O® by ICT. These are commercial-grade, two-part water-based urethane systems that provide a durable protective coating designed specifically for paver surfaces — not a general-purpose sealer adapted for outdoor use.
Enhanced Color
Professional urethane sealers enrich the natural color of brick pavers, concrete pavers, and decorative hardscapes without making them appear artificial. Whether you prefer a natural finish, satin sheen, or wet-look gloss, professional-grade sealers deliver a richer, more uniform appearance.
Superior UV Resistance
Florida's sun is relentless. Lower-quality sealers often fade, yellow, or break down much more quickly. Premium urethane sealers are designed to better withstand prolonged UV exposure, helping preserve both color and appearance.
Better Stain Protection
Pavers around driveways, outdoor kitchens, grills, and pool areas are exposed to oil, grease, food spills, dirt, leaf tannins, and pool chemicals. A quality urethane sealer creates a more durable protective barrier that makes routine maintenance easier.
Longer Service Life
One of the biggest advantages of commercial-grade sealers is longevity. No sealer lasts forever in Florida, but premium urethane systems often maintain their appearance and protective qualities significantly longer than many entry-level consumer products — see our full paver resealing schedule for typical timelines by surface type.
Improved Joint Sand Stabilization
After cleaning and re-sanding, stabilizing the joints is critical. High-quality urethane sealers help lock joint sand in place, reducing washout from rain and helping discourage weed growth and insect activity — for a deeper look at that specifically, see does paver sealing prevent weeds and ants?
Choosing a Finish
Professional urethane sealers aren't limited to a single look. SealThane and Ure-Seal H2O can both be applied in a range of sheens, from a natural, barely-there finish to a high-gloss wet look. If you're trying to decide which finish fits your driveway or pool deck, our full comparison of natural, mid-gloss, gloss & high-gloss paver sealers walks through the differences in more detail. If you're considering a more dramatic color change rather than enhancement, our paver tinting service may also be worth a look.
What This Looks Like on Tampa Bay Homes
The right sealer and finish depend on the specific project, not just the paver type. A couple of examples from the kind of work we see regularly:
Pool Deck in Largo, FL
A pool deck that receives full sun exposure throughout the day may benefit from a richer gloss finish and stronger color enhancement.
Driveway in Indian Rocks Beach, FL
A driveway may require a different sealer finish selection, such as a semi-gloss or mid-gloss, and different maintenance schedule.
The Sealer Is Only Part of the Process
Even the best sealer can fail if preparation isn't done correctly. A professional paver restoration process includes several steps beyond simply applying a coating:
Thorough Cleaning
Removing dirt, mold, algae, efflorescence, and contaminants from the surface before anything else happens.
Proper Drying Time
Moisture trapped beneath a coating can cause whitening, haziness, or premature failure, so the surface needs time to dry appropriately before sealing.
Joint Sand Installation
Fresh joint sand provides stability and support between pavers, and should be installed before sealing locks it in place.
Correct Sealer Selection
Every project is different. We evaluate paver age, existing sealer condition, desired finish level, pool deck versus driveway use, and color enhancement goals before recommending a product — factors we also cover in concrete pavers vs. travertine maintenance for homeowners weighing different paver materials.
Proper Application
Applying too little sealer provides inadequate protection; applying too much can create buildup and performance issues. Professional application helps ensure a consistent finish and long-term performance.
If you're not sure whether your current pavers are due for attention before any of this applies, our guide on 7 signs your pavers need to be resealed is a good place to start.
Important Note
While SealThane® and Ure-Seal H2O® are our primary sealer systems, product selection may vary based on paver type, previous coatings, desired appearance, and surface conditions. Our goal is always to recommend the best solution for long-term performance rather than applying the same product on every project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why not use the cheaper sealer from Home Depot or Lowe's?
Many homeowner-grade sealers are designed to provide a basic level of protection for DIY projects. They can be suitable for some applications, but they often do not provide the same durability, appearance, or long-term performance as professional commercial-grade urethane systems. Because paver restoration is a labor-intensive process, we believe it makes sense to protect that investment with premium products designed for long-term performance in Florida's challenging environment.
What are SealThane and Ure-Seal H2O?
SealThane by Inseco Products and Ure-Seal H2O by ICT are commercial-grade, two-part water-based urethane sealer systems built specifically for paver surfaces, rather than general-purpose consumer sealers.
How long do professional urethane sealers last compared to store-bought products?
No sealer lasts forever in Florida, but premium urethane systems often maintain their appearance and protective qualities significantly longer than many entry-level consumer products, which typically require more frequent reapplication. See our paver resealing schedule for typical intervals by surface type.
Will a urethane sealer make my pavers look artificial?
No. Professional urethane sealers are designed to enrich a paver's natural color rather than mask it. Whether applied in a natural finish, satin sheen, or wet-look gloss, the result should look like a richer, more uniform version of the paver — not a plastic coating.
Our Commitment to Quality
At Rusty's Pro Wash & Seal, we believe homeowners should understand what is being applied to their pavers and why. That's why we use professional-grade urethane systems such as SealThane® and Ure-Seal H2O®, combined with thorough cleaning, proper surface preparation, fresh joint sand, and meticulous application techniques. The result is longer-lasting protection, richer color, improved sand stabilization, and a finish designed to withstand Tampa Bay's harsh climate.
If you're considering paver sealing in the Tampa Bay area, visit our paver sealing service page or contact Rusty's Pro Wash & Seal for a free estimate and recommendations tailored to your specific pavers and desired finish.
Reviewed by James "Rusty" Lowrey, Owner of Rusty's Pro Wash & Seal. Serving homeowners throughout Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Manatee Counties.