| Ten Tips for Clear Sealer Application |
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DO NOT APPLY SEALER OVER DEFECTIVE OR WEAKENED SURFACES.If
you apply sealer over a concrete surface or coating with poor integrity, it
will flake or peel off with the poor surface as well.Grind,
strip, sand, or do whatever is necessary so that you are back to a good solid
clean surface that allows proper adhesion.
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PREPARE YOUR SURFACE CORRECTLY BEFORE APPLYING SEALER.Nothing
sticks to dust!Surface should be thoroughly
cleaned of all dirt, dust, pollen, adhesives, residue, existing failing
sealers, or any other contaminants that could impede the bond.
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DO NOT APPLY SEALER ON A DAMP SURFACE.Let all
surface water evaporate and be sure the concrete isn’t sweating prior
to application (fog,
dewpoint, high humidity).If
using a non-breathable sealer or a penetrating sealer, you need to wait until
the entire substrate is cured and dry.
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DO NOT OVER APPLY THE SEALER ON IN ONE THICK COAT.Or
your sealer job will be plagued with blistering and peeling.Apply
in two thin, even coats and you should have no problems.(Red
or blue tip if spraying on; 3/8” nap roller if rolling on.)
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DO NOT APPLY SEALER IN THE COLD WEATHER OR BLAZING SUN.For
solvent-based sealer:35° - 85°F.For
water-based you need a minimum of 40°F, and rising.Allow
it to cure before exposing to freezing temps.In
the summertime, wait until evening after the heat of the day has dissipated.If
applied in the hot sun, your sealer will flash-set before it can settle into
the surface correctly.You could also end
up with tiny bubbles.
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DO NOT OVERLOAD THE ANTI-SKID.Or you will
end up with a whitish haze, especially when it gets wet.Two
ounces (by weight) per gallon of sealer is plenty.
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WAIT THE APPROPRIATE LENGTH OF TIME BETWEEN COATS.Film-forming
sealers: Water-based must be completely dry (4-6 hours between coats.)Solvenated
sealers must be completely dry and tack-free upon application of second coat-
they set a little quicker.Penetrating
sealers:Apply your first coat,
let it penetrate into the pores, and then go back and immediately apply your
second coat.If you allow the first coat
to dry first, it will block the pores from accepting the second coat.Also
do not let the sealer puddle – it will turn amber.
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DO NOT APPLY YOUR SEALER OVER AN INCOMPATIBLE RESIN.When
sealing over a previously sealed surface, do your research and know what you
are coating over.Not all products are
compatible.Some coatings cannot go over a
previously sealed surface at all.
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CHOOSE PROPER APPLICATION EQUIPMENT.Make
sure the material you are running through your sprayer will not eat the seals
and hoses.Some sprayers have an epoxy
lining, some are made of plastic.Be sure
the tip size on the wand is the correct size for the viscosity of the sealer
you are using.Keep your sprayer pumped up
adequately to achieve the proper spray pattern.Using
a roller?Use 3/8” nap, and if your sealer
is solvent-based make sure it has a plastic core.
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KEEP HEAVY TRAFFIC OR BULK WATER OFF THE SURFACE UNTIL SEALER CURES.Be
aware that “dry” and “cured”
are
not the same thing!At a minimum, wait 3-4
days before heavy rainfall or vehicle/foot traffic hits the surface.The
sealer will generally reach about 80% of its strength by then… but cooler
temperatures will delay this.Beware of
patio furniture with metal feet – they will dent your uncured sealer, and make
sure
toturn
off automated sprinkler systems.
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