1. PREPARE

For optimal product performance, proper drainage under the surface is required, per ICPI Technical Specification #2 and #10. We do not recommend installing in areas that are below grade. Edging is required to hold the sand in place. Do not apply if the paver surface is damp or wet as it will cause DOMINATOR® POLYMERIC SAND to prematurely activate and will lead to the polymers sticking on the paver surface.

Damp or wet paver joints will prevent the DOMINATOR® POLYMERIC SAND from properly self-compacting into the joints, which is critical to the product’s performance. Temperature must be above 50°F (10° C) for at least 48 hours before and after installation for proper curing. In areas with prolonged exposure to snow and ice, we recommend applying a film forming sealer over the sand and pavers prior to exposure, such as our DOMINATOR® Sealers. Joint width must be between 1/8” to 4” and product should be installed at least 1” deep.

DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand is not designed to be a capping sand. (See How To Section on our website for more information).

2. TEST

Test the product on approximately 9 sq. ft. (0.84 m2) to ensure the color and performance meets the project objectives prior to full installation. Use our DOMINATOR® Polymeric Sand Calculator (BDCbrands.com/sandcalculator) for coverage rate on your particular installation.

* If humidity is high, sand may stick to the surface. Contact Customer Care (800-270-4050) for installation assistance

3. APPLY 

New Paver Installations: 

Surface must be dry. Using a push broom, spread and sweep the product uniformly over the surface to fill the joints completely, up to their full depth of at least 1". Avoid sweeping the product over long distances, so that its integrity is preserved (work in sections of 20 sq. ft. or less for best results). Joints must be filled up to the bottom of the pavers’ chamfer (beveled edge), or at least 1/8" (3 mm) below the top of pavers. Last, sweep off excess product from the paved surface with a hard-bristle broom ensuring as much sand is removed from the surface as possible. Use a leaf blower on the lowest setting to gently remove remaining DOMINATOR® POLYMERIC SAND from the paved surface. Avoid over blowing.

Existing Paver Surfaces: 

First, remove existing joint material prior to installing DOMINATOR® POLYMERIC SAND. Note: use caution not to alter the integrity of the underlayment or paver base material. Once all existing joint material has been removed, follow the installation process for new paver installations. Failure to remove old joint material to achieve at least 1" depth of new sand could result in unsuccessful application.

4. ACTIVATE

Set the spray nozzle to “Shower.” Work in sections of no more than 9 sq. ft. Start showering from the bottom of the slope or the lowest part of the job. Apply water to each section for approximately 5-30 seconds without displacing the sand, ensuring wetness throughout the joint. See Activation Time Chart above or the Technical Data Sheets for approximate watering times needed for your joint width. Wet the joints and rinse the residue off the paver surface simultaneously. All residue should go directly into the paver joints. Stop showering if you see water retention or a foaming action on the paver joints. Wait 1-3 minutes for water to absorb in a section before the second watering, which is a shorter duration. Use a leaf blower to remove any excess water and polymers remaining on the surface of the pavers. Failure to remove all polymers through this final step will cause a film to remain on the surface.

5. Special Attention

Avoid excess watering of the joints as this will cause polymer runoff and a decrease in the sand’s performance. Also avoid applying only a mist application, which will cause product to only form a crust and the entire joint will not harden. See our How To videos for more clarification. Allow sufficient time to complete the project in one session. Cooler temperatures and /or wider joints may require 48 hours without rain to properly cure. Failure to properly follow all instructions will result in unsuccessful application.