Do You Need to Seal Patio Paint?

Yes, it is great if you apply a sealant on your patio paint. Though it is not a must, a sealant protects the patio paint from peeling and it also makes it easy to clean the wall or the patio furniture. A paint sealer can either be applied before painting the surface or after painting the surface. 

If it is applied before painting the surface, the sealer is intended to prevent the surface from absorbing the paint. When it is applied after painting the surface, then it is intended to protect the paint and make it shine. There are several types of paint sealers. And each type of sealer is applied on a specific surface for a specific purpose. 

Types of Paint Sealers for your Patio 

  1. Polycrylic paint sealer 

This is a liquid water-based paint sealer that is applied as a finish coat. You can use a painting brush or a roller to apply this sealer. It has some odor but it makes your patio wall or furniture look elegant. It makes cleaning an easy job. 

You can use water and a piece of cloth to clean the surface because it does not allow dirt to stick. It looks white when wet and clear when dry. The only downside of this paint sealer is that it does not stay for more than fifteen months.  

  1. Polyurethane paint sealer 

This is a sealer that can be applied on either bare surface or on a painted surface. It is an oil-based sealer that is made in liquid form. You can either use a brush or a spray can to apply it. It releases some toxic organic compounds hence you must have a face mask on when applying it. 

It is used to protect the bare surface from absorbing the paint. It also protects the painted surface from dirt and water. The oil component acts as a waterproof layer. 

It is a durable paint sealer that can stay for many years. It is a very adhesive sealer that can dry in a few minutes. Use mineral spirits to clean the painting brush. 

  1. Paste wax paint sealer 

This is beeswax that is dissolved in a solvent then applied on the wall or furniture. You can use a painting brush or a rag to apply the wax. It is always applied on an already painted surface because it makes the paint shine. The wax is also water-resistant and does not allow dirt and dust to stick on the paint. 

It is very durable and can stay for several years. A wax paint sealer can be applied over other sealers to achieve a more excellent feeling. The limitation of wax sealer is that it can melt and get sticky under high temperatures. So waxed patio furniture should be kept away from excess heat like near a fire pit. 

  1. Paint plus sealer combination 

This is the most current type of sealant. The manufacturer combines the paint with the sealant reducing the job of the painter. The painter only has to apply the paint and at the same time, he is applying the sealant. It saves on time and the cost of buying several painting brushes. The limitation of this sealant is that it sometimes discolors the paint. 

Are Paint Sealers Worth it? 

The following are the uses and benefits of a paint sealer on your patio. 

  1. Makes the paint adhesive 

A paint sealant has bonding agents that make the paint stick to the wall or furniture. The bonding agents in the sealant will capture the paint and stick it to the surface making it adhesive. The sealer will bond with the paint so that it cannot peel off. 

  1. Maintaining the quality of the paint 

This is the main purpose of the paint sealer. It makes the paint look good for many years and it will not peel off. It makes the paint look shiny. It protects the paint from water that can wash it off and dirt that can discolor it. The wax sealer is known to maintain the quality of the paint for many years. The sealer also prevents the paint from reacting with the old paint already on the wall. 

  1. Cover the cracks and small holes on the wall 

The paint alone cannot cover the cracks on the wall. But first, apply the paint sealer to cover up the cracks before you apply the paint. In case the cracks are somehow big then apply two or three layers of the sealer. When the cracks are filled the paint will look smooth on your patio wall. You can apply the final layer of the sealer to make the paint shine. 

How to Apply a Paint Sealer on your Patio 

Below is the general procedure of applying the final layer of a paint sealer. 

What you need 

  • A can of paint sealer 
  • Painting brush 
  • A damp piece of cloth 
  • Mineral spirit 

Step 1 

Make sure the final layer of paint is dry. Then take a damp piece of cloth and wipe the wall to remove and dust particles. The piece of cloth must also be clean and it should not be wet. 

Step 2 

Shake the paint sealer and then open it gently. Allow the sealer to settle then dip a clean painting brush in the sealer. Tap the brush so that excess paint sealer can fall off the brush. 

Step 3 

Paint the surface by stroking in one direction. Make sure the paint is even on the surface. Smoothen up any bubbles to make the surface look and feel smooth. When you are done, allow the paint sealer to dry. 

Step 4 

Once the first coat is dry, clean up the surface with a damp piece of cloth. Apply another coat of paint sealer. Make sure you clean the painting brush with the mineral spirit before applying another coat of sealer. Allow the second coat to dry and you are done. 

Conclusion 

Yes, a paint sealant is very important on your patio paint. The paint sealer can maintain the quality of the paint and make it shine for many years. It also increases the adhesive force of the paint making it stick tightly on your patio wall. The paint sealer can be applied as the first coat to fill up cracks and small holes on the patio wall.