Reviving Your Outdoor Spaces: Expert Stone Patio, Driveway, and Floor Restoration and Sealing

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Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our comprehensive process for restoration and sealing stone patios, driveways, and indoor floors. At Gappsi, we believe that every stone surface deserves a personalized approach based on its material type, structural makeup, and your unique preferences. Whether you’re working with natural stone, such as marble or bluestone, or with concrete pavers, our techniques and materials are designed to ensure long-lasting beauty, durability, and protection.

Choosing the Right Sealer: It’s Never One-Size-Fits-All

One of the cornerstones of our restoration philosophy is using the right product for the right surface. We never apply a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, we select from a range of specialized sealers tailored to each specific type of stone or concrete. The stone’s density, porosity, and structural integrity all play a role in our selection of products.

Concrete pavers and natural stones, such as marble or bluestone, require very different sealing methods. Concrete, being more porous and uniform, can be treated effectively with coating sealers. These sealers sit on the surface and create a protective layer, which is ideal for enhancing color and protecting the surface. On the other hand, natural stones are denser and require penetrating sealers, which soak into the stone’s pores and provide internal protection without altering the surface texture or sheen.

cleaning-and-sealing-concrete-pavers-process-before--afterBut we don’t stop there. Your vision for the final appearance matters just as much as the material itself. Some homeowners prefer a more natural, matte look, where the stone’s color remains unchanged but is still water- and stain-repellent. Others may want to enrich or enhance the stone’s natural tones, giving the surface a “wet look” or deeper hue. We tailor our sealing method accordingly, ensuring both aesthetic and functional goals are met.

Enhancing or Transforming Paver Color | Restoration and Sealing

A unique service we offer is our color enhancement process. This is ideal for older concrete pavers that have faded over time. We can breathe new life into them by adding a translucent color tint to the sealer. This approach restores their vibrancy while maintaining the natural color variation that gives them character.

Alternatively, for clients seeking a bolder transformation, we offer solid color treatments that entirely change the paver’s appearance. Again, the choice of coating or penetrating sealer depends on the paver’s composition and the desired effect. Older concrete pavers typically benefit from surface coating sealers, while new pavers and natural stones are better suited for penetrating sealers.

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Tile and Grout Restoration for Indoor Surfaces

Our services extend beyond outdoor spaces. We specialize in tile and grout restoration for interior floors, bathrooms, kitchens, and showers. Over time, grout can discolor and absorb moisture, resulting in deterioration and staining. We offer deep cleaning and sealing to protect and preserve your existing grout—or, if you’re ready for a new look, we can recolor your grout entirely.

Grout and Tile Cleaning in Your Home | Bathrooms, Kitchens, Walls and FloorsOnce sealed, your grout becomes water-resistant and far easier to clean, maintaining its appearance for years to come. This is an excellent solution for both new tile installations and older surfaces that need a refresh.

Premium Joint Sand for a Polished Finish

Before sealing pavers, it is essential to fill the joints with sand appropriately. We take pride in offering our proprietary line of premium sand, imported from Italy. Unlike many coated sands on the market, our sand is naturally colored and uncoated. This makes a big difference.  Coated sand does not absorb sealer properly and will not bond or harden correctly in the joints.

Available in five colors: white, gray, black, beige, and beige-gray mix. Our sand allows you to choose a look that complements your stones. The granules, sized from 0.4 to 0.8 mm, are precisely crushed and washed for optimal compaction and joint filling. When needed, we mix the sand with a resin powder. This combination, when exposed to a liquid sealer, hardens more effectively than traditional polymeric sand. In cases where resin isn’t required, our urethane sealer alone is strong enough to solidify the sand once applied.

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Professional Application from Start to Finish

Every project we undertake follows a meticulous step-by-step process. It begins with cleaning. Using hot water and specialized equipment, we thoroughly wash the paver surfaces, removing old polymeric sand, dirt, and debris. This is the best way to ensure the new sand and sealer will bond effectively.

Once the surface is clean and dry, we sweep the joint sand evenly across the area. A plate compactor with rubber rollers is used to vibrate the sand deep into the joints without scratching the stones. We repeat this process twice, applying and compacting more sand to ensure that all joints are fully and densely filled.

Cleaning and Sealing pavers on Long Island NYAfter brushing away any excess sand, we apply the sealer, carefully selected for the specific material and finish desired. This step not only seals and protects the stone but also locks the sand in place. Our team’s deep understanding of both surface materials and sealing products ensures a flawless application, resulting in a durable and attractive finish that lasts.

The Importance of Experience and Knowledge for Restoration and Sealing

Stone restoration and sealing isn’t just about using high-quality materials.  It’s about knowing how and when to use them. Our team has years of experience and technical expertise in reading stone surfaces and selecting the correct product for each unique situation. From choosing the right sand and sealer to understanding customer preferences and environmental conditions, every decision is made with long-term results in mind.

Your patios, driveways, and floors are significant investments, and maintaining them properly is essential to protecting their value and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re looking to restore a weathered surface, enhance the color of your pavers, or preserve your kitchen tiles and grout from future wear, we have the tools, knowledge, and products to get the job done right.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or request a quote. Let’s bring your stone surfaces back to life. Stronger, cleaner, and more beautiful than ever.

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before and After cleaning coloring and sealing bathroom tiles 12

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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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How to Clean and Seal Driveways and Patio Stones in 5 Steps

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Do you know how to clean and seal driveways and patio stones? Let the professionals at Gappsi show you the process!  

complete-polymeric-sand-and-sealer-application
Complete Polymeric Sand and Sealer Application – Dix Hills NY

Gappsi cleaning and sealing season for driveways and patio stones has started!   Our first driveway is located in Dix Hills NY. Over 10 years ago Gappsi installed this granite paver driveway and now we are cleaning and sealing it.

STEP #1 Cleaning Driveways and Patio Stones

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Step 1 Removing All Polymeric Sand and Debris from Paver Joints

First, we clean the granite pavers and remove most of the sand in between the joints.  Our new surface cleaners are also extractors. We wash the surface of the pavers and also remove the old polymeric sand.  Also, the debris that has collected underneath the joints is washed out.

This year Gappsi added a new pressure washing system. The machine is a high volume low-pressure hot water system.  The pressure washing system can go to 250 degrees Fahrenheit in hot water. It also comes with a soft wash system for areas where we don’t need pressure.

Our team started the process of cleaning the pavers. The driveway floor was pretty dirty so we completed a few passes starting with a turbo nozzle.  The initial process is to clean the stones, and then remove the old polymeric sand in between the joints.  This allows the new sand to be put in between the joints.  We are using 200 degrees Fahrenheit of hot water. 

STEP # 2 Removing Sand and Debris From Driveways and Patio Stones

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Step-2 Cleaning Driveway and Patio Stones

In the second step, we will clean the entire area with the extractor surface cleaner that will remove any sitting material in between the stone joints.

STEP #3 Applying New Polymeric Sand

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Step-3 Applying Polymeric Sand to Driveway and Patio Stones

The third step in sealing the pavers is filling the joint space with new polymeric sand.  We are using white beige silica sand.  This sand will absorb the sealer and get extremely hard; harder than polymeric sand.   Using a vibratory compactor specifically made to vibrate sand into the joints.  The Poly sand must be vibrated into the joint, as we want the sand as tight as possible in the paver joint.  The rollers have white rubber rollers specifically made for these kinds of applications and will not scratch or mark the stones.

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STEP #4 Sealing the Driveway Pavers and Patio Stones

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Step-4 Sealing the Driveway Pavers and Patio Stones

Step #4 is the process of applying the sealer.  We mix urethane sealer part A and part B in combination with water in a two-to-one solution. We apply the sealer through sprayers flooding the joints.  This allows the sealer to penetrate the sand and absorb it deep down to get hard. Using a blower to move the extra sealer around, we prevent it from settling on top of the stones and further draining into the sand.  Since these are granite pavers, they won’t absorb much of the sealer, but the sand will get very very hard. 

Which Sealer is Right For Your Stones?

Gappsi uses several types of sealers different for each stone type from granite to marble, travertine, or concrete pavers. In addition, there are color enhancers or natural look sealers.  We apply the proper sealer to the different types of stone surfaces or materials based on what is needed. Each stone absorbs differently and each application is different. Whether there is a top coating sealer or a penetrating sealer depends on the customer selection.  Also, we offer suggestions for the type of material we are protecting or enhancing.

STEP #5 Slip Resistant System Application

step-5-applying-slip-resistant-sealer-with-mop-driveway-and-patio-stones
Step-5 Applying Slip-Resistant Sealer with Mop Driveway and Patio Stone Sealing

Step #5 After the team has completed sealing the entire driveway we apply an anti-slip resistance that will be the final process adding one more coat.  This application is applied with a floor mop while the sealer is wet.  The two coats bond together and it adds texture to the surface preventing it from getting slippery. 

The sealing process takes 2 to 3 days to complete allowing time to dry.  We allow the sealer to harden and keep the cars off the paver for about a week. The driveway was designed with granite pavers that are an inch and a quarter thick.  The sealer needs to be hardened a little longer as a result of the paver size.  The sand in between the joints has absorbed all the sealer and it became very hard. The color of the driveway looks like the first day the pavers were installed. The sealer enhancer used brings back the natural original color of the stones. It does not have a shiny look, it is more of a color enhancer. We also used slip resistance mixed with the sealer, this gives better traction when walking on the stones.

This is the latest sealing project done by Gappsi. The original granite installation Gappsi completed was over 10 years ago and the stones were selected from the Gappsi Natural Stone and Porcelain Collection showroom. 

Gappsi provides restoration, cleaning, and sealing of all types of stones and surfaces installed on patios, driveways, and walkways installed outdoors as well as indoors. 

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We serve all of Nassau and Suffolk County Long Island NY, in all the following towns:
NASSAU COUNTY LONG ISLAND

Town of Hempstead Atlantic Beach Baldwin Bellerose Terrace Bellmore Bethpage Cedarhurst East Meadow East Rockaway Elmont Floral Park Franklin Square Freeport Garden City Hempstead Hewlett Inwood Island Park Lawrence Levittown Lynbrook Malverne Merrick Mineola New Hyde Park North Lynbrook North Valley Stream North Woodmere Oceanside Point Lookout Rockville Centre Roosevelt Seaford South Hempstead Uniondale Valley Stream Wantagh West Hempstead Woodmere Town of North Hempstead Albertson Carle Place Floral Park Glenwood Landing Great Neck Greenvale Kings Point Manhasset Mineola New Hyde Park North New Hyde Park Old Westbury Port Washington Roslyn Roslyn Heights Sands Point Westbury Williston Park Town of Oyster Bay Bayville Bethpage Brookville East Norwich Farmingdale Glen Head Glenwood Landing Greenvale Hicksville Jericho Locust Valley Massapequa Massapequa Park Mill Neck Old Bethpage Old Westbury Oyster Bay Plainview Sea Cliff Syosset Woodbury City of Glen Cove City of Long Beach.

SUFFOLK COUNTY LONG ISLAND

Town of Babylon Amityville Babylon Copiague Deer Park Lindenhurst North Amityville North Babylon West Babylon Wyandanch Town of Brookhaven Bellport Blue Point Brookhaven Calverton Centereach Center Moriches Coram East Moriches East Patchogue Eastport East Setauket Farmingville Holbrook Holtsville Lake Grove Manorville Mastic Mastic Beach Medford Middle Island Miller Place Moriches Mount Sinai North Patchogue Patchogue Port Jefferson Port Jefferson Station Ridge Rocky Point Ronkonkoma Selden Shirley Shoreham Sound Beach Stony Brook Upton Wading River Yaphank Town of East Hampton Amagansett East Hampton Montauk Sag Harbor Wainscott Town of Huntington Centerport Cold Spring Harbor

Commack East Northport Greenlawn Huntington Huntington Station Lloyd Harbor Melville Northport Town of Islip Bayport Bay Shore Bohemia Brentwood Brightwaters Central Islip East Islip Great River Hauppauge Holbrook Holtsville Islandia Islip Islip Terrace Oakdale Ocean Beach Ronkonkoma Sayville West Islip West Sayville Town of Riverhead Aquebogue Calverton Jamesport Laurel Manorville Riverhead South Jamesport Wading River Town of Shelter Island Shelter Island Shelter Island Heights Town of Smithtown Commack Hauppauge Kings Park Nesconset Saint James Smithtown Town of Southampton Bridgehampton Eastport East Quogue Hampton Bays Quogue Remsenburg Sagaponack Sag Harbor Southampton Speonk Water Mill Westhampton Westhampton Beach Town of Southold Cutchogue East Marion Fishers Island Greenport Laurel Mattituck New Suffolk Orient Peconic Southold

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Clean And Seal Pavers

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Cleaning-and-Sealing-Paving-Stones2When it comes to the outdoor areas on your property it is important to clean and seal pavers.  You may have paver stones installed on features such as driveways, walkways, pathways, etc. These paving stones are incredibly hardy and resilient and can last for many years with basic maintenance. However, the areas are constantly exposed to climatic changes as well as the sun’s rays.

Over time, they can develop scratches, stains, moss, and mildew. Sometimes, outdoor conditions can also result in fading of the paver surfaces. Not only does this mar the appearance of your landscaping, but moss and mildew-covered pavers can be unsafe to walk on as well. Make sure that these surfaces stay in good condition for a more extended period, by getting the pavers cleaned and sealed at least once every two years.

Clean and Seal Pavers

Gappsi will clean and seal pavers, flagstone, travertine, and other surfaces.  For those who want to keep their patios, pool decks, driveways, walkway areas, or other hardscape areas pristine and welcoming cleaning your walk area is essential.  We can restore your pavers, help with sinking pavers, and set in new polymeric jointing sand for any project size.

A great sealing job starts with the right preparation of the surface, starting with cleaning the patio.  Deep cleaning for pavers, concrete, and stone with hot water pressure washing up to 200-degree water, and cleaning products.

Proper Cleaning and Sealing Is More Than Pressure Washing

Sealing is ideal for both new surfaces and older ones to ensure they stay looking good for years to come. One sealer does not fit all projects, let our experience help you choose the correct sealer for your project. Pool decks, patios, walkways, entrances, driveways, and more, we’ll keep it looking great for years and years to come.

Any product whether it is concrete or natural stones used outdoors for patios walkways, driveways steps, retaining walls, and wall veneers, need to be treated with sealant products to protect them from the environment.  This also helps to protect the stones from stains.

Cleaning-and-Sealing-Paving-Stones3Concrete products are corrosive to citric acid in rain.  The salt and ice melters that are used during the winter along with everyday wear from walking and driving on them cause them to break down unless protected.

Stains on stones can be caused by pollen from trees and plants, water accumulation, and pour drainage.  It can occur when you are transplanting flowers or pottering on patios soil can accumulate in the grooves on the surface of pavers.  Often it is from colored mulch that is used in planting beds or even everyday use of cooking on a patio with dripping oils from the grill.

Natural Stone Cleaning And Sealing

Natural stones on the other hand are not as corrosive as manufactured concrete products, but applying a coat of sealer is just as necessary as it is for the concrete pavers.

The differences between concrete pavers and natural stone pavers are several concrete pavers need to be resealed more often than natural stones.  This is because they are more water absorbent and the sealers applied on the surfaces are more prone to delaminate.  As the humidity rises in the concrete pavers eventually it will push the coating that is on the surface and cause it to delaminate. 

On natural stones, any sealer will last longer due to the density of the natural stone structure.  Water does not rise through the stone structure when natural stones are sealed the body structure of the stone may be porous allowing the sealer to penetrate deeper.  Thus making it more effective and long-lasting to the point that some natural stones don’t need to be re-sealed ever again.

Sealer Types For Outdoor Patio Stones

There are many types of sealers for outdoor patio stones. It can be very hard to figure out which one is the correct one. This is where the professionals at Gappsi would help you choose the right sealing product that will get the results you want.  This prevents unnecessary spending while protecting your patios and wall investment. 

It is important to know the look and degree of color enhancement expected.   You do not want to be surprised when a sealer is applied on a stone patio or driveway.   If you are unhappy with the result, it could be more expensive to remove the sealer than what it costs to apply it. At the Gappsi showroom, we display the different sealers we use.  Each product requires a different type of sealer that has different properties made to adhere and embed on the surface of the paver. 

In order to last as well as be effective, concrete pavers sealers are totally different than natural stone sealers.  In most situations, Urethane is a water-based sealer used for concrete pavers.  These sealers enhance the color and also are water based so they can be applied on damp pavers.  They are considered surface sealers which means they do not penetrate the concrete surface. Eventually, they will need to be reapplied at least every 3 to 5 years.

Paving Stone Cleaning & Sealer Company Woodbury Long Island NYNatural Stone Sealers

Sealers best recommended for natural stones are penetrating sealers.  These sealers will be embedded in the stone surface and are more durable.  Penetrating sealers last 5 to 10 years and can also be used for concrete pavers.  The only downside to penetrating sealers is that the pavers have to be dry to get the best results.

Various finishes are available including:

  • Clear coat
  • Natural
  • Color enhancement
  • Matte
  • Wet look

Most services are able to be done within 24-48 hours. Gappsi specializes in cleaning and restoring all hardscapes including retaining walls and exterior brick on homes and buildings.  We can seal them to restore the color and beauty that may have faded over the years.

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