Sealers
SURFACE PREPARATION
Good surface preparation is essential as concrete pavers and natural stones are highly porous enabling liquids which carry staining elements to be readily absorbed making cleaning extremely difficult.
Even the best sealant can cause a poor appearance to a newly installed paver rather than enhance it if applied over a dirty or poorly cleaned surface. It is important to remove all contaminants as dirt and soils cause a physical barrier to successful sealing. Deposits left on the surface may solubilise and be drawn further into the substrate causing permanent staining.
The entire surface should initially be cleaned by high-pressure water jet. Should other stains such as oil, timber and clay remain or efflorescence is still apparent, then a propriety-cleaning chemical may be necessary.
Methods to clean unprotected paving rely on the ability of the cleaning contractor to correctly identify the cause of the problem and determine the correct cleaning agent and procedure.
After grouting, all mortar smears must be completely removed before sealing. It should be noted that wet or damp pavers mask stains, so a final examination should be done when pavement is dry prior to sealing.
Where sand and cement grout is used, ensure that grouting of pavers is completely dry before application of Miteq Sealers. Grout should be cured after seven days given reasonable weather.
If acids are used on unsealed concrete paving tiles, natural stone or other porous materials, acid strength should be monitored to prevent damage to paving tiles and grout. When using a cleaning chemical the pavement should first be dampened with water prior to application of the chemical. A dry surface allows the chemical to be drawn down into the paver rendering it relatively ineffective; a dampened surface keeps the chemical on the surface enabling it to work on the stain.
Always follow the written instructions contained on the label, data sheet and web site when using chemicals. Make sure that all cleaning products have been thoroughly removed using a pressure water cleaner. A neutraliser such as Cleaner 301 or sodium bicarbonate is recommended following acid cleaning. A properly cleaned surface free of efflorescence ensures a uniform result and allows Miteq Sealers to better penetrate the surface and provide effective stain resistance. Sealers 102, 103 & 104 are penetrating sealers and cannot be removed once applied.
APPLICATION: PENETRATING SEALERS
Before treating with any chemical always do a small trial first in an inconspicuous area, to ensure satisfaction with results. Miteq Sealers should be applied in their original supplied concentration. Dilution of the material from its supplied form will severely affect end performance and void any warranty. The penetration depth should be increased for surfaces subject to heavy mechanical or chemical/physical stress.
The products may be applied to dry (Sealers 103, 104) or damp surfaces (Sealers 101 & 102) by low pressure airless spray or rolling.
A brush or lambs wool applicator may also be used. Irrespective of which application method is used, each coat must be a full coat to ensure full saturation of all pores in the paver. Impregnation depth depends on the method of application. A wet on wet double pass is recommended for spray application. A second application must follow as soon as practical after the first application when using a brush, roller or applicator.
The object is too fully wet out the surface (do not allow material to pond or apply excessive amounts which may remain on the surface) so that the Miteq Sealers can penetrate as deeply as possible.
Do not apply Miteq Sealers if rain is due within 12 hours or the temperature is below 5ºC or above 30ºC.
Do not apply on hot windy days. Some surfaces may slightly discolour or show uneven colour shading when treated with Miteq Sealers. A trial is recommended to ascertain the suitability of the product on the surface to be treated before full application is carried out.
SPRAYING – will provide the most even coverage, giving equal quantity of sealer over each paver, but will probably use the most material. Apply unreduced using low pressure spraying equipment.
ROLLING -use a medium nap roller. Each application should be applied at a direction of 90 degrees to each other, working grout line to grout line sealing grout lines as well.
Do not allow Miteq Sealers to come into contact with any surface or material not to be sealed. Protecting adjoining surfaces and materials by washing off splashes on unwanted areas immediately with water. If applying by low pressure spray avoid spraying in windy conditions.
APPLICATION: SURFACE SEALERS
Follow guide lines and preparation methods as shown for Miteq penetrating sealers.
Miteq Sealer 202 is a surface residing sealers. It leaves either a “wet look” appearance in the case of 202 Gloss or a dull matt finish when Sealer 202 Matt finish is specified. Surface finish will depend on the client requirement.
The selected sealer should be applied by roller or selected spray equipment. If sprayed it is recommended that experienced operators familiar with this type of material and its application be used. Apply two even coats ensuring that the material does not pond and that sufficient time elapses between coats (see data). Never apply the material in one thick coat as incomplete cure may result. Ponding of material will cause a similar result.
Some substrates will be more porous than others and may require a third coat. Material coverage may also vary due to different absorption rates into the surface. Use previous roller application guideline
TESTING
Always apply a test sample of any desired Miteq sealer to a small area to be treated prior to commencement to ascertain the suitability of the material for the intended purpose.
Some sealers may change the appearance of the surface to be treated which may not be desirable.
LIFE EXPECTANCY
Long performance life (10 years+).Surfaces need to erode to reduce the effectiveness of Miteq Sealers.
RE-COATING
Readily recoated. It is important to remove all contaminants and clean the pavement surface thoroughly by power washing before re-coating. (See surface preparation).
SHELF LIFE
Miteq Penetrating Sealers can be stored in sealed containers for 6 months without loss of performance. The product must be protected against frost and should not be stored at temperatures below 0ºC. Storage for a longer period of time at temperatures above 35ºC should also be avoided.
Solvent based sealers (103/4) should not be allowed to come into contact with water during storage or use.
CLEAN UP
Wash equipment thoroughly with clean water or the recommended solvent.
MAINTENANCE
Given time the elements will normally remove surface stains. Periodic washing with a power washer is all that is usually required. Should a stain remain, contact Miteq for direct advice.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Always follow good industrial health and safety practices. If Miteq Sealers are splashed on skin wash off thoroughly with water before it can dry. Wear eye protection during application.
Read technical data sheet and consult MSDS in conjunction with the information contained in this document.
Operators should always refer to the MSDS for safety precautions.
Further information is available from our web site www.miteq.com.au
PACKAGING
Non-returnable plastic containers & metal cans.
We can be found at:
U1, 45-49 Popes Rd.
Keysborough, Victoria 3173
P: +61 3 9532 5747
M: +61 438 315 138
sales –
[email protected]
accounts –
[email protected]
manufacturing –
[email protected]
We can be found at:
U1, 45-49 Popes Rd.
Keysborough, Victoria 3173
P: +61 3 9532 5747
F: +61 3 9798 5571
M: +61 438 315 138
sales –
[email protected]
accounts –
[email protected]
manufacturing –
[email protected]