What type of sealer should I use?

There are two main types of sealers, namely, surface or topical sealers and impregnating sealers.

A surface sealer will provide a physical barrier over the surface. The result is a darkening of the surface. These coatings usually wear relatively quickly, make the surface more slippery when wet and must be completely stripped off when re-coating. Salts may also build-up under the surface, causing the coating to appear cloudy.

Impregnating sealers can be classified as those that repel water and those that repel both water and oil based stains. Impregnating sealers usually have little effect on the frictional properties and appearance of the surface but will not completely stop dirt and rubber getting into the open pores of the surface.

Why seal?

Building materials such as natural stone, tile, masonry, concrete and grout are all porous and will absorb damaging liquids such as water, water-borne salts and oils. These liquids cause the building materials to deteriorate prematurely and in so doing reduce their usefulness. Examples of deterioration include; weathering, loss of strength, efflorescence, salt attack, freeze-thaw spalling, unsightly staining, biological attack, reinforcement rusting, chemical attack and picture framing. Sealing can eliminate or significantly reduce these problems.

How do I calculate the amount of sealer required?

To determine how much sealer you'll need, measure the length and width of the area to be sealed. The amount of sealer used will depend on the particular material being sealed. For example, to seal a wet-poured cement-based pavers you will need 1 litre per 7 sq.m. (1 quart per 70 sq.ft. per quart) and for sandstone you will need 1 litre per 4 sq.m. (1 quart per 40 sq.ft. per quart). Your Dealer will be able to provide a guide to the amount of sealer needed for a particular material being sealed.

Where can I buy your product?

Dry-Treat does not sell its product directly to the public. You can buy our products from one of our retail partners (Dealers) throughout the country. Please refer to our contacts list in the "where to buy" part of this web site or telephone or e-mail us to find out the easiest way for you to obtain our products.

How do I know what type of sealer is best for me?

You will need to take into account what type of porous building material you have, for example sandstone etc, what you want to protect it from e.g. food or salt water, whether it matters if the sealer changes the look of the surface and finally, how much you are prepared to spend.

Can someone supply and apply your product for me?

Yes. Please refer to our contacts list of an "accredited applicator" in the "where to buy" part of this web site. The applicators are tabbed behind the nearest Dealer to you. The applicator can provide you with a written lump sum quote to prepare, supply and apply one of our products.

What is an accredited applicator?

These applicators are independent contractors with proven track records and training in the use of Dry-Treat products.

How do I qualify for a written warranty and what does it mean?

If an area of porous building materials is prepared and sealed by a Dry-Treat accredited applicator you may qualify for a written warranty. The warranty is between Dry-Treat and the property owner, and states that if the sealed surface is properly maintained but fails then it will be re-sealed free of charge.

Should the sealer be water-based or solvent-based?

Sealers need a carrier to take the active ingredients onto or into the surface. This carrier is either water or a non-water based solvent. There is no doubt that water sounds like a desirable solvent. However, as a general rule, water-based sealers are less effective than non-water based sealers. The main reasons why non-water based sealers perform better include: they are able to penetrate into the surface - this gives the sealer protection from weathering, cleaning, traffic, freeze-thaw, picture framing (critical on kitchen counter tops where water may by-pass the surface) and efflorescence. Non-water based sealers can also be used over previously sealed surface and are suitable to treat resin treated stone. Fortunately, there are safe non-water based solvents available and Dry-Treat uses these where possible.

Why is it that some of your sealers appear to do the same thing?

Each sealer is slightly different. They are designed for different uses. For example DRY-TREAT 40SK will repel water and water-borne salts and bind a loose surface compared with STAIN-PROOF, which will repel water, water-borne salts and oil-based stains.

Do I need to pre-seal my tile?

Pre-sealing i.e. sealing a tile before it is installed, helps protect the tile from installation water damage such as that caused by grouting between the tile joints. Pre-sealing also helps reduce the amount of impregnating sealer required once the tile is installed as it reduces the amount of sealer penetrating too deeply into the tile. One other important benefit of pre-sealing is to reduce the effects of grout migrating into the side of the tile causing an unsightly discolouration. Some tiles arrive on the job already pre-sealed, often with a relatively weak sealer in the factory. To check if a tile needs to be pre-sealed place a tablespoon of water on it's surface for 30 seconds. If the water is absorbed or leaves a dark mark the tile should be pre-sealed prior to their laying. Pre-sealing the sides of a tile is not an issue since a strong bond between the grout and the tile is not essential. The main purpose of the grout is to fill the gap and provide lateral support. Both of these outcomes are acheived by pre-sealing the edge of the tile.

I have carried out a pre-application trial on my stone with STAIN-PROOF and waited 24 hours for it to cure but olive oil still leaves a mark, why?

This sometimes happens on very porous stone and can be over come by varying the application method. The surface needs a pre-seal to hold the STAIN-PROOF closer to the surface. Apply the first coat, and after 10 minutes wipe off the excess. Allow the product to cure for a minimum of one hour (24 hours is even better!). Then apply a second coat of STAIN-PROOF and polish off the excess after it becomes touch dry or a minimum of 10 minutes.

How do I maintain a sealed tile?

The long-term good looks of a sealed surface will depend on maintenance. Removing spills immediately, using diluted bleach to remove marks and routine cleaning and scrubbing of the surface will keep surfaces looking good for longer. Also, SP CLEANER is designed to help maintain a sealed surface by cleaning and prolonging the stain resistance of the treatment.

I have applied your sealer and now have a sticky residue on the surface. What can I do?

This sometimes occurs when too much of the sealer has been left on the surface. If the sealer is less than a few days old the residue can be removed by applying some of the sealer to a dry white cotton towel and polishing the residue until the surface is clean. This should dissolve the residue. If the residue has dried then applying some of paint stripper to a dry white towel and polish the residue until the surface is clean. A nylon-scouring pad may also help remove really stubborn residue.

Is it normal to still get marks on a surface that has been treated with an impregnating sealer?

Yes. Since impregnating sealers do not fill the pores, marks from a contaminating agent can still discolour the surface. The good news is that the sealer holds the contaminating agent close to the surface. Usually, a diluted acid free bleach and light scrubbing will remove most marks caused by organic contaminating agents such as oil etc. Dry-Treat impregnating sealers are bleach tolerant.

How can I remove the excess product that has dried on the surface?

This can happen if the surface is too hot or excessive product has been applied for that type of material. Try removing the excess by wetting a dry white cloth in the sealer and removing the residue. If that doesn't work a strong solvent such as xylene will remove most residues. After cleaning you may have to re-seal those affected areas again.

How can I get a maintenance free surface?

Even an impregnating sealed surface will mark. To obtain a maintance free surface you may need to use an epoxy or polyurethane surface coating or use a vitreous tile.

What is 'picture framing'?

This is a term used to describe a discolouration that may occur to the outer rim of the surface of the tile. The source is usually either the seepage of grout into the tile or, for cement based materials, an uneven curing of the cement in the tile or, water. Picture framing is usually irreversible and it is best to prevent it from occurring. Preventive measures include pre-sealing the upper-surface of the sides of the tile.

Will I still get some staining after sealing?

We believe Dry-Treat's products are the best impregnating sealers money can buy. However, they do have their limits. For instance they will not stop surface etching (except ACID-PROOF for POLISHED SURFACES), so to minimize absorption the spill should be cleaned up immediately. If you want your surface to be "bullet proof" you may have to use a polyurethane coating (which will need recoating every few years, change the look and cause water to build-up underneath) or use a glazed ceramic tile

Why are some of your products so expensive?

The price reflects their high active content (i.e. the chemcials that do the work) - in some cases up to 100% is active - and the cost and high quality of the ingredients. We understand that our sealers may not suit every budget but we do ask that whether you use our product or a competitor - please make sure you seal!

What do I do if there is already a sealer on the surface I want to treat?

Usually pre-existing sealers must be removed. The best method is to use a paint stripper that can be bought at any hardware store. Use plenty of dry white cloth when removing the sealer. Make sure you do a test area first. The exception to this is that a Dry-Treat impregnating sealer will pass through virtually any other impregnating sealer.

I have sealed my surface with a impregnating sealer. Can I apply a surface sealer over the treated surface?

Yes, but you will need to wash the surface with solvent and use a solvent-based surface sealer. The reason for this is because only a solvent-based surface sealer will adhere to an impregnated surface. I think I have rising damp in my walls. What can I do?

I have rising damp!

Rising damp occurs when the damp course, usually made of lead, plastic or slate, in a masonry wall no longer stops ground water and salts traveling up the wall, causing unsightly damage to interior and exterior finishes. The best solution is the reinstatement of a physical damp course. If this is not practical then a "chemical" damp course can be made. The injection of DRY-TREAT 40SK below the floor level provides lasting protection against water and water-borne salt damage.
How to use:
1. Determine the level of the existing damp course.
2. Drill 20 to 30-mm (3/4" to 1 1/4") diameter holes 120-mm (5") apart at a slight incline in a staggered pattern.
3. Ensure the holes to be treated are dry, clean and free of residues.
4. Apply when the surface temperature is below 35 C (95 F).
5. Generously saturate the holes with product using a reservoir, or similar. Avoid contact with surrounding areas (typical application rate is 1 litre per linear metres, depending on porosity and wall thickness). 6. Allow 30 minutes for product to soak in then repeat application until the wall is saturated.
7. Clean equipment in mineral turps.
8. After the successful completion of the damp coarse injection the walls will dry out, causing salts to appear at the surface.
The rate of drying out will depend on many things including the temperature and may take months before the moisture content of the wall is stable.

Will sealing my sandstone make it "salt safe"?

Some customers believe that our treatments will make their sandstone 'salt safe'. This is not accurate. There is no doubt that our sealers will provide a considerable long-term benefit in resisting the ingress of water and salt into the stone. However, the treated stone will not become 'salt safe'. Rather, it becomes far more resistant to the ingress of salt. The amount of salt already in the stone prior to treatment, the proximity to salt water, the type and quality of the stone and sub-soil drainage will all affect the durability of the sandstone. Please note that although we believe our sealers are the best available on the market they must be applied correctly. With proper application sealers will significantly improve the durability of the sandstone in a salt water environment.

To ensure the maximum protection of sandstone in harsh saltwater environments you should 'dip seal' the stone. This is done by fully immersing the pavers in a bath filled with DRY-TREAT 40SK. Please note that by sealing the underside of the pavers this may significantly reduce the adhesion between the cement or water-based glue and the pavers. This problem may be overcome by using as special adhesive such as the Davco SE-7 and Davelastic.

If I seal a tile or paver on all sides, will a tile adhesive still stick to it?

After a tile or paver is sprayed with one of our impregnating sealers on all sides, or dip-sealed (immersed in the sealer for a few seconds) it becomes water repellent. Therefore water-based adhesives will probably not stick to it, but there are always adhesives available which will work just as well. Dry-Treat have test results for 2 such sealers by popular brand Davco: 1) Davco SMP2010. 2) SE-7. An additive called Davelastic can be mixed with SE-7 for extra adhesion.

I am about to seal but have discovered large "white" marks on my cement pavers.

After their installation cement pavers are often acid washed to remove grout marks. If the pavers have not been thoroughly neutralized and rinsed clean with fresh water after acid washing then the residue from the acid wash may show up as a large white mark on the surface. These marks may be removed using a mild acid such as phosphoric acid diluted in water and scrubbed on the mark. Always test the use of any acid first in an inconspicuous area.

Should I use PORCELAIN SEALER, STAIN-PROOF, or both?

The answer depends on how the surface absorbs the sealer. To test this, place a tablespoon full of water on the untreated surface for 60 seconds and then wipe it off. If the water has left a dark mark STAIN-PROOF should be used. If there is no mark PORCELAIN SEALER should be used. If the mark is only slight then a combination of STAIN-PROOF first followed by PORCELAIN SEALER the next day will give the best result. Also, the grout around the tile will need to be treated with STAIN-PROOF.

What is efflorescence?

Efflorescence is a problem affecting all cement based building materials. This includes pavers, brickwork, blockwork, concrete, render, grout and tiles. In every kilogram of cement-based material there are also many grams of water-soluble salts. Most commonly, efflorescence begins when unused lime compounds from the cement are dissolved in mixing water, ground water or rain. Evaporation of the water brings these lime compounds to the surface where they can react with carbon dioxide in air to form insoluble crystalline calcium carbonate. This is the unsightly white powdery material we often see on pavers that detracts from what should otherwise be an attractive and clean surface. In extreme cases the efflorescence can obscure the surface and the crystallisation can cause erosion and pitting. Eventually, the calcium carbonate may react with more carbon dioxide to form calcium bicarbonate - a material that is water-soluble. The surface may become clean after a number of months or years in the outdoors. Understandably, not everyone wants to wait that long. And since first impressions are always lasting, it's worth preventing efflorescence problems from the start. Just washing the efflorescence off the surface usually starts an almost endless cycle of more efflorescence rising to the surface. After only a few days the surface is as powdery as before. The answer is to seal the surface with a high performance sealer as soon as is practical after the building material is installed. The sealer must be deeply penetrating, able to withstand the highly alkaline environment found in cement based-materials and be completely breathable so moisture cannot be trapped below the surface. Once the surface is sealed a deep water-repelling layer is formed. This layer will prevent water and dissolved lime compounds from reaching the surface where efflorescence could occur. At the same time the sealer stops further water soaking into the surface and so breaks the cycle of efflorescence. The unused lime compounds are left harmlessly immobile in the core of the building material with little contact with carbon dioxide. Since the sealer can breathe, sub-surface moisture can escape as water vapour rather than in a liquid form. If efflorescence has already occurred the surface can be permanently restored. Simply seal the surface and once the sealer has cured (at least 24 hours after its application; 7 days is ideal) the efflorescence can be scrubbed off with the help of a suitable mild acid (always test the surface first), never to been seen again. Dry-Treat sealers can perform this task without changing the look, texture or frictional properties of the surface.

Can I somehow hide my efflorescence?

Unsightly white efflorescence salt residues can ruin the look of finished masonry. If washing off the residue with diluted acid is not practical then an alternative is to “hide” the efflorescence using two or more coats of ENHANCE-PLUS. This product produces a thin coat in the pores of the masonry that has a refractive index that is such that it is able to the make the white efflorescence salts “invisible”.

Why have you changed the formulation of some products in North America?

The US EPA has set strict VOC (Volatile Organic Content) limits on products such as ours. VOC refer to carbon containing material given off as the product cures. Dry-Treat has complied with the legislation by re-formulating some of its products using a low-reactive VOC exempt solvent carrier called propanone. Once this carrier evaporates the same active ingredients that were in the original formulation remain to impregnate the surface and do their special work of making an outstanding seal. It is especially important to follow the guidelines on the label and also properly trial the product on the surface to which it is to be used, prior to application.

Could I specify Stain Proof on pool copings (French Limestone) which will be 2 to 3 inches in water 24 hour 7 days a week?

Our products are not recommended for surfaces constantly underwater. The reason is that they work by stopping capillary suction and under constant water pressure the repellency is overcome and water penetrates via diffusion. The time it takes to overcome the repellency depends on the pore size of the stone and the water pressure. With a one metre pressure head it could take treated concrete 18 months but with 3 inches of water over porous bricks it could be days. Having said all that, if the stone is exposed to the air and allowed to dry regularly the repellency will be restored and the 'clock' starts again.

An alternative is a clear epoxy coating, although epoxies have a lot of other problems. If an architect or engineer insists on using an impregnator then make sure the entire stone is dipped sealed in DRY-TREAT 4OSK and then when the stone is fixed in place apply the STAIN-PROOF. The DRY-TREAT 40SK is a particularly good water repellent for low silica based stone. Note that make sure they use a special adhesive such as the Davco SE-7 and Davelastic to stick the dipped sealed stone to the bedding.

Does a surface treated with your product affect food intended for human consumption?

Once cured, Dry-Treat products are inert and do not produce any emissions. A few years ago we asked a US Consultant to investigate this subject. They found no clear definition or guidelines for treated surfaces that have casual contact with food. Most data relates only to food additives. Since DRY-TREAT can withstand temperatures in excess of 212ºF for sanitation purposes, it falls into the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe). The Food Drug and Cosmetic Act permit companies to make their own GRAS determination.
As you can see from Question 8 at the FDA web site, approval is not required. (Question - "Must FDA approve GRAS substances" Answer - No. If the use of a food substance is GRAS, it is not subject to the pre-market review and approval requirement by FDA.)

How should STAIN-PROOF be handled when used near glazed ceramic tile?

The STAIN-PROOF can be generously applied to both the glazed or porcelain tile and grout. The main thing to remember on polished tiles is to polish off any excess product about 10 minutes after the last coat has been applied. The treated surface can be walked on within 30 minutes but make sure the soles of your shoes are clean and not affected by the product. The product takes 7 days to fully cure.

Cleaning Myths

Sealing a surface with a Dry-Treat impregnating sealer will make the surface stain resistant, but not dirt resistant. The sealed surface should be cleaned as regularly as a non-sealed surface. If a problematic substance such as sticky tree gum falls on the surface, it will still be difficult to clean off, but should not permanently stain the surface.

I have just sandblasted a large farmhouse kitchen fireplace and now want to seal it. The problem has been that all local builders merchants recommend sealants that are flammable - a big problem!! The fireplace is brick with a slate base and log burner

Our STAIN-PROOF is an excellent impregnating sealer but it too is flammable when you open the can. However, 30 minutes after it has been applied all the alcohol has evaporated and then it remains inert and not flammable.

How can you remove efflorescence from an acid senstive surface?

The only safe way is to use warm water with a detergent and a scrubbing brush. For non-polished surface the use of a little white vinegar (10% acetic acid) in warm water can be used on stubborn efflorescence but make sure you carry out a test area first. For an acid damaged polished surface the shine can be restored using fine grade 000 steel wool and polishing with a little water.

Is it possible to paint a ceramic tile?

It is possible to paint a cermaic tile but in wet areas the moisture will lift the paint. Foot traffic can also easily remove the paint. Unglazed floor tiles may be treated with a clear acrylic sealer to keep out oil and dirt marks. However, never use polyurthanes as worn areas are very difficult to patch.

Are your products environmentally responsible?

Yes, in three main ways. Firstly, our preferred carrier solvent is alcohol, a renewable and biologically responsible bio-liquid that is produced using sugar cane or corn. Secondly, our products are semi-permanent which means once treated the sealing procedure does not have to be redone, in some cases for thirty years. Making a surface easier to clean means that substantially less aggressive cleaning liquids and water are required for use in commercial, industrial and home cleaning. In these important ways we are making a small contribution to long-term sustainability.

How many coats of ACID-PROOF for POLISHED SURFACES do you recommend and how long will it last?

One good application should be enough in most circumstances. More coats will provide more protection but will also change the look of the surface, which is usually undesirable. Since most of the product sits on the surface it is subjected to wear and abrasion. For a typical bathroom vanity a three to 5 year life could be expected. Unlike epoxy or polyurethane coatings more product can be applied at a latter date to hide a scratch or area of wear as it will blend into the original coating.

What should I use first; STAIN-PROOF or ENHANCE-PLUS?

Its a good idea to use the ENHANCE-PLUS first so you achieve the desired colour of the surface. Once that is done, wait 24 hours for it to cure and apply STAIN-PROOF to obtain better resistance to oil stain.

How do I know which brand of sealer to buy?

The market offers the consumer many brands of sealer with similar claims. Dry-Treat sealers are different from the main stream in two important ways. Firstly, they penetrate deeper giving protection against weathering, traffic and efflorescence. Secondly, they are permanent or semi-permanent. When comparing brands its a good idea to look at any independent scientific evidence that backs up performance claims and also read the written warranty. Naturally, we would like you to use a Dry-Treat sealer but if not, please do seal and choose another professional supplier.