Earthshield

Description

Earthshield is a solvent-based silane/siloxane impregnant for earth buildings. The product is designed to penetrate into the capillaries of earth surfaces providing the substrate with water repellent and dust-sealing effect. The treatment reduces the absorption of water or efflorescence or other water-borne staining materials which are responsible for the bulk of the deterioration in earth building materials. Impregnation with Earthshield also prevent surface abrasion of the earth structures. The treatment will not significantly change the appearance of the earth buildings and the vapour permeability. However, a slight darkening of the surface may occur for some earth structures.

Recommended Uses

Earthshield is recommended as a water repellent sealer for mud brick buildings or other earth structures. It is also suitable for other porous masonry substrates including natural stones, concrete masonry, bricks, and tiles & grout.

Key Features

• Penetrates into substrate surface.
• Permanently bonds to the substrate with no peel or blister.
• UV, alkali stable and durable formulation.
• Reduces water penetration, efflorescence and water-borne staining.
• Provides dust-sealing effect and prevents surface abrasion.
• Does not significantly change the surface appearance and vapour permeability.
• Easy application and cost effective

Use Instructions

Application

Please read the product information for the correct application and safe handling. A test prior to application is strongly recommended to determine of the number of coats required and suitable consumption rate.

• Do not apply the product when rain or extreme weather is expected
• Ensure the surface is dry, firm, and free from grime, oil, and previous coatings or sealers
• Wash the surface with a suitable detergent solution if required, then allow it to dry
• Fill all cracks with appropriate grouting materials and allow them to cure before application

Earthshield can be applied using brush, roller or spray. However, the product is preferably applied by saturation flooding using a hand pressure spray or airless spray equipment to avoid direct contact of the brush or the roller with the earth building surfaces. (Recommendation: use brush for around window area to avoid unnecessary spillage and overlapping; and use spray for larger areas for a more complete coverage). Enough materials should be applied onto the surface.

Vertical Surfaces

• Apply a thin liquid film that runs 30–40 cm down the surface
• Apply a second coat immediately once the first is absorbed (“wet‑in‑wet”)
• Saturate the surface to achieve deeper penetration

Horizontal Surfaces

• Flood the surface for about 10 minutes to ensure penetration
• Apply a second coat immediately if the first is absorbed quickly
• Remove any unabsorbed liquid after 10 minutes to prevent an uneven finish

The required number of applications depends on the substrate’s permeability. Very dense surfaces may need only one coat, while permeable substrates may require two or more “wet‑in‑wet” applications.

Avoid splashing or spraying the product onto areas you do not intend to treat. If splashing occurs, remove the product immediately with a cloth dampened with a suitable solvent such as mineral turpentine.

Consumption Rate

The consumption of Earthshield varies significantly depending on the permeability of the substrate. It may be of the order of 1-10 m2 per litre per coat or could be out of this range significantly.

After Application

The initial surface water repellency will develop after the surface is dry. Full curing may take 24 hours or up to 7 days. Avoid heavy traffic or any staining for at least 24 hours. The equipment can be washed in a solvent such as mineral turpentine.

Pilot Testing and Quality Control

Due to the variation of building materials, it is strongly recommended that a pilot test on a small area on site should be conducted prior to application to find out the suitability of this product for the purpose.

Typical Data

• Appearance: Colourless liquid with hydrocarbon solvent odour
• Solids content:          <50% by weight
• Specific Gravity:         0.84g/ml at 20 ^oC
• pH value:                   Not allocated
• Solubility in water: Insoluble in water
• VOC content: >50%
• Flash point:                >31oC

Important Note

Earthshield penetrates into the capillaries and renders the surface water repellent while still leaving most of the capillaries open to allow water vapour to pass through. It reduces water absorption by capillary action. However, it has a limited resistance to water penetration particularly under prolonged contact or hydrostatic pressure. Therefore, in some cases where the substrate is very permeable or there is extreme wind driven rain, resistance to water penetration or water-borne staining may not be adequate. The surface abrasion resistance of the substrate treated with Earthshield is also limited. Harsh cleaning, extreme weathering, heavy traffic and strong solvent may have a detrimental effect resulting in significantly reducing the surface abrasion resistant effect of this sealer.

Handling & Storage

Earthshield is a hazardous and flammable material, so consult the material safety data sheet for safe handling and application. Follow good industrial hygiene practices when using this product. Avoid vapour inhalation and skin or eye contact by wearing appropriate protective equipment. Use an air‑purifying respirator if high vapour concentrations are likely. Wash hands after handling. Store the product in closed containers in a cool, dry place away from fire or ignition sources. When kept in its sealed original container below 25 °C, the product has a 12‑month shelf life.

Use under sufficient ventilation away from any fire or ignition sources

Keep out of reach of children

Packaging

Available in 5, 20 and 200 litre metal drums.