Protectaseal
Due to their permeable surfaces, masonry building materials can be easily stained by oil, grease, foods and dirt resulting in permanent staining. Coloured masonry paving such as light coloured concrete and natural stone pavers have become more and more popular for outdoor living areas and are easily stained by a variety of staining materials.
Tech-Dry® Protectaseal is a high quality, penetrating, oil, water and stain repellent sealer for treating masonry substrates. By penetrating deep into the substrate, Protectaseal offers more durable protection against any masonry or concrete stain. The protection includes resistance against staining from food, wine, tannin, and oil.
The masonry and concrete stain treatment does not change the surface appearance or vapour permeability of the substrate and can be used for concrete pavers and ceramic and natural stone tiles. It is ideal for both internal and external use on porous or polished surfaces.
USE
To treat a masonry/ concrete stain, Tech-Dry Protectaseal is best applied using a low pressure hand spray. The product can also be applied using a brush or roller.
PROTECTASEAL VARIATIONS
PROTECTASEAL S is a solvent based version of the sealer and is best suited for hard dense finishes such as in many natural stones and burnished or polished concrete.
PROTECTASEAL W is an environmentally friendly, water-borne, and low VOC alternative. It is best suited for more permeable substrates such as concrete pavers, exposed aggregate or honed concrete, concrete block and reconstituted stones.
Features:
- Oil, Water and Stain Repellent
- Durable as it penetrates into the capillaries of the surfaces
- Reduces oil, water and chloride ion ingress by up to 95%
- Reduce water absorption and algae/mould growth
- Non-film forming natural finishes with no change of surface appearance
- Easy to apply
For more information download the Protectaseal Datasheets either for:
- Protectaseal – W
- Protectaseal – S
Product Name: PROTECTASEAL S
Description:
Protectaseal s is a solvent-based oil and water repellent. The product is designed as a sealer to penetrate into the capillaries of the masonry substrate and permanently bond to the substrate rendering the substrate oil and water repellent or stain resistant. The sealer provides excellent stain resistance against a majority of staining materials such as oil, coffee, wine, tannin, food or food colouring materials. The treatment does not significantly change the appearance and vapour permeability of the substrate, however, slight surface darkening may occur with some of substrates after the treatment.
Recommended Uses:
Protectaseal s is suitable for treating all masonry materials including natural stones, concrete blocks, pavers, driveways, clay bricks, tiles and grouts. Protectaseal s can be applied to both permeable and dense substrates including polished masonry. Some of the important features include:
- Excellent resistance to oil & water-based stains
- Significant reduction in water absorption and algae/mould growth
- Deep penetration with permanent bonding to the substrate
- Durable protection and wearing resistance
- Natural finish with almost no change to the surface appearance or texture
- Suitable for porous, dense or polished masonry materials
Test & Performance:
- Water Absorption
The capillary water absorption was conducted according to DIN 52617 and a water absorption results are shown in the following chart (Figure 1). The water absorption result clearly indicates that the capillary water absorptions of all treated substrates are significantly reduced.
Figure 1: Capillary Water Absorption
Penetration Depth
The level of penetration depth is an important property for a penetrating sealer. High penetration depth not only provides more significant water and stain resistance, but also extends durability to the treated surface providing better protection against UV, traffic and weathering damage. The penetration depths of all treated substrates in this test are listed in Table 1. The results clearly indicate that PROTECTASEAL S achieved significant penetration depths in all of the treated masonry substrates, except for Australian bluestone which is a very dense substrate for which, only a limited penetration depth is achieved.Table 1: Penetration DepthSubstrates Penetration Depth (mm) White Sandstone 4 Imported Sandstone 16 Sydney Sandstone 5 Grey Polished Marble 8 White Polished Marble 6 Cream Limestone 1-2 Imported Granite 20 Imported Travertine 1-2 Australian Bluestone <1 Pressed Concrete 50 Wet-Cast Polished Concrete 1-3 Stain Resistance
Stains (food dye, red wine, and olive oil) were placed as a droplet onto the surfaces of both treated and control surfaces in an order of food dye (left), red wine (centre) and olive oil (right). After approximately 10 minutes, the stains were removed and the surfaces were washed with a dishwasher detergent and nylon brush under running tap water. The substrates were then allowed to dry before the surfaces were visually examined for staining. The results are shown in the photos below. The photos on the left were taken after the staining materials were placed onto the surfaces. The bottom was the treated surface while the top part was the untreated as the control. The photos on the right were taken after the stains were removed and surfaces were washed and dried.1). Sandstone (from left to right): White Sandstone, Imported Sandstone & Sydney Sandstone.
2). Marble & Limestone (from left to right): Grey Polished Marble, Limestone & White Polished Marble.
3). Marble & Limestone (from left to right): Grey Polished Marble, Limestone & White Polished Marble.
4). Concrete (from left to right): Pressed Concrete Paver & Wet-Cast Polished Concrete Paver.
The above staining test results indicated that all treated surfaces had almost no stains or the stains were significantly reduced compared to those of the control surfaces where heavy stains remained after the stain resistance test’
Use Instructions:
Read the product information sheet before application. Do not apply if extreme weather conditions are expected. The surface to be treated should be dry, firm and free from grime, oil and any previous coatings or sealers. Cracks should be filled and allowed to cure before application. As masonry material varies, a test MUST be conducted prior to application to determine the suitability of this product for the purpose.
Protectaseal s is best applied using a low-pressure hand spray. The product can be applied using a brush, a roller or similar. The initial treated surface should have a mirror-like wet film appearance. After the 1st coat is completely absorbed by the surface while surface is still wet, apply the 2nd coat. Any remaining sealer on the surface which is not absorbed by the surface for over 10 minutes should be removed to avoid excessive accumulation of the sealer, which may cause colour change or uneven finish.
The consumption of Protectaseal s varies depending on the permeability of substrates in the order of 2-25 m2 per litre per coat or could be out of this range significantly.
Similarly, the number of applications depends on the permeability of substrates. Two coats wet-on-wet are generally recommended. For very permeable substrate, more coats are required. However, one or two light coats are sufficient for very dense substrates such as bluestone and slate. Over application may cause excessive colour change and surface unevenness. The best way to determine the consumption and number of coats is by testing in a small area before application.
For smooth or polished substrates, it may be necessary to polish the surface after application with a light colour dry cloth to reveal the original finish. This may be done after the surface is touch dry or within a couple of hours after application. Moistening the cloth with Protectaseal s may help to ease the polishing.
The initial oil and water repellent effect will develop after the surface is touch dry. Full curing may take up to 7 days. Avoid heavy traffic for minimum 24 hours. The equipment can be washed in mineral turpentine or other organic solvents.
Typical Data:
- Appearance: colorless or pale yellowish liquid
- Specific Gravity: approximately 0.8g/ml at 20 oC
- Solubility: soluble in hydrocarbon or alcoholic solvents
- VOC content: >50%
- Flash point: 26ºC
Important Note:
Protectaseal s penetrates into the masonry capillaries and renders the surface oil & water repellent without blocking the capillaries. Prolonged contact of stains with the surface can still cause staining. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that stains should be removed as soon as possible to avoid possible permanent staining. The sealer will not prevent surface etching or wearing. Protectaseal s will make the maintenance and cleaning of a treated surface easier. General cleaning with household detergent, water and gentle brushing is required. Avoid acid or alkaline cleaning materials and aggressive brushing.
Handling & Storage:
Protectaseal s is a hazardous and flammable material. Refer to the product material safety data sheet for safe handling and storage. The product has a shelf life of 12 months in sealed containers under 25ºC. The product should be used as soon as possible after opening. Never contaminate the product with building materials or any form of moisture.
Stored in a cool dry place away from fire or ignition sources. Use with sufficient ventilation away from any fire or ignition sources.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN!
Packaging:
Protectaseal s is available in 1, 5, 20, 200 & 1000 litre metal drums.
Figure 1: Capillary Water Absorption
Product Name: PROTECTASEAL W
Description:
Protectaseal w is a water-based oil and water repellent which can be used as a stain resistant penetrating sealer for treating masonry substrates. The treatment does not change the surface appearance or vapour permeability of the substrate. The sealer provides excellent stain resistance against a majority of stains including food, wine, tannin, and oil. Protectaseal w is an environmentally friendly product containing no organic solvent and is a good alternative to the solvent-based stain-resistant sealer.
Some of the important features of this product include:
- Good resistance to oil or water-based stains
- Reduce water absorption and algae/mould growth
- Penetrates and permanently reacts with masonry
- Offer durable protection and wearing resistance
- Non-film forming natural finishes with no change of surface appearance
- Water-based environmentally friendly technology with no VOC
Recommended Uses:
Protectaseal w is suitable to all masonry materials including natural stones, concrete blocks, pavers/driveways, clay bricks, terracotta, tiles and grouts. Due to being water-based product, Protectaseal w has limited penetration ability in dense substrates so the product may be most suitable for treating permeable masonry substrates. However, Protectaseal w can still provide reasonable water repellence and stain resistance to dense substrates. For dense materials, Tech-Dry solvent-based stain resistant sealer may be selected as a better alternative.
Test & Performance:
Four popular masonry substrates including pressed concrete paver and imported sandstone as the permeable substrates, and imported granite and imported bluestone as the dense masonry were selected for performance testing. Food dye, red wine, and olive oil were used as stains for staining tests.
Water Absorption:
The capillary water absorption according to DIN 52617 was shown in the Figure 1. The result indicates that the capillary water absorption of all treated substrates was significantly reduced.
Figure 1: Capillary Water Absorption
Penetration Depth:
The penetration depths of the treated substrates are listed in Table 1. Being a water-based formulation with limited penetration ability, PROTECTASEAL W achieved reasonable penetration depths to all treated masonry substrates, except for very dense bluestone.
Table 1: Penetration Depth
| Penetration Depth | |
| Pressed Concrete | 10-20 mm |
| Imported Sandstone | 1.5 mm |
| Imported Granite | 2 mm |
| Imported Bluestone | >0 mm (almost nil) |
Stain Resistance:
Stains (food dye, red wine, and olive oil) were equally placed as a droplet onto the surfaces of both treated and control surfaces in an order of food dye (left), red wine (centre) and olive oil (right). After approximately 10 minutes, the stains were removed and the surfaces were washed with a dishwasher detergent and nylon brush under running tap water. The substrates were then allowed to dry before the surfaces were visually examined for staining. The results are shown in the photos below. The photos on the left were taken after the staining materials were placed onto the surfaces. The top part was the treated part while the bottom was the control. The photos on the right were taken after the stains were removed and surfaces were washed and dry.
1) Pressed Concrete Paver:
Being a permeable substrate, the stains were immediately absorbed by the pressed concrete after being placed onto the surface. In contrast, the stains remained as beadings on the treated surface. After the stains were removed and was washed and dry, the untreated surface was significant stained while the treated part showed almost no stains. The result indicates that PROTECTASEAL W provided significant stain resistance to the pressed concrete.
2) Imported Sandstone:
Sandstone is also a permeable substrate and the results were similar to that of the pressed concrete paver. The test shows that PROTECTASEAL W provides a good stain resistance to the sandstone.
3) Imported Granite:
Granite is a dense natural stone with low water absorption. Although there is no immediate absorption for the untreated surface but the surface was significantly stained after the staining test. In contrast, the treated part showed almost no stains. This indicates that PROTECTASEAL W provides significant stain resistance to the granite.
4) Imported Bluestone:
Bluestone is a very dense masonry substrate showing limited water absorption but still affected by staining. The results confirmed that PROTECTASEAL W provided good stain resistance to this dense bluestone. It is noticed that PROTECTASEAL W provided better resistance to water-based stains than that of oil-based stain.
Use Instructions:
Read the product information before application. Do not apply if extreme weather conditions are expected. The surface to be treated should be dry, firm and free from grime, oil and any previous coatings/sealers. All cracks should be filled and allowed to cure before application. As masonry materials vary significantly, a test MUST be carried out prior to application to find out the suitability of this product for the purpose. Always stir or shake the product before use!
Protectaseal w can be also applied using brush, roller or low-pressure hand spray. The initial treated surface should have a mirror-like wet film appearance. When the 1st coat is absorbed by the surface, the 2nd coat should be applied immediately. This is called wet-on-wet application to ensure enough material is applied and absorbed into the surface to achieve deep penetration. Any remaining liquid on the surface for more than 10 minutes should be removed to avoid excessive accumulation of the sealer, which may not be absorbed by the surface causing an uneven finish.
The number of applications depends on the permeability of the substrate. Two coats are enough for general substrate but more coatings may be required for porous substrate.
The consumption of Protectaseal w varies significantly in an order of 2-20 m2 per litre per coat depending on the permeability of the substrates or could be out of this range significantly.
The initial oil/water repellent effect may develop after the surface is dry. Full curing may take up to 7 days. Avoid heavy traffic for at least 24 hours. Wash the equipment in water.
Typical Data:
- Appearance: white emulsion
- Specific Gravity: approx. 1 g/ml at 20 oC
- pH value:approx. 7-9
- Solubility in water:miscible in water
- VOC content: nil
Important Note:
Protectaseal w penetrates into the capillaries and renders the surface oil/water repellent while still leaving the capillaries open to allow vapour to breath. Therefore, prolonged contact of water or stains with the surface can still cause absorption and staining due to the open capillaries. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that stains should be removed from the contaminated surface as soon as possible to avoid possible permanent staining. The sealer will not prevent surface etching or wearing. Protectaseal w will make the maintenance and cleaning of a treated surface easier. General cleaning is applied for removing stains. Harsh cleaning should be avoided.
Handling & Storage:
Protectaseal w is a water-based non-hazardous product. However, as with all chemical products, good industrial hygiene procedures should be followed when using this product. The product should be stored in closed containers in a cool dry place away from any fire sources. The product has a shelf life of 6 months in a sealed container stored in a cool dry place away from fire or ignition sources at a temperature below 25oC. Use with sufficient ventilation away from fire or ignition sources!
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN!
Packaging:
Protectaseal w is available in 1, 5, 20, 200 & 1000 litre plastic drums.
