The Cleaning and Sealing Process using Our Invisi-seal Products

The Cleaning and Sealing Process using Our Invisi-seal Products

We have talked about a lot of sealers in our many blogs. Generally, we refer to Solvent Based Sealers or Water Based Sealers which cover most of the market when it comes to sealing any of the substrates that need sealing – Block Paving, Indian and Natural Stone, Man-Made Paving, Slate and Granite, Brick and Stone. There is also a range of sealers that does not get the same attention and is probably far better than those mentioned above. The product is a Fluoro-chemical called ‘Invisi-seal’ this product has fantastic properties and is known in the trade as ‘Teflon ‘ because of its repellent qualities. It can be applied to all the substrates mentioned above and will last longer and protect better than sealers mentioned earlier. Every sealer has its positive and negative qualities so I will list them below.

Positive – The Invi-Seal Surface Protector is incredibly strong for use on patios where there are many stain issues that can happen very easily like wine spillage, grease and oil splashes from the barbeque, and other products from outside dining. It is clear in colour and when applied correctly it leaves no visible difference on the patio or driveway. It is only a one coat application Longer lasting than most sealers and ‘Eco friendly.

Negatives – Invi-Seal Surface Protector is generally more expensive. It can only be used on new or green products. This means that it cannot be used on a substrate that has already been sealed before. It does not penetrate itself so thus only one coat. I mentioned this next point as a positive, but it can be a negative for some people and that is the fact it leaves no obvious signs on the substrate and does not enhance the stone which many people would prefer with their chosen sealer.

If this is a new application, you need the brick, stone or man-made paving to have been laid 6 – 8 weeks if the joint filling process has been done with sand and cement or Joint-It joint Filler. We suggest 10 – 12 weeks if you have used Resiply joint filler. This is because it can leave a thin film of resin that looks like it has been thinly sealed, but it has not, we need the time for this to wear away naturally then we can seal it.

We have got to mention that if you are re-sealing any of the substrates in our sealer range be extremely careful that you test the surface with a product called Xylene to make sure that our range of sealers will adhere with no reaction like chicken skinning or discolouration and peeling. This can happen if alternative sealers like water based, or silicone-based sealers have been used previously. There is little comment about this, but it can cause a whole load of problems if a reaction takes place.

That all being explained we will now explain how you would clean and seal your driveway or patio with Invi-Seal Surface Protector. The process is available on our website at www.swiss-seal.co.uk, or you can click here.

THE PROCESS OF CLEANING AND SEALING WITH INVISI-SEAL SURFACE PROTECTOR FOR NATURAL STONE, BRICK AND CONCRETE

1. Dampen down the surface of the Natural Stone, brick, and concrete first

2. Apply our Shift-It Patio Cleaner with a fine rose watering can or sprayer, to the surface area of the substrate – Leave 2 – 4 hours then jet wash clean the surface area of the substrate then leave to dry

3. When the substrate is completely dry and the conditions for the day are warm enough (10’c) and the forecast is clear for the day apply the Invi-Seal Surface Protector with our adapted sprayer evenly as a one-coat, only Roller and Brush can be used

 ONLY ONE COAT OF THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE USED

4. Leave 24 hours before it can be trafficked on. This product can be used internally as well as externally

5. This process will last 2.5 – 3 years and will then need resealing

Required Tools

You will need the following depending on your choice of application

Soft Bristled Brush, Broom – You can use a soft bristled wooden brush. This is the cheapest way, but we find that it can be streaky and wasteful.

Roller Kit CompleteThis is the best option, a little bit dearer but with the bucket and roller it is much easier to apply and gives an even coating.

Light Pressure Sprayer – This is the most expensive option, but it is much easier on the body when applied and if cleaned will last for many years when sealing is required at later dates.

Paint Brush 100mm – This is necessary for the edges that may cause you problems with the other applicators. You would use this first around the edges and in tight areas.

Gloves, Goggles and Face Mask – These are necessary for whatever choice you make above to protect you from splashes or spillages that may end up on your skin which can burn, or in your eyes which would need immediate washing out. The face mask is to protect you against the solvent in the sealer which is quite pungent and can cause breathing issues but outside in the open environment, there is little to worry about.

Sealer

The sealer for this application is our Invi-Seal Surface Protector. When purchasing this sealer, we have made the process easy for you. You should only apply one coat of sealer to the stone, any more will cause issues that I have explained further down the blog. Our sealer will cover 4 square metres per litre, and it comes in 5 litres, 10 litres, 20 litres, and 25 litres.

Firstly, the different application process details:

  1. Paint Brush 100mm – The best way of keeping the area to be sealed free from mistakes like brushing

onto a wall or door or splashing flower beds and such like is to use the paint brush all around the edge

of the sealing area possibly 4 – 6 inches into the area to be sealed then

  1. Broom or Brush – Simply open the container that you have chosen based on your square metre area

needed to be sealed. Pour into a bucket or similar with enough depth to submerge the bristles

on the brush. Pull the brush out and with a back and forward motion brush the solution onto the

surface. Make sure you spread it as evenly as you can, then move to the next section.

Repeat this process till the area is fully covered with the sealer.

  1. Roller Kit Complete – Pour the sealer into the 15-litre shuttle which is part of the kit, make sure

there is enough sealer to cover the roller head. Then attach the extendable handle to the metal frame

and screw the roller in place in the head. Submerge the roller into the sealer and pull out onto the

surface soaked. Then with a back-and-forth movement you can see that you are spreading the

solution around. When the roller loses its moisture repeat the process till the whole area is sealed.

  1. Light Pressure Sprayer – This as mentioned is the dearest form of application but by far the easiest.

Simply unscrew the plunger of the 8-litre sprayer and fill to 2/3 of the bottle. Then replace the plunger

and tighten then plunge the plunger 20 – 30 times to pressurize the unit. When this is done point the

nozzle of the sprayer at 45’ to the surface area about 400mm – 450mm above the ground and press

the trigger. The sealer will come out in a fan shape, and you just move along as you see it cover the

surface. Repeat the process till the area is sealed.

  1. Then leave to dry. We suggest 4 hours to walk on and 24 hours to drive on. Make sure that during

the 4-hour period you keep all traffic off the surface including pets. Possibly tape off the area because it is amazing how many times a postman or leafleteer will unknowingly walk all over it.

Aftercare

There is very little you need to do with regards to aftercare. Every so often it would not be a bad idea to jet wash the surface, not too strong. This will remove moss, algae and other loose impediments that are sat on the surface of the sealed area. Remember that every 3 years or so re-seal the surface with our Invi-Seal Surface Protector or better still with our Professional Invisi-Seal Surface Protector. I have added several blogs bespoke to individual substrates to understand and apply the relevant sealer that substrate (Natural Stone. Indian Stone. Block Paving, Man-Made paving, Slate and Granite. Brick and Stone) needed to be used. They are available on our website www.swiss-seal.co.uk.

No Comments

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.