This innovative and different technology gives Dry-Treat impregnating sealers their superior properties and unique benefits, including a lifespan many times longer than other sealers. The main molecules have two key parts with contrasting properties: part of the molecule is hydrophobic and/or oleophobic (i.e. repels water and oil), while the other is hydrophilic (i.e attracted to water).
When the sealer is applied to the surface of porous building materials it immediately starts to react with moisture in the air and in the material. This reaction causes the part of the sealer molecules which is attracted to water to break off, leaving a changed molecule behind, which is able to react with the surface layers of the masonry. This now changed molecule then breaks the bonds between the masonry and attached oxygen and hydrogen atoms and bonds directly to the lattice in their place. Unlike surface coatings that rely on weak hydrogen bonding or mechanical holding, this chemical bond is as strong as the bonds holding the masonry together. In fact, these special molecules become part of the material itself, without affecting its look, slip resistance or breathe-ability. This bond causes the contact angle between water and masonry to change. It no longer acts like a 'hard sponge' which absorbs liquids, but instead repels liquids.