[Cleanawayps]

Can any1 tell me if using a wacker plate on re-sanding block paving is worthwhile ? Bit apprehensive that it would create more problems than anything.
Also is there anyway to get rid of the milky stain that sealing a wet block creates as I have been asked to have a look at a driveway with this problem. I believe that it was sealed last year some time and covers practically the whole drive any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[BDCS]

Do you know what it was sealed with ? Are the marks salt or has it gone a grey colour ?

[drivewasher]

If the resin was xylene based then the white marks are trapped moisture, just light spray yhe area with xylene (solvent/thinners) and the resin will soften and release the bloom. Bear in mind the custy will have to keep vehicle off it for 48 hours as seal needs to cure again.
If its resiblock and it is bloom caused by dampness then your stuck with it the only thing to get resiblock off is paint stripper. Very nasty job

[Ged]

Never neede a waker plate to resand. only used on installation.

steve is correct about the staining problem. if it's a acrylic sealer reactivate with xylene. if it's resiblock which is a polyeurethane sealer then you should leave it  as its virtually impossible to shift this stuff without major headache. try ringing resiblock for advice if it is their product.

Ged

[Andy Foster]

Hi

There is no reason why you shouldn't use a whacker to resand, but you are causing yourself a lot more work as it takes about 3 times as long to do it this way.
Whackers are used on installation as me ntioned before and this is to make sure that the sand penetrates deep enough.
When resanding you are simply replacing the sand you have removed which is just the surface sand so just needs brushing in.

Hope this helps.

Andy

[mark bowditch]

Hi Andy,

Sorry to have to disagree with you here but never ever use a wacker plate after an installation as all you will do is break the blocks.
A wacker plate is not used to help kiln dried sand penetrate deeper although this does help.
When you install a drive the blocks are set aprox 8mm higher than finished level then the kiln dried sand is brushed over the whole area.
The wacker plate is then used to compact down the blocks to finish level.
I’m not trying to upset you Andy just advice as I’ve been installing driveways for many years.
PS: If one or two of the blocks are too high just use a rubber mallet or a bit of 4x2 and a club hammer to gently tap them down.
All the best
Mark

[Andy Foster]

Hi Mark, not upset at all.
I personally have never fitted a drive in my life, would rather leave it to you experts.
However, I have seen resanding done on drives using a whacker and there were no casualties.
I would never do this as it is not necessary and a waste of time in my opinion.
The reasons for whackering is what I was told by a guy from a very large paving company and so was just passing on what I was told... didn't mean to mislead or offend anyone.
Andy

[keith b]

A wacker plate is only really used to compact sand on installation or when replacing blocks, you can use a rubber mallet and bit of wood to re-bed the blocks, otherwise just apply sand and re-brush.

The best way to get rid of a polyeurethane coating on driveways is to sand blast, and then use a re-curculating industrial vacuum extractor to save on mess, then let the driveway dry for two or three days to release the moisture (milky white stain), then apply a acrylic coating.

[Cleanawayps]

Thanks to all for help and advice mucho appreciated   

[BDCS]

you do not want to apply acyrlic over the top of polyester coatings even if they have been sand blasted - reapply polyester