To use polymeric sand, first confirm that the product suits your paver material and joint dimensions. Work with clean, dry pavers, fill and compact the joints as that product directs, remove all surface residue, then activate the sand with its specified watering method. Protect the installation for the product’s stated drying and curing period. Instructions differ by product, so do not combine one brand’s watering or timing directions with another’s.
Choose a product that fits the pavers and joints
Check the product’s current technical data sheet and your paver manufacturer’s directions before starting. Joint width and depth, paver surface, base drainage, and expected exposure to water all affect suitability. QUIKRETE says its HardScapes Polymeric Jointing Sand is for joints up to 2 inches wide; its project guide recommends PowerLoc for joints up to 1/2 inch and HardScapes for larger joints up to 2 inches and natural stone. These are product-specific recommendations, not universal limits. See the QUIKRETE project guide and HardScapes product information.
Some applications may not suit polymeric sand. QUIKRETE says not to use it where high heels are worn or where standing or flowing water is expected. Techniseal says EZSAND is not for submerged or constantly wet surfaces. QUIKRETE identifies a cementitious sand mix as an alternative when a permanently hard surface is desired, but cautions that such mixes can leave haze. Consider drainage and how the paved area will be used before choosing.
Prepare the site before spreading sand
Start only when the paver faces and joints meet the selected product’s dryness and preparation requirements. For Techniseal EZSAND, the base and bedding layer must be sand-set and draining, the joints must be empty and at least 1 1/2 inches deep, and the surface and joints must be completely dry. Those depth and base requirements apply to EZSAND; check other products’ sheets rather than assuming they are the same. Techniseal recommends testing a small, inconspicuous area first. Its EZSAND technical data sheet also describes its complete installation procedure.
#1 Best Overall
- FLEXIBILITY, STRENGTH and BEAUTY: Ease your mind with revolutionary CERAMIC FLEX technology in the most advanced polymeric sand available, allowing flexibility and durability in joints 1/8” up to 4”, with beautiful colors to make your paver or stone surfaces pop!
- EASY TO USE PACKAGING: Our bag’s NEW Easy Pour Handle makes carrying a breeze and offers more control and precision installation a breeze.
- EASY INSTALLATION: Made with fine sand and a cement-free formula, DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand easily sweeps into joints and rinses easily, dramatically cutting your installation time and labor efforts. (Note: This product is not a replacement for grout, mortar, and paver edging.)
- COVERAGE RATE: Using Google, search "DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand Calculator" to help you calculate the amount of sand needed for your project, or download our Product Documentation in the Product Guides section of this listing for a Calculator Worksheet.
- NOTE: Use the Installation Manual in the Product Guides section of this listing, and reference our How To Video.
Check the forecast and plan enough uninterrupted time for installation, activation, drying, and protection from rain. Keep the product’s safety directions available and use the protective equipment they specify. Typical tools used in the procedures include a push broom, a hose nozzle, and—only where the product and paver supplier allow it—a plate compactor and leaf blower.
Fill and compact the joints
- Spread manageable amounts. Sweep the sand into the joints, working in shorter passes rather than sweeping it long distances. Techniseal recommends short sweeping distances for EZSAND.
- Compact if the product calls for it. Compaction can help pack material into the joints, but the required method depends on the product and pavers. Techniseal says compaction is critical for its RG+ product and advises checking with the paver supplier before using a plate vibrator. A rubber mat can help prevent scuffing textured pavers.
- Top up and compact again as directed. For EZSAND, finish with the sand at least 3 mm (1/8 inch) below the paver tops or at the bottom of the chamfer. Follow the chosen product’s own fill and finish requirements.
Remove residue before watering
Sweep excess sand off the paver faces and clear remaining residue before activation. Techniseal directs users to blow off residue with a leaf blower held far enough away that it does not empty the joints. This step matters because loose sand left on the surface can contribute to haze or residue after wetting. For textured pavers, Techniseal also describes blowing excess surface water into the joints after activation to help prevent haze.
Rank #2
- FLEXIBILITY, STRENGTH and BEAUTY: Ease your mind with revolutionary CERAMIC FLEX technology in the most advanced polymeric sand available, allowing flexibility and durability in joints 1/8” up to 4”, with beautiful colors to make your paver or stone surfaces pop!
- EASY TO USE PACKAGING: Our bag’s NEW Easy Pour Handle makes carrying a breeze and offers more control and precision installation a breeze.
- EASY INSTALLATION: Made with fine sand and a cement-free formula, DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand easily sweeps into joints and rinses easily, dramatically cutting your installation time and labor efforts. (Note: This product is not a replacement for grout, mortar, and paver edging.)
- COVERAGE RATE: Using Google, search "DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand Calculator" to help you calculate the amount of sand needed for your project, or download our Product Documentation in the Product Guides section of this listing for a Calculator Worksheet.
- NOTE: Use the Installation Manual in the Product Guides section of this listing, and reference our How To Video.
Activate the sand using the selected product’s method
Watering procedures are not interchangeable. Apply water in a controlled way that activates the joints without flooding them, creating runoff, or washing sand across the paver faces.
| Product instructions cited | Watering method |
|---|---|
| Techniseal EZSAND | Use a “shower” spray. Wet a 200-square-foot section from the bottom of the slope for 30 seconds, pause briefly, then wet the same section for another 30 seconds. Stop if water accumulates on the surface; avoid flooding and runoff. |
| QUIKRETE HardScapes Polymeric Jointing Sand | Use a fine mist and dampen again at regular hourly intervals for the first few hours, following the product sheet. Do not flood surface sand. |
The procedures above are the respective manufacturers’ directions, not steps to combine. Refer to the Techniseal EZSAND data sheet or QUIKRETE product data sheet for the chosen product’s complete directions.
Rank #3
- Professional Polymeric Sand for Pavers Ideal jointing sand for patios, walkways, driveways, pool decks, and stone installations
- Rain Safe Technology Sets quickly and resists washout after activation
- Strong Joint Stabilization Locks pavers together to prevent shifting and movement
- Fast & Easy Installation Simple sweep-in application for contractors and homeowners
- For Concrete & Natural Stone Pavers Compatible with most hardscape surfaces
Protect the installation while it dries
Temperature, rain exposure, water exposure, and traffic limits differ by product. The following figures are manufacturer requirements or recommendations in the cited sheets; they are not general curing times for every polymeric sand. Check the current sheet for the product you are using.
| Product | Weather and water guidance | Traffic guidance |
|---|---|---|
| QUIKRETE HardScapes Polymeric Jointing Sand | Keep the temperature above 35°F (2°C) for at least 12 hours after application and protect the work from rain for at least 12 hours. | Wait 24 hours before significant foot traffic and 48 hours before vehicular traffic. |
| Techniseal EZSAND | Allow at least 90 minutes of drying before exposure to water. The sheet specifies above 0°C through a 48-hour drying period and recommends 24 hours without rain for optimal performance. | Not stated in the cited EZSAND data sheet. |
The cited requirements appear in the QUIKRETE data sheet and Techniseal EZSAND data sheet. Follow the instructions on the current packaging and technical sheet if they differ from a general project schedule.
Rank #4
- FLEXIBILITY, STRENGTH and BEAUTY: Ease your mind with revolutionary CERAMIC FLEX technology in the most advanced polymeric sand available, allowing flexibility and durability in joints 1/8” up to 4”, with beautiful colors to make your paver or stone surfaces pop!
- EASY TO USE PACKAGING: Our bag’s NEW Easy Pour Handle makes carrying a breeze and offers more control and precision installation a breeze.
- EASY INSTALLATION: Made with fine sand and a cement-free formula, DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand easily sweeps into joints and rinses easily, dramatically cutting your installation time and labor efforts. (Note: This product is not a replacement for grout, mortar, and paver edging.)
- COVERAGE RATE: Using Google, search "DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand Calculator" to help you calculate the amount of sand needed for your project, or download our Product Documentation in the Product Guides section of this listing for a Calculator Worksheet.
- NOTE: Use the Installation Manual in the Product Guides section of this listing, and reference our How To Video.
Check drainage and slope as part of the installation
Polymeric sand cannot compensate for a site that directs water toward a building or leaves water standing on the paving. QUIKRETE’s project guide recommends a slope of 1/4 inch per 12 feet away from structures for patio drainage. This is the guide’s patio drainage recommendation, not a polymeric sand specification. Confirm that the site’s base and drainage suit the selected product and intended use.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Professional Polymeric Sand for Pavers Ideal jointing sand for patios, walkways, driveways, pool decks, and stone installations
- Rain Safe Technology Sets quickly and resists washout after activation
- Strong Joint Stabilization Locks pavers together to prevent shifting and movement
- Fast & Easy Installation Simple sweep-in application for contractors and homeowners
- For Concrete & Natural Stone Pavers Compatible with most hardscape surfaces
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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