Alliance Gator Nitro Joint Sand for Pavers, Natural Stone and Porcelain Tile

Why Contractors Ask for Gator Nitro Joint Sand by Name

Polymeric sand needs a dry surface and a dry forecast. Nitro needs the opposite — you wet the surface first and install it in the rain if you want to. That single difference is why it exists.

• Install rain or shine. Rain delays setting rather than ruining the joint, so the weather stops dictating your schedule.
• Hardens top to bottom. Full-depth strength rather than a crust over loose sand.
• Permeable. Rated 0.7 to 2.3 gallons per minute per sq ft, so it works on permeable and hybrid base systems.
• Ready to use, no mixing. Straight out of the pail with a squeegee and water.
• Porcelain, natural stone and concrete. Joints from 1/8 in on porcelain tile, and 3/16 in to 2 in on pavers and stone.
• Works above 37 F, which extends the season past where the polymeric sands stop.

Gator Nitro Joint Sand Specifications

Coverage is per 40 lb pail and swings enormously with joint width — a porcelain tile job goes ten times further than a wide paver joint. Call or text (856) 418-4895 and we will size it against your actual tile or paver dimensions.

Where Gator Nitro Joint Sand Works

Alliance rates Gator Nitro for drainage-base installations on:

• Outdoor porcelain tiles, pavers and slabs
• Concrete pavers and concrete slabs
• Natural stone and wet cast stone
• Patios, pool areas and walkways
• Residential driveways with light vehicular use
• Traditional drainage, permeable and hybrid bases

How to Install Gator Nitro Joint Sand

The full step by step guide is in the official documentation below. Here is the shape of the job:

1. Wet the area to be jointed. Use more water if the surface is dry or hot, because a dry surface is what causes staining.
2. Spread and soak. Tip the material out, soak it thoroughly with water and work it with a squeegee or hard-bristle broom, pushing diagonally across the pavers into the joints.
3. Fill and rinse. Bring the joints to 1/8 in below the top surface or chamfer, then shower the excess off. Repeat section by section until the whole area is done.

Working time is about 45 minutes. Traffic after roughly 18 hours in dry conditions above 75 F, full strength at 28 days.

Nitro or Polymeric Sand? The Honest Answer

They solve different problems and the choice is usually made by your base and your forecast.

• Choose Nitro if you have a permeable or drainage base, if you are jointing porcelain, or if you simply cannot wait for a dry week.
• Choose a polymeric sand such as Gator Maxx G2 if you have a standard compacted base and a dry forecast — it is cheaper per square foot.
• Nitro is permeable and lets water through. Polymeric sand is designed to shed it.
• Nitro needs the surface wet. Polymeric sand needs it bone dry. Getting this backwards ruins either one.

Nitro or Nitro X?

Both are air-cure jointing sands from the same family. Nitro X is the fine-gradation version:

• Nitro — 40 lb pail, joints 3/16 in to 2 in on pavers, higher permeability at 0.7 to 2.3 gal/min/sq ft, four colors.
• Nitro X Fine — 27.5 lb pail, joints from 1/8 in on pavers, extra-fine gradation and much lower permeability at 0.17 to 0.24 gal/min/sq ft, five colors.
• If your joints are tight, or you want the finer finish, Nitro X is the one.

Quick Answers

Can I really install it in the rain?
Yes. Alliance states it can be installed rain or shine, and that rain delays setting rather than damaging the joint. That is the headline advantage over polymeric sand.

Do I wet the pavers first?
Yes, and this is the step people get wrong. The surface must be wet before you start and stay wet throughout, or the sand can stain the pavers.

Can I use it on porcelain tile?
Yes. Porcelain joints from 1/8 in to 1/4 in are an intended application, and coverage is far higher there than on pavers.

How long before I can walk on it?
About 18 hours in dry conditions above 75 F. Full strength takes 28 days.

Can I use it on a driveway?
Residential driveways with light vehicular use, yes. On Gator Base panels it is pedestrian only.

Can I power wash it?
Not for at least 28 days after installation.

What temperature can I install at?
Above 37 F (3 C).

Official Alliance Gator Documentation

Documents are published by Alliance Gator. For the most current versions, visit alliancegator.com.

Pairs Well With

• Gator Nitro X Fine — the fine-gradation version for tighter joints.
• Gator Aqua Rock — the ASTM No. 9 bedding aggregate for permeable systems.
• Compare every polymeric sand we carry — compare against the polymeric sands.

Questions about your project? Call or text (856) 418-4895 and you will get a real person who works with jointing sand every day.