Quck answer
1. Clean the river rock: Remove any dirt, debris, or weeds from the surface of the rocks using a broom or leaf blower.
2. Rinse the rocks: Use a hose or pressure washer to spray the rocks and remove any remaining debris.
3. Apply a rock cleaner or degreaser: Use a suitable cleaner or degreaser specifically designed for rock surfaces. Follow the instructions on the product label for best results.
4. Scrub the rocks: Use a stiff brush or broom to scrub the rocks and remove any stains or discoloration.
5. Rinse again: Thoroughly rinse the rocks with clean water to remove any cleaner residue.
6. Allow to dry: Let the rocks air dry completely before applying any sealant or enhancer.
7. Apply a sealant or enhancer: Use a sealant or enhancer specifically designed for landscaping river rock to protect and enhance the natural beauty of the rocks. Follow the instructions on the product label for application.
8. Enjoy the shine: Once the sealant or enhancer has dried, your landscaping river rock will have a beautiful shine.
Over time, landscaping river rocks can become faded, dull, and dirty due to exposure to sunlight, dirt, and rain. While the natural appearance of river rocks may include some dirt, it can become noticeable and detract from the overall clean and crisp look of your landscape.
Fortunately, there is no need to invest in a heavy-duty rock tumbler to restore the shine and polish of large landscaping river rocks. You can achieve this by using a special high-gloss sealant designed to give the rocks a wet and bright look. The process can be done manually or through a spray application, which saves time and effort.
Clean the Landscaping River Rocks
Before applying a sealant to your landscaping river rocks, it is important to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. Otherwise, dirt, bugs, and leaves can become sealed in. The cleaning method depends on the size of the river rocks. For large stones, a leaf blower can be used to remove loose debris, followed by a pressure washer to eliminate stubborn dirt.
For smaller stones, using the same equipment will scatter them, so you may need to manually sift through the rocks using your hands. Medium and large stones can be scrubbed with a stiff bristle brush and warm, soapy water. Smaller stones can be soaked in a mixture of water and vinegar to easily lift off the dirt. Finally, rinse all the rocks with a hose and rearrange them if necessary.
Remove Old Sealant
If you previously applied a protective coating to your landscaping river rocks and want to reapply it, check the instructions on your product. Some products, like DRYLOK WetLook, require sanding down the old coating before applying the new one. Alternatively, you can use a sealer stripper. If you are short on time, you can simply flip over all the rocks and spray the underside instead.
Even if you don’t need to remove old sealant, sanding the river rocks can enhance their color and shine. After cleaning, use coarse sandpaper to rub off the surface layers either by hand or with a rotary tool kit or orbital sander. Remember to wear eye protection and a dust mask. Rinse off any dust with a hose.
Apply High-Gloss Sealer
Allow the rocks to dry completely before applying the high-gloss sealer. Choose a day with ideal temperatures, following the instructions on the product. For example, some products recommend a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also best to apply the sealant on a calm day to prevent leaves and debris from sticking to it as it dries.
A pump-action sprayer is the easiest way to apply the sealant to a large area of landscaping river rock. However, read the instructions on the specific product you purchase as it may recommend using a paintbrush or roller instead. Usually, one coat of sealant is sufficient to achieve a polished appearance, but you can apply a second coat after the first one has dried for an even more pronounced shine.
