Cambridge Paver Color Transformation & Urethane Sealing | Gappsi Brightwaters NY

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Paver Color Transformation for outdoor living spaces can be central to how homeowners enjoy their properties today.  This is especially true in places like Long Island, where patios and backyard areas are used for entertainment, relaxation, cooking, and gathering with family and friends. Over time, however, even the best hardscape materials begin to show signs of wear or no longer fit a homeowner’s preferred aesthetic. That’s where professional restoration, staining, and sealing services come in.

In this project, Gappsi completed a dramatic transformation of a Cambridge paving stone patio in Brightwaters, NY.  They turned an outdated color palette into a sleek, modern gray finish. What began as a typical Toffee Onyx surface featuring salmon-brown undertones blended with gray became a contemporary monochromatic look that completely refreshed the backyard.

This process not only updated the color but also protected the stones.  It added depth, enhanced durability, and unified the entire hardscape design. Here’s a detailed look at how the transformation was achieved.

cambridge-pavers-color-transformation--urethane-sealing-brightwaters-nyUnderstanding the Original Surface: Cambridge Toffee Onyx Pavers

Cambridge Pavers in the Toffee Onyx color blend are known for their multi-toned appearance, combining shades of salmon, brown, and gray. While attractive to many homeowners, some eventually prefer a more modern or neutral appearance, especially as outdoor trends shift toward cooler, more uniform tones.

Over time, UV exposure, weather, and foot traffic can also dull the surface, making color restoration or enhancement necessary. In this case, the clients wanted to eliminate the warm salmon hues and transition to a solid gray finish.

Step 1: Professional Cleaning to Prepare the Surface

The first step was a thorough cleaning of the entire patio and surrounding hardscape. Proper cleaning is crucial because:

  • It removes dirt, algae, mold, and surface contaminants.
  • It lifts old residues, enabling fresh stain to penetrate properly.
  • It prepares the surface for even sealer absorption.

Gappsi uses commercial-grade equipment and environmentally safe cleaning solutions to ensure pavers are fully prepared without damaging the material before any paver color transformation.

Once the patio was thoroughly cleaned and dried, it became ready for the next phase: custom color transformation.

Cambridge Pavers in the Toffee Onyx color blend are known for their multi-tonedStep 2: Creating Color Samples for Client Approval

Because color staining is a permanent and noticeable change, Gappsi prepared several gray sample options to show the homeowner exactly how the finished product would look. This is a critical step in the process; it ensures:

  • The new color aligns with the homeowner’s vision
  • The client understands the depth, tone, and finish of the stain
  • The selection blends well with existing structures like the firepit, stoop, and retaining walls

After reviewing samples, the client selected a custom combination of two gray tones: Slate Gray and Gray Washed.

Step 3: Custom Staining to Eliminate Salmon Tones

The transformation required full-surface staining to remove the warm undertones of the Toffee Onyx pavers completely. This technique allows homeowners to dramatically change the color of their pavers without removing or replacing them, a complete paver color transformation.

Using a specialized urethane-compatible stain, Gappsi evenly coated the patio, transitioning the stones from their original brown-salmon hues to the chosen shades of gray. This process effectively “reset” the color palette and created a cleaner, more contemporary appearance.

The staining work extended beyond the patio to ensure a cohesive look across the entire outdoor living area. This included:

  • The retaining wall of the island
  • The firepit area
  • The stoop and bullnose
  • The island walls and surrounding structures

Every surface was blended to match the new gray color scheme, creating a complete backyard makeover.

Custom Staining to Eliminate Salmon TonesStep 4: Sealing with Premium Urethane Sealer

After staining was complete, the next step was to seal the entire hardscape with a high-quality urethane sealer. Unlike basic acrylic sealers, urethane provides:

  • Superior durability
  • A long-lasting protective barrier
  • Enhanced color richness
  • Excellent resistance to UV, stains, and weathering
  • A more premium finish and depth

For this project, Gappsi applied three coats of urethane sealer to achieve maximum protection and the richest color results.

The sealer helps lock in the stain while providing enhanced protection from:

  • Oil and food spills
  • Sun fading
  • Water penetration
  • Wear from foot traffic
  • Seasonal freeze-thaw cycles

The final finish delivered both beauty and long-term durability.

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The Final Result: A Complete Modern Look for Paver Color Transformation

The completed project resulted in a striking transformation. What was once a warm-toned Cambridge Toffee Onyx patio now presents as a contemporary gray outdoor environment, clean, cohesive, and visually refreshed.

The uniform gray palette pairs perfectly with modern outdoor furniture, stainless-steel appliances, and today’s trending backyard design styles. The urethane sealer adds a subtle sheen that enhances the pavers’ texture and elevates the space’s overall aesthetic.

cambridge-pavers-color-transformation--urethane-sealing-brightwaters-ny-3This project showcases what’s possible when homeowners want to update their outdoor living area without tearing out and replacing existing pavers. Through expert staining and sealing, Gappsi delivered a like-new surface at a fraction of the cost of rebuilding.

Why Homeowners Choose Gappsi for Paver Sealing and Color Restoration

Gappsi is known throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties for professional expertise in:

  • Paver cleaning
  • Paver staining and color restoration
  • Sealing with high-grade urethane sealers
  • Repairs and joint stabilization
  • Complete backyard design and masonry services

With decades of experience and a reputation for craftsmanship, Gappsi has become the go-to contractor for homeowners seeking long-lasting results and premium materials.

Paver Sealing and Color RestorationTransform Your Pavers Without Replacing Them

If your patio or walkway looks faded, outdated, or no longer fits your style, color changing and sealing may be the perfect solution. Whether you want a natural enhancement, a deeper tone, or a complete color overhaul, Gappsi can deliver stunning results customized to your vision.

This Brightwaters, NY project is just the latest example of how staining and sealing can completely transform a backyard.

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📍 Serving all of Long Island, NY — Nassau & Suffolk Counties
🌐 www.gappsi.com
📞 Call now for a free consultation and estimate!

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Transform Your Pavers Without Replacing Them

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Natural Stone Pebbles with Urethane Resin: A Long-Lasting Solution for Concrete Slab Joints in Commack, NY

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Look at our recent project, Natural Stone Pebbles with Urethane Resin.  At Gappsi, we’re always looking for innovative and durable ways to enhance outdoor surfaces. Recently, our team completed a unique and visually stunning project at the Tara Condominium in Commack, NY. What started as a simple joint restoration turned into a beautiful and long-lasting upgrade.  We replaced traditional fillers with natural stone pebbles bonded with urethane resin.

This project not only solved an ongoing maintenance issue but also transformed the overall look of the concrete areas, creating a high-end finish that will last for years to come.

The Problem: Rotted Wood and Failing Polymeric Sand

Like many properties built years ago, the concrete slabs at the Tara Condominium were initially separated by wooden expansion joints. These joints, while functional, tend to absorb moisture and rot over time. The deterioration of wood in outdoor concrete joints is a common problem.  This is especially true in climates like Long Island, where we experience freezing winters and hot summers.

A few years back, we replaced those wooden joints with polymeric sand, a material often used for paver joints. Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand and polymer binders designed to harden once activated with water. The idea was that it would provide flexibility, stability, and a clean finish between the concrete slabs.

natural-stone-pebbles-with-urethane-resin3Unfortunately, over time, the polymeric sand did not hold up as expected. Despite claims from the manufacturer that it would withstand weathering and movement, the sand began to crack, wash out, and deteriorate.

At Gappsi, we stand behind our work and our customers. As a courtesy to the client, we decided to remove the failing polymeric sand and replace it with a more durable, permanent, and aesthetically superior solution: natural stone pebbles bonded with urethane resin.

The Solution: Urethane Resin and Natural Stone Pebbles

Our team carefully removed all the polymeric sand from the concrete slab joints, preparing a clean and stable base. We then introduced a urethane one-component resin system, which we mixed with Italian natural stone pebbles.

This resin-stone combination is a specialized product.  Both the stones and the urethane resin are manufactured in Italy, and Gappsi is proud to be a direct importer of this high-quality material. The combination of European craftsmanship and Gappsi’s expert installation techniques resulted in an exceptional finish that offers both beauty and performance.

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The urethane resin acts as a strong yet flexible binder, allowing the stones to stay firmly in place while still accommodating minor ground movement. This flexibility prevents the cracking and separation that often occur with rigid fillers or polymer-based sands.

Installation Process at Tara Condominium

The installation process required precision, expertise, and attention to detail.  Hallmarks of every Gappsi project.

  1. Joint Preparation:
    We began by carefully removing all the old polymeric sand, ensuring the joints were clean and free of debris. Proper preparation is crucial to ensure strong adhesion between the stones and the resin.
  2. Mixing the Materials:
    The natural stone pebbles were mixed with the urethane resin in precise proportions. The resin fully coats each pebble, creating a uniform, glossy finish and ensuring a consistent bond.
  3. Application:
    The resin-stone mixture was poured and spread evenly into each concrete joint. We worked carefully to achieve a smooth and flush surface, complementing the existing concrete slabs while providing a striking visual contrast.
  4. Curing and Finishing:
    Once in place, the resin mixture cures to form a solid yet flexible joint, resistant to cracking, UV damage, and water penetration. The finished product not only looks natural and elegant but also feels smooth underfoot and requires little to no maintenance.

concrete slab jointsWhy Urethane Resin is Superior to Polymeric Sand

When it comes to filling concrete or paver joints, not all materials are created equal. Polymeric sand has its place, but for high-traffic areas, patios, or commercial properties, urethane resin with natural stone offers several advantages:

  • Durability: Urethane resin is highly resistant to weathering, UV rays, and freeze-thaw cycles. It won’t crumble, wash away, or discolor over time.
  • Flexibility: Unlike rigid fillers, urethane resin expands and contracts slightly with temperature changes, preventing cracking.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: The natural stone pebbles come in a range of colors and textures, adding a decorative and upscale look to any surface.
  • Low Maintenance: Once installed, the surface requires minimal upkeep — no re-sanding or sealing needed.
  • Water Permeability: The system allows for drainage, reducing water pooling and potential damage to the concrete.

At the Tara Condominium, the results were immediately noticeable. The joints that once looked weathered and uneven were now smooth, glossy, and beautifully finished. The subtle contrast of the natural stones against the gray concrete added depth and dimension, enhancing the property’s curb appeal.

Beyond Joints: Expanding the Application

While we used this product specifically for concrete slab joints at the condominium, the versatility of the urethane-stone system makes it suitable for many other applications. It can be used to create:

  • Entire patios and walkways with a seamless, decorative finish
  • Driveways that combine strength with aesthetic value
  • Pool decks that are slip-resistant and visually appealing
  • Garden paths or courtyard surfaces that resist weeds and erosion

This system combines the natural beauty of stone with the latest in resin bonding technology, offering a solution that is both functional and elegant.

Urethane Resin is Superior to Polymeric SandImported Italian Quality, Installed by Gappsi

Gappsi takes pride in sourcing and importing the highest-quality materials from Italy.  A country renowned for its craftsmanship in stone and architectural finishes. The stones and urethane resin used in this project are designed specifically for outdoor applications, ensuring exceptional performance and longevity.

By combining premium materials with Gappsi’s meticulous installation process, our clients enjoy results that look beautiful and last for years. Whether it’s a minor repair or a large-scale outdoor renovation, our commitment to quality never changes.

The Final Result: Beauty That Lasts

The finished project at Tara Condominium speaks for itself. The natural stone pebbles bonded with urethane resin created a clean, polished, and durable joint system that enhances the look of the entire concrete area. The contrast between the soft, rounded stones and the structured concrete provides a modern, elegant, and low-maintenance finish.

Most importantly, this solution will not deteriorate like polymeric sand or wood fillers. The residents of Tara Condominium can now enjoy a long-lasting, attractive surface that resists cracking, fading, and erosion, even under Long Island’s harsh seasonal conditions.

natural stone and urethane resin system.Contact Gappsi for Your Next Project

If you’re dealing with failing joints, deteriorating polymeric sand, or tired-looking concrete areas, consider upgrading to a natural stone and urethane resin system. Gappsi’s expert installers can help you restore or reinvent your outdoor spaces with materials that are both innovative and timeless.

To learn more about this project or schedule a consultation, visit www.gappsi.com or call us today. Let Gappsi bring Italian craftsmanship and Long Island expertise to your next outdoor renovation.

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How to Correct a Poor Application of Driveway Sealer on Paving Stones | Long-Island NY

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 How-to-Strip-and-Remove-Paver-Sealer-Long-Island-NY Before and AfterCan a poor application of driveway sealer be corrected?  Depending on the severity of the problem, it may require saturation, aggressive scrubbing, and repeated applications to re-emulsify the sealer.

If you’ve ever seen some pavers that have turned white after being sealed, the white haze or film you see is trapped moisture. “Whiting” as it is called in our industry, is not to be confused with concrete efflorescence, which can cause white-looking pavers to happen at any time, due to natural causes.

1-poor-sealing-job---how-to-strip-and-remove-paver-sealer-long-island-nyWhiting happens when your pavers have been sealed with a xylene or acrylic (solvent-based) sealer or sealed during imperfect weather conditions or application. The trapped moisture is caused by hydrostatic pressure, which brings the moisture up through the pores of the pavers and traps it under the sealer. Once your pavers have “turned white”, there is only one way to rectify the problem. The sealer must be completely stripped off and re-sealed with the correct type of sealer.

2-applying-sealer-stripper_removers---how-to-strip-and-remove-paver-sealer-long-island-nyRemoving and Stripping Old Sealant Off Driveway Pavers

The first step in this job is to strip and remove all the old sealer from the paving stone driveway. Unfortunately, the previous contractor did not complete the job properly the first time. Through time many additional layers of sealer were applied and magnified the patchy poor paver color “whiting” issues.  There are a few different layers of sealer, the latest application seems to be an acrylic sealer.  It gives a shiny look to the stones, the issue over the years has made the problem worse and more noticeable.

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We are applying the sealer remover. It is a stripper. We will finish applying the sealer and let it sit for a few minutes.  Then we start the process of pressure washing it off from the top of the pavers.

We have started removing the sealer. The stripper soaks in and makes it possible to remove the sealant layers. We are using the turbo nozzle with high pressure and hot water.  Then we pressure washed the surface of the pavers with hot water, low pressure.  As we strip the driveway each layer of the old sealer is removed.

3-pressure-washing-stripper-sealer-remover-with-hot-water-pressure-washing-system---how-to-strip-and-remove-paver-sealer-long-island-nyWhat type of sand material fills the joints between pavers?

We add sand to the stone pavers. Then we are in the process of spreading the sand in the joints. We are using white silica sand, which works well with the urethane sealer, it absorbs the sealer and gets very hard. It also is very dry and falls into space very easily. We are compacting the sand with a vibratory roller. The compactor has rolls under it to prevent it from scratching the stones. Then we apply the sand once, vibrate it respread the sand, and vibrate it a second time. We are doing the final touches with the sand. We are blowing the extra sand from the top of the stones without removing it from the joints.

Polymeric sand is best to use to fill the joints in between pavers. High-quality polymeric sand will not leave any stains on the surface. Gappsi vibrates the pavers while sweeping which allows the sand to fill the joints tight and also helps the sand harden. Sweeping the excess sand off the pavers before wetting the sand is also very important. This prevents the glue that is in the sand from smearing the surface of the pavers. Most importantly, applying a good urethane sealer will further help the sand to harden and prevent ants from digging into the paver joints and weeds from growing on patios.

4-reaending-paver-joints-with-silica-sand---how-to-strip-and-remove-paver-sealer-long-island-nyWhat is the best sealer for concrete pavers?

After the sand is vibrated into place in the driveway pavers we apply urethane sealer. It is going to be a HUGE transformation given how extreme this driveway was.

This is the process of the first application of driveway sealer to the pavers. We spray the sealer and allow it to sink into the joints. This will soak into the sand and get hard from the urethane. We use a blower to help the sealer spread uniformly. This coat is a flood coat.  A second layer of sealant is applied primarily to seal the stones. This first coat is absorbed into the sand in between the joints. We apply the second coat of sealer and final which gives the stones the color enhancement. We don’t float the surface of the stones with this coat because the pavers will not absorb as much as the first coat. However, we still have to move the sealer around because it can dry on top of the surface unevenly.

5-applying-first-coat-of-sealer-on-driveway-pavers---how-to-strip-and-remove-paver-sealer-long-island-nyThe sealer creates a very strong bond to the paving stone surface and over the sand particles in between the joints.

There are many manufacturers of sealers, from solvents to acrylic urethane. Epoxies, acrylic, and urethane sealers come in water-based versions and solvent-based versions, including combinations of both. The biggest difference between the two is the VOC content. The sheen and life of the product determine how often it lasts before needing to be reapplied. Solvent-based acrylics tend to yellow over time and don’t allow the concrete to breathe. Epoxies are the strongest sealers but are best used for smoother surfaces and more for indoor or warehouse floor applications.

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6-applying-second-coat-of-sealer---how-to-strip-and-remove-paver-sealer-long-island-nyThe best sealers for paving stones are water-based urethanes

  • They are algae and mold inhibitors
  • Allow for superior joint stabilization,
  • Environmentally safe
  • Their UV Protection will not harm vegetation
  • VOC Compliant in all 50 States.

When you choose Gappsi you can guarantee a well-trained Gappsi personnel will apply correctly the paving stone sealer products achieving the best results.

This driveway was installed over 20 years ago. The paving stones are by Nicolock in the color Bayberry Blend in a 6×9 Rustico and Sante Euro Circle.

7-complete-stripped-and-sealed-driveway--in-whitestone-long-island-nyGappsi brought back the color of the stones to look better than they did when they were originally installed. The colors are very vibrant and uniform now that the sealer is applied correctly. You can see the color variations of the Bayberry Blend, the shades of gray, beige, and peach color even after 20 years.

Surface color enhancement and polymeric sand replacement in between the joints for this paving stones driveway was completed over 24 hours. This is the latest paving stone driveway restoration cleaning and sealing done by Gappsi in Whitestone NY.

To view our Interior Cleaning and Sealing options and to learn more about the application of driveway sealer visit our page Sealing Stone Patios, Driveways, and Interiors Stone.

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