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FAQ

Below you'll find the answers to our most common questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Polymeric Sand 

What are the main advantages of polymeric sand?

DYNA Polymeric Sand locks pavers in place, prevents weed growth, deters ants, and resists erosion from wind, rain, and pressure washing. It also gives your hardscape a cleaner, more refined finish.

How do I install polymeric sand?
What’s the correct installation depth for polymeric sand?

The sand should be installed to the full depth of the paver joint, finishing 1/8” (3mm) below the top surface or chamfer edge.

Can DYNA Polymeric Sand be used on vertical surfaces?

DYNA Polymeric Sand is not designed for vertical installations. However, for small vertical areas, you can mix the sand with water to a cookie dough consistency. Lightly mist the vertical joint with water and trowel the mixture in. You’ll have about 20 minutes of workable time before the material becomes unmanageable.

Can I install polymeric sand over regular sand in the joints?

No. Always remove existing sand to at least 1 inch of depth. Filling joints partially with regular sand can lead to cracking, flaking, and poor performance.

Can I use DYNA Polymeric Sand for pavers installed over concrete?

Yes. DYNA Optimax is specifically engineered for overlays. It’s less permeable and ideal for installations over concrete.

How long after rainfall must you wait to install polymeric sand?

Wait 24–48 hours, or until the surface and joints are completely dry. You can use a blow torch to test for hidden moisture in the pavement.

Can it be used around saltwater pools?

Yes, DYNA Polymeric Sand is suitable for saltwater pool environments.

How long should I wait before walking or driving on the pavers?

After installation, wait 24 hours once the surface is dry before allowing foot or vehicle traffic.

How much sand do you need around your pavers?

Joints should be filled to about 1/8" below the chamfer or paver edge. One 50 lb (22.7 kg) bag typically covers 75–100 sq. ft., depending on joint width and paver size.

What is the best watering technique to activate the polymers?

Mist lightly in multiple passes, allowing water to soak gradually. Avoid flooding. Ensure water penetrates the full depth of the joint to fully activate the polymers.

How soon is DYNA Polymeric Sand rain-safe?

DYNA Optimax sands are rain-safe in 15 minutes over a traditional base. For overlays on concrete, allow 24 hours.

What if I under-watered the sand during installation?

If recent, run a sprinkler on the surface for about an hour. If a crust formed, poke holes to allow water in. If it doesn’t harden within a few dry days, the sand must be removed and reapplied.

Why isn’t the sand hardening?

This is usually due to trapped moisture. Allow more time for drying in warm, dry weather.

How long does DYNA Polymeric Sand last?

When installed properly and maintained, it can last up to 8-10 years. Keep joints clean and free from accumulated dirt or organic material.

Why are some areas hardening while others stay soft?

Dry areas will harden first. Damp or poorly drained areas take longer to cure. Cold weather may also delay curing.

Why is the sand cracking in the joints?

Cracking is usually caused by paver movement or an unstable base. DYNA Polymeric Sand is flexible but requires a proper sub-base for best results.

Can I clean moss, mold, or mildew from the joints?

Yes. Use a pressure washer, and if necessary, remove and replace the sand in affected areas. Regular maintenance with DYNA Efflorescence cleaner helps prevent regrowth.

Why is mold or mildew forming in the joints?

This is due to persistent moisture or poor drainage. Use a diluted pool algaecide to help control growth.

Why is there a white residue on my pavers after applying polymeric sand?

This is likely polymeric haze, caused by:

1. Excess sand left on the surface before watering.

2. Overwatering or uneven watering.

3. Insufficient water activation.

4. High humidity or rain shortly after installation.

5. Old or poor-quality sand with excess binders or pre-activated moisture.

Can polymeric haze damage my pavers?

No, but it may affect aesthetics. It’s mostly a cosmetic issue and can be cleaned to restore the look.

How do I remove polymeric haze or residue?

• Low-pressure washing (1,000–1,500 PSI): Clean the surface without dislodging joint sand.

• Efflorescence cleaner:
Use DYNA Efflorescence Cleaner for stubborn stains.

• Mild acid wash (last resort):
Use diluted muriatic or phosphoric acid with caution.

Preventative measures for future applications?

• Thoroughly sweep off excess sand before wetting.
• Use a leaf blower to remove fine dust.
• Apply water gradually.
• Avoid installation in humid or rainy conditions.

What happens if DYNA Polymeric Sand is applied below freezing?

Installation must occur above 0°C (32°F). Cold temperatures prevent proper curing.

Can I use it with clay pavers?

Yes, but clay is more porous. We recommend DYNA Optimax for superior water resistance.

How do I remove old polymeric sand from the surface?

Use a pressure washer with hot water (180°F / 82°C) or boiling water for small areas to soften and remove the polymers.

How do I remove a paver after sand installation?

Score around the paver with a utility knife, remove sand from the joints, and lift the paver. Pre-wetting the area helps soften the joints for easier removal.

Why is compacting important after sweeping in the sand?

Compacting ensures joints are tightly packed, preventing voids that can lead to failure. Use a mallet or 2x4 to tamp down slabs if mechanical compaction isn’t possible.

Who can I contact for further assistance?

Reach out to our customer support team for help with product selection, installation tips, or troubleshooting. Visit our Contact Us page.

Application & Installation

What are the main advantages of polymeric sand?

DYNA Polymeric Sand locks pavers in place, prevents weed growth, deters ants, and resists erosion from wind, rain, and pressure washing. It also gives your hardscape a cleaner, more refined finish.

How do I install polymeric sand?
What is the correct installation depth for polymeric sand?

Sand should be installed to the full depth of the paver joint, finishing 1/8” (3mm) below the top surface or chamfer edge.

Can DYNA Polymeric Sand be used on vertical surfaces?

It’s not designed for vertical installations, but for small vertical areas, mix the sand with water to a soft consistency, mist the joint lightly, and trowel in. You have about 20 minutes of work time before it sets.

Can I install polymeric sand over regular sand in the joints?

No. Always remove existing sand to at least 1 inch of depth. Filling joints partially with regular sand can lead to cracking, flaking, and poor performance.

How long after rainfall must you wait to install polymeric sand?

Wait 24–48 hours, or until the surface and joints are completely dry. You can use a blow torch to test for hidden moisture in the pavement.

Can it be used around saltwater pools?

Yes, DYNA Polymeric Sand is suitable for saltwater pool environments.

How long should I wait before walking or driving on the pavers?

Joints should be filled to about 1/8" below the chamfer or paver edge. One 50 lb (22.7 kg) bag typically covers 75–100 sq. ft., depending on joint width and paver size.

Watering & Curing

What is the best watering technique to activate the polymers?

Mist lightly in multiple passes, allowing water to soak gradually. Avoid flooding. Ensure water penetrates the full depth of the joint to fully activate the polymers.

How soon is DYNA Polymeric Sand rain-safe?

DYNA Optimax sands are rain-safe in 15 minutes over a traditional base. For overlays on concrete, allow 24 hours.

What if I under-watered the sand during installation?

If recent, run a sprinkler on the surface for about an hour. If a crust formed, poke holes to allow water in. If it doesn’t harden within a few dry days, the sand must be removed and reapplied.

Why isn’t the sand hardening?

This is usually due to trapped moisture. Allow more time for drying in warm, dry weather.

Maintenance & Durability

How long does DYNA Polymeric Sand last?

When properly installed and maintained, it can last 8–10 years. Keep joints clean and free from organic debris.

Why are some areas hardening while others stay soft?

Dry areas will harden first. Damp or poorly drained areas take longer to cure. Cold weather may also delay curing.

Why is the sand cracking in the joints?

Cracking is usually caused by paver movement or an unstable base. DYNA Polymeric Sand is flexible but requires a proper sub-base for best results.

Can I clean moss, mold, or mildew from the joints?

Yes. Use a pressure washer, and if necessary, remove and replace the sand in affected areas. Regular maintenance with DYNA Efflorescence cleaner helps prevent regrowth.

Why is mold or mildew forming in the joints?

This is due to persistent moisture or poor drainage. Use a diluted pool algaecide to help control growth.

Troubleshooting & Residue Issues

Why is there a white residue on my pavers after applying polymeric sand?

This is likely polymeric haze, caused by:

1. Excess sand left on the surface before watering.

2. Overwatering or uneven watering.


3. Insufficient water activation.

4. High humidity or rain shortly after installation.

5. Old or poor-quality sand with excess binders or pre-activated moisture.

Can polymeric haze damage my pavers?

No, but it may affect aesthetics. It’s mostly a cosmetic issue and can be cleaned to restore the look.

How do I remove polymeric haze or residue?

Low-pressure washing (1,000–1,500 PSI): Clean the surface without dislodging joint sand.

Efflorescence Cleaner: Use DYNA Efflorescence Cleaner for stubborn stains.

Mild acid wash (last resort): Use diluted muriatic or phosphoric acid with caution.

Preventative measures for future applications?

• Thoroughly sweep off excess sand before wetting.

• Use a leaf blower to remove fine dust.

• Apply water gradually.

• Avoid installation in humid or rainy conditions.

Special Conditions & Use Cases

What happens if DYNA Polymeric Sand is applied below freezing?

Installation must occur above 0°C (32°F). Cold temperatures prevent proper curing.

Can polymeric haze damage my pavers?

Yes, but clay is more porous. We recommend DYNA Optimax for superior water resistance.

Repairs & Removal

How do I remove old polymeric sand from the surface?

Use a pressure washer with hot water (180°F / 82°C) or boiling water for small areas to soften and remove the polymers.

How do I remove a paver after sand installation?

Score around the paver with a utility knife, remove sand from the joints, and lift the paver. Pre-wetting the area helps soften the joints for easier removal.

Why is compacting important after sweeping in the sand?

Compacting ensures joints are tightly packed, preventing voids that can lead to failure. Use a mallet or 2x4 to tamp down slabs if mechanical compaction isn’t possible.

Who can I contact for further assistance?

Reach out to our customer support team for help with product selection, installation tips, or troubleshooting. Visit our Contact Us page.