The purpose of polymeric sand is to limit weed growth and. Looks like this event is no longer available 👀. The Gator Maxx is the way to go. The installation methods for the polymeric sands and Nitro Joint Sand mix are almost identical to regular paver joint sand except for the application of water. Play Video. Why Gator Base Is Not For Every Job. This product, applied with a brush or sprayer, fills in the gaps between pavers and hardens to prevent weeds and insect infestations. Calculate Easy Joint Pound for Pound just like your Polymeric Sand. The process of installing pavers with polymeric base sand starts by adding a water-activated polymer to the sand. Sweep off excess SUPERSAND G2 from the paved surface, first with a hard-bristle broom, then a soft-bristle broom. 8. 1 kg bag. PREPARATION INFORMATION (IMPORTANT NOTES)Sand is ultimately a much safer option than stone dust for paving projects. It lasts longer while keeping the paver bound. 9. You need to go the depth of the paver with poly sand. Polymeric sand is not intended to be a replacement for. GATOR NITRO JOINT SAND is the ideal air cure, permeable jointing material. When using irregularly shaped natural stone paving blocks, such as travertine blocks, some of the. The rest of the ingredients are some type of filler and the proprietary glue. EASYJoint grout or all weather joint compound is a very quick, effective and aesthetically pleasing way to fill joints between paving, be it natural stone or concrete flags. Need some RFD expertise My driveway is made of interlocking brick. -deep layer of compacted gravel. Polymeric Sand: The 5 Main Differences The easy-to-find, most affordable sand is regular dry sand. Fabrics and grid. This creates a stable surface that can withstand heavy foot traffic and various weather conditions. Polymeric sand is primarily designed to fill narrow gaps between pavers or stones, typically up to a maximum of 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6 to 13 mm) wide. *Pallets of polymeric sand must be covered with pallet jackets to maintain the integrity of the product. It is crucial that the polymeric sand is installed up to 1/8” below the paver’s chamfer (polymeric sand must never be the same height as the stone itself). Grey. DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand - Best for Professional Use. Enhance your next patio, driveway or other exterior project with this polymeric sand. †NextGel™ contains no dust from additives. Gator Nitro. 7/8. Easy Joint is 27. Exactly how fine stone dust is, however, depends on the exact stone dust you get, as some may be finer than others. When selecting a sand type for interlocking joints, you have two options; polymeric sand and polymeric dust. Here are a few pros and cons of polymeric sand. Apply an even, 1-inch layer of sand on top of the compact gravel. While regular sand is made out of a combination of tiny particles of several different minerals, polymeric sand. cmirrer Discussion starter. 7 kg bag can cover up to 4 m2 (40 sq. Anything marked as play sand is clean and uniform enough to use in sandboxes and in areas where the sand remains visible. To the touch, they feel more like a fine powder than anything else. The 2020 Show Season Has Officially Begun. Polymeric sand and regular sand are both used for paving but each one should be used in a different way. Grey polymeric sand is a good all-purpose tone, but we also have beige poly sand, black joint sand and desert tan sand. Looking to protect and enhance your pavers' appearance? Look no further than Techniseal® Protectors. A depth of 8 inches is suitable for 4 inches of gravel, 1 inch of paver sand, and pavers that are approximately 3 inches thick. Polymeric sand is water activated and hardens after curing. The best polymeric sand is made of binding materials such as quartz,. The filled and cured polymeric sand joints should never be in direct contact with. What applications make the best fit? Gator Nitro Sand is a great fit for hardscape contractors and masons who prefer using mortar over polymeric sand. 3. The heat will reactivate the polymers in the. Paint 2 coats of paver sealant over entire patio. What’s the difference between Gator Nitro and polymeric sand? Nitro is admittedly new and hot right now, but is it right for every job? Come learn when to use Nitro and when. You can find it anywhere, costing $5 to $20 per 50-pound bag. The 7 component system. Polymeric sand is a type of sand that has been treated with a polymer. The answer is polymeric sand is better for locking the joints, and regular sand/concrete sand is better for bedding. Paving surface must be pre-wet before installation and must remain The products listed below can safely be stored outdoors: Polymeric sand and dust*. Both are made from the linkage of repetitive units. Gator Tile Sand is a unique mixture of polymer binders and calibrated sand available in Beige, Slate Grey, Ivory and Black Diamond. Gator Paver and Stone Cleaners. Polymeric sand is so durable that it can actually be power washed, with care. Polymeric sand is basically 85% to 90% sand and some sort of cement (either portland or organic). It is very fine sand, and it has a white or yellowish color. Let’s discuss some of the benefits of using polymeric sand for making bonds between the paver stones. It is suitable for all types of paving material provided there is a gap of at least a3mm wide and 25mm deep (narrow joint compound). Additionally, polymeric sand also helps to lock pavers into place and reduce weed growth and sand loss. If you're buying sand for mortar, it's best to buy masonry sand. PolySweep’s time-tested, original formula provides reliable, haze free performance and is never tricky to install. 69 reviews. -Polymeric sand. A leaf blower on a very low setting is a good way to do this. After applying the material to the paved surface, the sand is sprayed down with water which causes the polymers to harden. . . The initial drying of polymeric sand is an important factor for its long term durability that tends to indicate its longevity later on. 5-Cu Ft Brown Paver Base - Establish Strong Foundation for Patios, Walkways, and Pool Decks - Easy to Use - Cover with Leveling Sand. Polymeric sand is very versatile but doesn't work very well in super moist or cold conditions below a certain temp. You can find it anywhere, costing $5 to $20 per 50-pound bag. Paver sand is the material of choice for filling joints between pavers. If applied properly, the binding agent in the sand will harden in the joints and completely prevent weeds and ants from causing cracks in the surface. Paver sand is the type of sand you prefer to use. Exterior Use. Minimum joint width. The “glue” that ties paving projects together. I have tried to use it and while you can get by with it no harm no foul, it does not work they way it does with drainage underneath. GATOR NITRO VS. If the gaps are too wide,. Sand, or silica, makes up 80 percent to 95 percent of the mixture and is the primary ingredient in jointing sand. If the joints remain wet after the installation, they will remain soft until they dry. Paver Joint Sand. Since the sand is sealed or cemented in place, polymeric application needs less maintenance and the gaps or paver joints remain intact up to 10 years. Dry joint sand will allow the product to properly soak into the joint for proper stabilization. This new generation of Intelligent Polymers neutralizes haze and dust. A water-activated polymer is introduced to the sand. It can also be a long-term solution for repairing cracks on these surfaces. I used Easy joint in my slabs and it was brilliant over a year and no trace of a weed. Before settling on stone dust, just be aware that you may face shifting or other issues caused by the material’s. NanoPave JSS is a revolutionary 2-in-1 joint stabilizer and sealer product for use with pavers, natural stone, and flagstone. (63) Questions & Answers (18) Locks pavers into place. GATOR NITRO VS. Narrow joints require more care to completely fill. #1. How To Install Exterior Porcelain Tile. Spread polymeric sand in sections. Summer of 2003, we hired a contractor to build us a flagstone patio. Obviously, there are others, but this is probably an average mix of pavers you would see anywhere in the country. C. For even better performance, use a hot water pressure washer at 180 ° F. Homeowners don’t need to replace polymeric sand continuously. Polymeric sand cannot be installed in pavers placed on stone dust. Biogenic/ Bio-organic Sand: Sand who’s makeup is largely from coral, shells and the skeletons of marine life. Check out our EZ joint sand compound, perfect for all your projects. Eventually, the crust will break away, eroding the joint. for pricing and availability. Color: Beige and Slate Gray. EnviroSAND and white-washed sand are the two best alternatives to polymeric sand. They all described similar excavation and prep compacting in 2" increments. If your polymeric sand didn’t harden up, it’s pretty much guaranteed there’s a moisture issue. You are going to need to get polymeric sand, water, preferably from a water hose, a hose attachment so you can create a fine mist of water, as well as a good broom. For red pavers, the best choice of polymeric sand color would typically be a brown or tan shade. Winter Storage Tips. However, you should think carefully about the long-term benefits; polymeric sand may cost more initially but add up to. Proprietary formula with stronger resins and quick-activating catalysts delivers: 25% More strength; 25% Faster setting time; Colors. While paver sand sits underneath the paver stone in a compact bedding layer, paver joint sand and polymeric sand are applied over the paver stone to fill in the spaces between the joints. Pretty every single manufacturer of polymeric sand in the marketplace has three main ingredients: Quartz silica. For a typical 10 x 12-ft. Both polymeric sand and stone dust are very fine materials. Especially grade level cement. Proprietary polymer/organic. 2. Polymeric sand can be found in a variety of colors, including tan, gray, and black. Read page 2 of our customer reviews for more information on the Quikrete 50 lb. 200+ bought in past month. Edges and fasteners. A traditional base for a paver or stone patio is a 6-in. We certainly have. Can be installed rain or shine. Gator Nitro is best suited for joint widths that are a minimum of 3/16” and a maximum of 2. ft. With a push broom sweep it into all seams of your paver surface. Product Details. However, if the gaps are wider or between 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch, the same bag will only be good for 30 to 60 sq ft. DOMINATOR 40-lb Titanium Gray Paver Polymeric Sand. Even though SmartSand offers lesser jointing performances, this poly sand is more than. Silica is such as an additive and is often used to help lock the fine sand particles together. Winter Storage Tips. What applications make the best fit? Gator Nitro Sand is a great fit for hardscape contractors and masons who prefer using mortar over polymeric sand. This is a combination of using joint stabilizing silica sand and a liquid product that protects and penetrates both the paver and the sand in the joint as well. Today, we still offer the highest performing jointing products on the market. 3. Durable. Fast-setting, water resistant 90-minutes after installation. And although it is not completely waterproof, it can hold its structure by firming up when completely dry. (50 mm) joint width. Pros of polymeric sand. Joints sand level, must be at least 1/8″ (3 mm) below top of paver’s surface or 1/8″ (3 mm) below the chamfer. It does not work as well if you fill the joints with regular sand and then put a shallow layer of poly on top. What’s the difference between Nitro and polymeric sands? Nitro is new, catchy, and hardens like mortar, but is it right for every job? Come learn when to use Nitro and when you’re better off sticking with polymeric sands for your jointing needs. It is one of a few different jointing compounds available on the market to fill the joints of pavers for the purpose of achieving horizontal interlock in the interlocking concrete pavement. Polymeric Sand Installation Step 3. The Flexlock Ultra G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand formula offers a hassle-free application that’s simple enough for even inexperienced DIYers. NanoPave JSS is a UV resistant, VOC-free sealant that protects and helps maintain the. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16” (5 mm) to a maximum 2” (50 mm) joint width. Sakrete Paver Set. It is a budget-friendly polymeric sand for installations carried out in light-duty environments. Polymeric sand offers stabilized (hardened) sand joints once its activated with water. Always refer to the latest GATOR NITRO JOINT SAND Technical Data Sheet (TDS) at AllianceGator. 4. First thing’s first: Make sure you have enough sand before you start pouring! The quantity of sand you’ll need depends on the shape and size of the concrete pavers as well as the width of the joints. Anything marked as play sand is clean and uniform enough to use in sandboxes and in areas where the sand remains visible. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather,. I did not use the foam that is used with concrete as i thought we were going to just add polymeric sand. Specifically, calibrated sand is mixed with sophisticated intelligent polymers. It is often called polymeric sand because of the chemical binder that is. It is sometimes called jointing sand, paver sand or hardscape sand. not better, just different! In this article, we’ll discuss the primary differences between Gator Nitro and poly sand to help. Some unscrupulous contractors or naive diy'ers have been known to 'thin' the polymer sands by mixing in a trowelful or two of kiln dried block. Horrible idea. Easier to install and more durable than traditional hardscape aggregate, they also prevent weed growth and insect infestations. 7 kg bag can cover up to 11 m2 (120 sq. In smaller areas, pour in more from a clean yogurt cup and use a hand broom. ; Spread an even layer of sand to a depth of maximum 3/4″ (19 mm) • The levelling and compacting of the bedding sand will be the last step prior to installing the Gator Base. The downside of polymeric sand is the cost, but it does a much better job of keeping weeds out and while it does need to be refreshed periodically that is far less frequent than paver sand in my experience. Especially in a climate with winters like ours in Pennsylvania. STEP 5. Lay out the pavers first to determine the desired pattern, then. Get more specs here. So if you're in a more colder region you would be best to hold off till temperatures are above 40 Fahrenheit constantly. Keep in mind that sand is only a temporary solution for repairing driveway cracks. Resists erosion, weed growth and insects. 21. Polymeric sand. Packaging. Finally, it is resistant to pests and bug infestation. This sand is flexible, durable, and self-healing solution for joint stabilization. SEK’s PolySweep is made with a blend of native sands conforming to the ASTM 144 standard, and polymer binders that allows the joints to expandCheck out our EZ joint sand compound, perfect for all your projects. **Nitro Sand should never be stored in direct sunlight or exposed to heat above 120. For a more solidified joint, polymeric sand is used which contains the same sand but with binders included into the mix which will react with moisture to form a solid erosion proof joint As the. Alliance Gator 12 Days Of Christmas 2019. Polymeric sand is a fine sand that is combined with additives that form a binding agent when exposed to water. We used to very lightly use a leaf blower (just idling) to make sure the paver surface was nice and clean. Water Permeability. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather. Continue to move the jointing compound around the surface filling the joints to 1/8″ below the top of paver or bottom of chamfer. Moss or another low growing ground cover is another optionCorrect answer. Our new Gator Nitro is very different from polymeric sand. If the customer wants to have stabilized joints but their goals are not met by a joint stabilizing sealer, polymeric sand and a specialty sealer would be the best option. This specialist sand contains a mixture of silica and quartz. Gator Base. Pavers and slabs must be installed according to ICPI Tech Spec #2 traditional (before Gator Maxx G2 Sand installation. Maximum width between pavers: 1 in. EZ Sand Techniseal polymer sand prevents weed growth, repels ants and other insect infestations. Read the Instructions. Gator Nitro Joint Sand Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. Backed by a 20-year warranty. This sand is flexible, durable, and self-healing solution for joint stabilization. Nails. 7. Ideal for Surface type : Concrete Paver, Concrete Slab, Interlocking Paver, Wet Cast Paver. Polymeric sand is primarily used to fill the joints between pavers, rock, stone and other outdoor elements. After the material is added to the. Use a squeegee or soft bristle push broom to move the jointing compound around the surface and water to move the compound to the bottom of the paver joint. Builder’s sand is the most common replacement for polymeric sand, and it is easy to access and. Unlike the natural sand tone, the taupe color for your polymeric sand brings a warmer shade. How We've Made Our G2 Polymeric Sand Even Better. Geogrids and Geotextiles. Play Video. Polymeric sand is a semi-permeable sand that contains additives and binding agents to lock paver joints into place. . cmirrer Discussion starter. Multiply the length by the width to get the square footage. Polymeric Sand Concentrate,20 lbs-Polymers and. While the lifespan of any surface or paver joint can vary based on the climate and product type, polymeric sand usually lasts for 10 years. Interior vs. The Patio is Bluestone natural cleft with 4 different sizes in the pattern and half inch grout joints. Water cannot really flow through hardened polymeric sand. It is easy to distribute regular sand to create a leveled base to install pavers. It forms a. WetLok™ can be used from a 3/16” (0. Polymeric sand is a mix of different fine sands and other additives. It also causes cracks and gaps, because the sand hasn't fully bonded the entire depth of the joint. Ideal for joints up to 4mm in width. The initial drying of polymeric sand is an important factor for its long term durability that tends to indicate its longevity later on. Check out 40 Pound Titanium Gray Polymeric. Polymeric Sand: The 5 Main DifferencesThe easy-to-find, most affordable sand is regular dry sand. Pros. After curing, a strong andPrimary Ingredient. Gator Dust or Gator Maxx it is an advanced polymeric sand mixture that has wide gap applications. The minimum joint depth is 1”. Polymeric sands boast outstanding durability, weed and insect resistance, and a selection of colors to highlight or. How to. Silica sand consists mainly of silica, whereas polymeric sand only has a small amount of silica used as an additive. It's going to complicate the repair job due to it's binding abilities, but it certainly won't make repair impossible. While a 50-pound bag of ordinary sand costs $2 to $4, its polymeric equivalent can range from $20 to $40. In smaller areas, pour in. Nitro Sand & Polymeric Sand Simplified Calculator Enter sizes in Imperial measurements Note: Pavers with large spacer bars will typically use 10 to 15% less sand than this. Product Details. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16” (5 mm) to a maximum 2” (50 mm) joint width. TechniSoil TechniSand G2 Gold Polymeric Sand – Most Popular Travertine Polymeric Sand. A bag of polymeric sand that weighs 50 lbs will be good enough to cover 75 to 100 sq ft of your patio area if the gaps in between your pavers are narrow or less than a quarter of an inch. It's UN. Now, one year later, the mortar is breaking apart from the flagstones and crumbling. Check the weather, you will need two days of sun and dry weather. Step 1: The first step you need to take while installing paver sand is to fight the prevailing weeds in your patio. No blower needed and the intelligent polymeric sand requires only one watering. Play Video. Polymeric Sand vs Regular Sand for Pavers. The key difference between polymeric sand and polymeric dust boils down to the size of the joints between the stones. After removing all the old joint sand. Polymeric sand is a fine sand that is combined with additives that form a binding agent when exposed to water. So. First off, polymeric sand is designed to improve the interlocking capabilities of paving bricks, slabs, and stones. Gator Nitro Joint Sand Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16” to a maximum 2” joint width. With Techniseal’s industry-leading. Nitro Sand**. 00 $. EnviroSand, on the other hand, is water permeable, so water can flow away. Builder’s Sand. Dominator Polymeric Sand. The working life is fairly generous, at 2 hours minimum, but it is essential that the polymer sand is kept free from dust and other detritus during the jointing work. A bag is dumped onto the paving surface and. 0 out of 5 stars 1,932. Find My Store. Simply sweep Quikrete 50 lb. The minimum joint depth is 1”. The heat will reactivate the polymers in the. Regular Sand: Understanding the Difference — North Valley Stone Supply LLC Sand is a critical component to creating inviting and durable. Gator Jointing Material Polymeric Sand Gator Maxx Sand G2 Rapid set technology For pavers, slabs, Natural and wet cast stones joints up to 4″ in traditional applications and 2″ in overlay For residential & commercial use Traditional applications, Rain safe 15 minutes after water activation Overlay applications, Rain safe 24 hours after water activation OSHA […] The binding agents in polymeric sand help lock pavers together and keep them together for a longer stretch of time. Polymeric Sand Horror Stories - How To Not Fall. Simply install the pavers, get rid of the excess sand, and spray down the pavers with water. It will chip and break away. Use a push broom to spread it and the. Although polymeric sand is very durable, mortar is simply more so. It is designed for professionals who demand excellence and know the paver installation. Description. Instead, a mock-up installation is recommended to determine the quantity required. Scroll down to the heading that says “How to install stone dust in between your flagstones”. Polymeric sand is applied at the end, as a final step of the installation. Power Flex technology creates a stable, superior bond between paver joints and prevents shifting and erosion, ensuring sturdy outdoor surfaces. This may be to save time or to cut costs, sometimes both. 6. #2. Estimated Cost: $40 to $60. Polymeric sand is ideal for filling the gaps between pavers as it promotes better drainage and won’t wash away. Information Downloads; Literature. It's UN. Step 2: Gather Your Materials. Gator Nitro Joint Sand Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. Besides that, its versatility, low dry time, and durability make it a very attractive option. FLEXLOCK G2 POLYMERIC SAND Ideal for Residential use Traditional applications Concrete pavers, natural stones, wet cast products and clay pavers Sloped areas, pool areas, patios, walkways,Levels the paver evenly: regular sand is used more for leveling the cushion between the pavers than filing them. Play Video. Polymeric sand is a specialist material used by paving installers to achieve even, durable joints. wide. The only downside is its price. However, if the gaps are wider or between 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch, the same bag will only be good for 30 to 60 sq ft. It works on tight joints as well as joints as wide as 4 inches. Nov 8, 2023 11:06 PM. These colors complement red pavers and create a harmonious, natural-looking finish. JJS. Sealers. Keeps the paver gaps tightly filled. Poly Sands & NOCO. This quick guide breaks down the product’s features and benefits so you can easily determine which jobs will make the perfect match! Simply complete the form on this page to download your free copy. Another similarity shared by both polymeric sand and silica sand is that they are both extremely fine. PolySweep Polymeric. No blower is needed and the intelligent polymeric sand requires only one watering. Gator Tile Sand is a unique mixture of polymer binders and calibrated sand available in Beige, Slate Grey, Ivory and Black Diamond. Here are the top 4 benefits of polymeric sand: Stronger Bond – Polymeric sand provides a stronger bond between pavers than regular jointing sand, helping to prevent weed growth, shifting, cracking, and other issues associated with the poor paver installation. Color Selector (Gator Nitro Joint Sand) CHOOSE YOUR COLOR BEIGE GREY BLACK SILVER CHOOSE YOUR PAVER CHOOSE YOUR COLOR BEIGE GREY BLACK SILVER CHOOSE YOUR PAVER PREVIEWDesert Sand: Sourced from desert areas and not suitable for construction uses due to grains being too fine and overly smoothed at present, although some are developing concrete substitutes using desert sand. When it is combined with water it creates a strong bond that is ideal for filling in joints in pavers. Deters ants and other insects. Both are going to cost the same price for installation, so it’s simply a preference. You may choose to use stone dust if you have a large supply of it, or prefer the texture and appearance of it. Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. PRODUCT LIST. It’s is a great fit for hardscape contractors who prefer using mortar over polymeric sand. 2. These are the best buy products with high ratings from 116,271 objective reviews of consumers, we ranked the top 20 products you may be keen on the Best Polymeric Sands. A single panel is equivalent to 130 kg (288 lb) of crushed stone, saving you a minimum of 6″ (15 cm) of. 275. Weatherproof – Unlike regular jointing sand, which can be washed away by rain or. But when pressed together, the polymer makes the sand stick to itself and keep its shape like wet sand yet leaves your hands completely dry. The installation methods for the polymeric sands and Nitro Joint Sand mix are almost identical to regular paver joint sand except for the application of water. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16 in. Rated 1 out of 5 by Shannon from Might as well be ant food This stuff might as well be ant food. Multiple factors make it such, but the low and affordable price is a huge reason for this. -Sakrete Paver Set Polymeric. After that, spread the polymeric sand over the entire surface of the installation. It also causes cracks and gaps, because the sand hasn't fully bonded the entire depth of the joint. 1. Estimated Cost: $40 to $60. Play sand should be kept in the sandbox rather than in the pavers. This creates a fairly strong bond between your pavers that is less likely to be eroded by weather. First, you'll put a base layer down to improve drainage and create a solid foundation. POLYMERIC SAND: THE 5 MAIN DIFFERENCES. Sika FastFix-110 is easy to use and can be applied by both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. This new generation of Intelligent Polymers neutralizes haze and dust. #4. The 4 Polymeric Sand Alternatives. The most common type of sand for paver joints is silica sand. Block paving is tighter than 3mm as a rule, another thing is my slabs were laid on wet mortar so stay put. It took the already low-maintenance brick paver patios we were installing down to nearly zero maintenance. Credit: Charles F. For expansion joints, I've seen backer rod squeezed in, self-leveling goop put in, then sand sprinkled on top. The minimum joint depth is 1 in. If you put a thin layer over regular sand, it will peel off. 4. If your only priority is to harden the sand in the joint of your pavers to prevent sand loss and weed growth, polymeric sand may be the better option. Dominator is top quality polymeric sand in the market. It is designed for professionals who demand excellence and know the paver installation. Any loose polymeric sand that remains on the surface should be blown away with the proper equipment such as a leaf blower and activated with water to initiate the solidifying. The polymeric sand application is now dust free, haze free, no blower needed, requiring only one watering and offering a Rapid Set technology of rain safe after 15 minutes. I still don't know for sure, but I think I am leaning towards the sand. a. If the joint is too narrow, there will not be enough polymeric sand to create a proper bond. Ceramic Flex Polymeric Sand for Perfect Patio Joints. Polymeric sand actually cures via drying, whereas Easy Joint cures through a chemical reaction with oxygen. Once Gator Tile Sand sets, it becomes very firm and locks between the porcelain tile joints while still retaining flexibility and providing a long lasting, durable jointing material. 7 kg bag can cover up to 11 m2 (120 sq.