Gator Maxx G2 Polymeric Sand: Wide Joint Install Guide to 4 in

Gator Maxx G2 is the Alliance polymeric sand rated for the widest joints in the Gator sand line. Alliance lists it for concrete pavers and natural stone with joints from 1/8 in up to 4 in on a traditional base, and up to 2 in on an overlay over an existing slab. It is the grade Alliance points to for irregular flagstone and any patio where an ordinary jointing sand keeps washing out.

This guide covers what Gator Maxx G2 is rated for, where Alliance says it can and cannot go, the installation sequence, coverage per 50 lb bag and the warranty, using figures from the Alliance Gator Maxx G2 product page and technical data sheet. Where the product page does not state a figure, we say so and point you to the data sheet in our TDS and SDS library.

What Gator Maxx G2 is

Alliance Gator Maxx G2 Polymeric Sand is a water-activated jointing sand built for wide joints. Alliance describes the G2 formula as an intelligent polymeric sand that sweeps clean, needs a single watering and does not need to be blown off. Here is how Alliance positions it against an ordinary or older-style polymeric sand:

Alliance also states the sand is graded to ASTM C144 so it packs tight joints properly, and that it is OSHA crystalline silica compliant.

Gator Maxx G2 specifications

The product page does not state a full cure time. Check the manufacturer data sheet in our TDS and SDS library for that figure.

Where to use it (and where not to)

Alliance recommends Gator Maxx G2 for concrete pavers and natural stone on traditional or overlay base systems, including:

• Paver patios and pool decks
• Driveways and parking areas
• Walkways, footpaths and garden paths
• Commercial hardscape and pavements
• Natural stone and flagstone with joints up to 4 in

The manufacturer's limits are just as specific. Per Alliance, Gator Maxx G2:

• Must not be swept over asphalt, and must not be applied to wet or damp pavers or joints.
• Must not be installed at 32°F (0°C) or below. Clay pavers require a test on a dry surface first.
• Needs a joint at least 1-1/2 in deep and 1/8 in wide. Pavers must be fully interlocked and the base must meet ICPI specification.
• Needs at least a 2 percent slope so water runs off the surface. Pool coping joints must be mortared, not sanded.

Over an existing concrete slab, Alliance treats the job as an overlay application: the joint rating drops from 4 in to 2 in and the joints need 24 hours before rain instead of 15 minutes.

Within the Alliance family, the sands install the same way and differ by joint width:

For a broader look at wide-joint options, see our guides on polymeric sand for wide joints and polymeric sand for flagstone and natural stone.

How to install Gator Maxx G2

Alliance publishes the full step by step sequence in the technical data sheet. The product page gives the shape of the job, and the conditions are the same throughout: above 32°F, a completely dry surface, at least a 2 percent slope, and a test in a small discrete area first.

1. Spread. Spread the polymeric sand across a completely dry paver surface. Do not apply it to wet or damp pavers or joints.
2. Sweep and vibrate. Sweep the sand fully into the joints and compact with a plate compactor so the sand settles, then top up any low joints.
3. Sweep off. Remove every last grain from the paver faces before water touches it. Alliance says this step is what prevents haze, and no blowing equipment is required.
4. Activate with water. Use a shower setting for a minimum of 30 seconds per 30 sq ft, until the joints are saturated but not flooded. Gator Maxx G2 takes a single watering, not the multi-pass soak older polymeric sands need.

On a traditional install the joints are rain safe 15 minutes after watering. On an overlay, allow 24 hours. Our guide on polymeric sand installation mistakes covers the errors that cause haze and cracking.

How much Gator Maxx G2 you need

Alliance gives coverage per 50 lb bag on pavers 2-3/8 in tall, taken from its technical data sheet. Black Diamond covers slightly less per bag than the other three colors.

Coverage varies with joint width, joint depth and paver height, and Alliance does not publish a figure on the product page for joints wider than 1-1/4 in. For an exact bag count on your patio, driveway or pool deck, use our polymeric sand calculator, or call (856) 418-4895.

Color is the part customers change their mind about, so look at the Gator Maxx G2 color samples before you order for a whole patio. Beige suits tan, buff and autumn-blend pavers, Slate Grey suits grey and charcoal concrete pavers, Ivory lifts lighter stone and cream pavers, and Black Diamond is a deliberate dark contrast joint.

Warranty and testing

Alliance backs Gator Maxx G2 with a 15 year residential warranty and a 1 year commercial warranty. The sand is graded to ASTM C144, is OSHA crystalline silica compliant, and is referenced to ICPI Tech Spec 2 and 10. Alliance also asks that you always test in a small discrete area first, and that clay pavers get a test on a dry surface before the full installation.

The full data sheet with coverage tables, installation steps, curing times and limitations is published by Alliance Gator and listed in our TDS and SDS library.

Watch the manufacturer's video

Frequently asked questions

How wide a joint can Gator Maxx G2 fill?

Up to 4 in on a traditional installation and up to 2 in on an overlay, with a 1/8 in minimum width either way and a 1-1/2 in minimum joint depth.

Will Gator Maxx G2 haze my pavers?

Not if you sweep the surface completely clean before you add water. Alliance describes G2 as a haze free formula, but loose sand left sitting on the paver face is what causes haze with any polymeric sand. If you already have haze, see how to remove polymeric sand haze.

Can I use Gator Maxx G2 on a pool deck?

Yes, pool decks are an intended application. The coping joints are the exception and must be mortared rather than sanded.

How soon can it rain after installation?

15 minutes on a traditional install. An overlay application needs 24 hours.

What temperature do I need?

Above 32°F (0°C) for installation and cure, on a surface that is completely dry. Do not install at 32°F or below. Our guide on polymeric sand temperature limits compares minimums across products.