Why Contractors Ask for NOCO by Name

Flagstone is the install where conventional polymeric sand causes the most trouble. You either skip compaction and the joint never locks, or you compact and risk cracking the stone. NOCO removes that choice.

• No vibrating plate needed. Techniseal states NOCO does not require mechanical compaction. Surface compaction remains possible, but it is no longer mandatory. On irregular flagstone that alone can save a day of labor and a broken stone or two.
• High compressive strength. Skipping compaction does not mean a weak joint. NOCO is formulated for strength without the plate.
• It stays flexible. NOCO follows soil movement rather than fighting it, which is what prevents joints crumbling through freeze and thaw cycles.
• It adheres to the stone without contracting. Techniseal specifies that it bonds strongly to the inner walls of pavers and stones and does not shrink back, which is where gaps and hairline failures usually start.
• It flows down the joint. The formula is built to spread easily and run smoothly and uniformly into irregular joints rather than bridging over them.
• Rated for heavy vehicular and humidity. Techniseal lists pedestrian, light vehicular, and heavy vehicular traffic, plus high humidity environments and sloped terrain.
• Impervious jointing. Once cured it repels weed growth and insect infestation, the two things that ruin a stone patio over time.
• Works over both base types. Techniseal approves NOCO on hard base and on cement or sand base installations.

NOCO Specifications

The coverage spread on NOCO is wide because flagstone joints are wide and irregular. Techniseal gives up to 120 sq ft per bag for joints under 1/2 inch, dropping to 20 to 40 sq ft per bag once the joints get wide. On irregular flagstone, plan against the low figure and you will not come up short.

Where NOCO Works

NOCO exists for the installs where a plate compactor is the wrong tool.

• Irregular flagstone patios, walkways, and terraces
• Natural stone where compaction would risk cracking the material
• Pool decks and other high humidity areas
• Sloped patios and graded walkways
• Wide and irregular joints from 1/4 in to 4 in
• Commercial and residential stone installations
• Large format slabs and highly textured surfaces
• Porcelain tile and wet cast stone
• Jobs where mortar or stone dust was the only previous option
• Installations over hard base or over cement and sand base

How to Install NOCO

Follow the official Techniseal NOCO installation guide, linked below. This is the shape of the job:

1. Confirm the stone is laid on a properly prepared base and the joints are clean and dry.
2. Spread NOCO across the surface and work it down into the joints with a broom. It is formulated to flow rather than bridge.
3. Fill the joints fully to the specified level. There is no compaction step to settle it for you, so filling properly matters more here than on a compacted install.
4. Sweep and blow the stone surface completely clean before water touches it.
5. Water activate per the Techniseal instructions, working in manageable sections.
6. Keep traffic off through the cure period given in the technical data sheet.

Surface compaction is still allowed if you want it. Techniseal simply removes the requirement, which is what makes NOCO viable on stone that a plate compactor would damage.

Quick Answers

Do I really not need a plate compactor?
Correct. Techniseal states mechanical compaction is not required. You may still surface compact if the job suits it, but it is optional rather than mandatory.

What is the widest joint NOCO handles?
4 inches. The rated range is 1/4 inch to 4 inches.

How much will one bag cover?
Up to 120 sq ft for joints under 1/2 inch, and 20 to 40 sq ft for wide joints. Irregular flagstone lands at the low end.

Will it crack through winter?
NOCO is formulated to stay flexible and follow soil movement, which is specifically aimed at preventing joints crumbling during freeze and thaw cycles.

Can I use it on a driveway?
Techniseal rates NOCO for pedestrian, light vehicular, and heavy vehicular traffic.

Is it better than stone dust or mortar?
Techniseal positions NOCO as the first true alternative to both. It resists weeds and insects, and unlike mortar it stays flexible instead of cracking with movement.

What colors does it come in?
Iron Grey and Desert Tan.

Official Techniseal Documentation

Documents are published by Techniseal and open in a new tab. Every sheet we carry is also listed in our TDS and SDS library.

Pairs Well With

• Techniseal HD Paver Prep for surface cleaning before jointing
• Techniseal NS paver sealer to seal natural stone once the joints have cured
• Techniseal STORM if you need a permeable jointing compound instead
• Techniseal HP NextGel where mechanical compaction is possible

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

Colors in This Listing

All 2 colors below ship from our warehouse in Williamstown, New Jersey. Pick yours from the drop-down above. Every one carries its own part number, so reordering the exact same item later is straightforward.