Patios and paths are exposed to external weather conditions, surface contamination and regular foot traffic, which can affect paving and joints over time. When cleaning paving, filling joints or sealing patio surfaces, it is important to select products that are suitable for the intended application and conditions.
This DIY patio and path guide is designed to outline common outdoor scenarios and provide information on appropriate Sika solutions for cleaning, repairing and protecting paved surfaces. Select one of the questions below to explore suitable Sika product options for your specific application.
How to point a patio?
Sika FastFix® All Weather is a fast setting paving jointing compound designed to fill and seal joints between paving slabs and patio stones. It’s fast and easy to apply making it ideal for quick DIY patio pointing.
Ensure that all joints are free from dirt and debris. The minimum joint depth should be at least 20 mm and the joint width 5 mm. Thoroughly wet the joints and entire slabs with water. Allow any standing water to drain. Using a soft broom or hand brush, working in small, manageable areas, work the product into the joints making sure each one is completely filled. Using a suitable pointing trowel make sure the freshly applied product is thoroughly compacted within the joints. Allow up to 5 days for the product to fully set.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
SikaCeram® FlowFix Jointing Compound is a porcelain paving jointing compound for pointing porcelain and ceramic patio tiles. It’s extremely easy and fast to apply, making it perfect for grouting large areas.
Mix the product according to the instructions on the Product Data Sheet. Pour the product into the joints immediately after mixing. Using a squeegee work the compound across the area ensuring all joints are filled. Add more product as required. Ensure product has hardened sufficiently in the joints before cleaning the tile faces. This usuallytakes between 30-60 minutes. Remove any product residue from the tiled surface using a sponge float with clean fresh water. Any tough areas should be scrubbed with a stiff brush then washed away once the mortar has begun to cure. Do not brush directly over joints. Once the mortar has sufficiently set, the tiled area can be polished using a dry soft cloth to remove any final mortar residues.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
Sika® Block Paving Fix is a jointing compound for block paving. It fills and sets the joints between all types of block paving. It is ideal for narrow joints that are 3-4 mm wide.
Do not apply the product if rain is expected during application. Mix the product before use. Working in small, manageable sections, sweep the product into the joints, making sure they are completely filled. Sweep up any excess sand immediately. Thoroughly soak the joints with a hose set to spray or a watering can fitted with a rose. Drying will take 1-2 days, but a full cure can take up to 28 days.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
How to remove mould and algae from a patio?
Sika® MouldBuster is a powerful solution for removing algae, mould and green growth from patios and paths. It helps to restore appearance and protect against regrowth.
Wear suitable protective clothing when diluting and applying e.g. gloves, eye protection and face protection. Do not use the product if rain is expected within 5-6 hours of application. Dilute 1 part Sika® MouldBuster with 4 parts water in a watering can or a low-pressure sprayer. Apply the diluted mix directly onto the affected surface ensuring the entire area is saturated. Leave the solution to dry. The product works over several weeks to kill and remove mould and algae, results will begin to be seen within days. Remove any stubborn growths by lightly brushing them away once dead.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
How to clean a patio?
Sika® Brick & Patio Cleaner is an acid-based cleaning solution for brickwork and patios that removes dirt, cement and mortar splashes, stains and paint from patio surfaces, helping to restore their appearance.
First, sweep away any loose dirt and debris. Apply the product with a brush or spray, working it well into any stains. Leave it for 15-20 minutes. Use a hard bristle brush to remove any stains. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, preferable with a hose, before the product dries.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
How to seal a patio?
Sika® Path & Patio Sealer is a solution for sealing patios, paving and stonework. It protects patios and paving from water, staining and weathering. It helps preserve the appearance of the surface and makes ongoing maintenance easier.
Stir or shake the product thoroughly before use. Do not apply if rain is expected within 5 hours. Apply evenly using a long-pile roller, brush or low-pressure garden spray. Allow at least 1 hour between coats if applying more than 1 coat. Very porous substrates, like concrete and some stones, may require 2 coats, while for low porosity substrates, like dense block paving, 1 coat is usually sufficient.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
Sika® Stone Protector is a solution for protecting natural stone. It provides for protection for paths, patios and block paving made from natural stones including Indian sandstone, granite, slate and limestone. It helps prevent staining and water penetration and keeps stone surfaces looking their best.
Remove any organic growth with Sika® MouldBuster. Shake the product well before use. Do not apply if rain is expected within 6 hours. Apply using a long-pile roller or suitable brush. Apply the solution evenly avoiding any pooling or ponding of the product. If applying a second coat, it must be applied within 30 minutes of the first one (normally only 1 coat is required, but very porous surfaces like Indian sandstone may require 2).
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
How to bond paving slabs?
SikaCeram® FlowFix Bonding Primer is a porcelain paving bonding primer. It is used on the underside of porcelain paving to give a high strength bond between the paving slabs and the bedding mortar.
Mix the product according to instructions on the Product Data Sheet. Apply the freshly mixed product at a thickness of 1-2 mm to the underside of the tile using a brush or roller. After applying the product, place the tile onto the pre-prepared wet bedding mortar within 25 minutes. Ensure the tile is level and has the required jointing space.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
How to apply setting sand to a patio?
Sika® Block Paving Fix is a jointing compound for block paving. It fills and sets the joints, locking the paving in place and helping to prevent weed growth.
Do not apply the product if rain is expected during application. Mix the product before use. Working in small, manageable sections, sweep the product into the joints, making sure they are completely filled. Sweep up any excess sand immediately. Thoroughly soak the joints with a hose set to spray or a watering can fitted with a rose. Drying will take 1-2 days, but a full cure can take up to 28 days.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
How to use a paving jointing compound?
Sika FastFix® All Weather is a fast setting paving jointing compound for filling and sealing joints between paving slabs and patio stones. It’s fast and easy to apply and can be applied even in the rain.
Ensure that all joints are free from dirt and debris. The minimum joint depth should be at least 20 mm and the joint width 5 mm. Thoroughly wet the joints and entire slabs with water. Allow any standing water to drain. Using a soft broom or hand brush, working in small, manageable areas, work the product into the joints making sure each one is completely filled. Using a suitable pointing trowel make sure the freshly applied product is thoroughly compacted within the joints. Allow up to 5 days for the product to fully set.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
How to clean mortar off brick?
Sika® Brick & Patio Cleaner is an acid-based cleaning solution for brickwork and patios that dissolves mortar and cement stains from brickwork.
First, sweep away any loose dirt and debris. Apply the product with a brush or spray, working it well into any stains. Leave it for 15-20 minutes. Use a hard bristle brush to remove any stains. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, preferable with a hose, before the product dries.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
How to grout a porcelain patio?
SikaCeram® FlowFix Jointing Compound is a porcelain paving jointing compound for grouting porcelain and ceramic paving tiles.
Mix the product according to the instructions on the Product Data Sheet. Pour the product into the joints immediately after mixing. Using a squeegee work the compound across the area ensuring all joints are filled. Add more product as required. Ensure product has hardened sufficiently in the joints before cleaning the tile faces. This usuallytakes between 30-60 minutes. Remove any product residue from the tiled surface using a sponge float with clean fresh water. Any tough areas should be scrubbed with a stiff brush then washed away once the mortar has begun to cure. Do not brush directly over joints. Once the mortar has sufficiently set, the tiled area can be polished using a dry soft cloth to remove any final mortar residues.
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
How to protect a natural stone patio?
Sika® Stone Protector is a solution for protecting natural stone. It is suitable for paths, patios and block paving made from natural stones including Indian sandstone, granite, slate and limestone. It prevents water penetration, resists staining and protects the surface’s appearance.
Shake well before use. Do not apply if rain is expected within 6 hours. Apply using a long-pile roller or suitable brush. Apply evenly avoiding any pooling or ponding of the product. If applying a second coat, it must be applied within 30 minutes of the first one (normally only 1 coat is required, but very porous surfaces like Indian sandstone may require 2).
Refer to the Product Data Sheet for detailed application instructions.
