1. Start with dry pavers and dry joints
Do not sweep polymeric sand into wet joints. Moisture can activate the binder too early and make the sand bridge on the surface instead of dropping fully into the joints.
2. Sweep the sand across the field
Dump small amounts, then use a push broom to work the sand diagonally across the paver joints. Diagonal passes help fill joints more evenly than sweeping in just one direction.
3. Compact and top off low joints
Run a plate compactor if the paver system allows it, then sweep more sand into any low joints. This is the step most likely to change your final bag count, so the paver sand calculator includes an overage option.
4. Clean the paver faces completely
Remove every trace of dust from the paver surface before watering. Leftover polymeric residue can haze or stain the pavers once it hardens.
5. Mist lightly to activate the binder
Use a gentle shower setting. The goal is to wet the sand inside the joints, not wash it back out. Multiple light passes are safer than one heavy soaking.
6. Keep traffic and rain off the surface
Most products need at least 24 hours of dry weather after activation. Always check the manufacturer instructions for the exact cure window.