Red ArrowDRYLOK® Concrete Protector
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Red ArrowTen Tips for Clear Sealer Application
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Red ArrowDRYLOK® Products FAQ
DRYLOK® Masonry
Ten Tips for Clear Sealer Application
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.)
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.