Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What mix design should I use?
- A: Mix designs vary with the type of modifier used, volume of sand added, weather conditions and pavement traffic. GemSeal sells a variety of latex additives to enhance performance of our sealers. Our Ultra modifier builds viscosity and requires additional water for dilution. Our AQS and Rapid-Set increase the viscosity minimally.
For our Ultra Modifier, in general we recommend adding 2-3% per gallon of concentrate sealer, 2-4 pounds of sand per gallon and 35-45% water (45% for hotter southern conditions). Batch example: for every 100 gallons of concentrate, use 2-3 gallons of Ultra, 200-400 pounds of sand and 35-45 gallons of water.
For AQS and Rapid-Set, in general we recommend 2-3% per gallon of concentrate sealer, 1-3 pounds of sand per gallon and 30-40% water (40% for hotter southern conditions). Batch example: for every 100 gallons of concentrate, use 1-3 gallons of AQS or Rapid-Set, 100-300 pounds of sand and 30-40 gallons of water.
- Q: What is the best mix design?
- A: Mix designs are best chosen for the pavement traffic, weather conditions, and modifier.
For better wear conditions we recommend the higher percentage of modifier and sand added without over-dilution of sealer. In general, for Ultra, AQS and Rapid-Set, use 3-4% per gallon of concentrate, 35-45% water (45% for hotter southern conditions) and 3-4 pounds of sand per gallon.
For residential or light traffic areas we recommend the lower range, which consists of 1-2 % Ultra, AQS or Rapid-Set, 30-35% water and 1-2 pounds of sand.
- Q: How much water should I add per gallon?
- A: Over dilution of the pavement sealer dramatically decreases the life of the pavement coating. For optimum results, we recommend always adhering to an appropriate mix design. In general, we recommend the water dilution at 30-40%. Use the higher end of the range with substantial modifier and sand added; use the lower end of the range with minimal modifier and sand added.
Weather conditions also impact the need to vary your water dilution. In very hot conditions, a little extra water is required for proper application. In cooler spring and fall conditions water should be keep to the lower end of the range.
- Q: What is the coverage rate per gallon?
- A: In general, 70-90 square feet per gallon (or 0.08-0.10 gallon per square yard) of diluted pavement sealer. Coverage rates will vary dependant upon mix design and application techniques.
- Q: Should I use one or two coats?
- A: For light to moderate traffic we recommend 2 coats. For high traffic areas we recommend two coats with a third coat applied in the drive lanes.
- Q: What should the temperature be before application?
- A: Many in the industry say that the temperature should be at least 50°F and rising for a 24-hour period. At Bonsal American GemSeal, we believe that you will get better results if temperatures are at least 60°F and rising, with a sustained high of 70°F and no rain forecasted for 24 hours. Ideal conditions for sealer application are 70°F with a pavement temperature of 70 degrees, 40-60% humidity and sunshine.
Lower ambient temperatures and high humidity substantially impact curing times. The proper mix design and addition of our modifiers greatly enhance the curing, durability and longevity of our pavement sealers.
- Q: How long should I keep traffic off after application?
- A: Generally we recommend 24 hours after final application.
- Q: What is the proper mix sequence of products?
- A: Concentrate sealer, water, modifier and sand.
- Q: Which is better brush or squeegee application?
- A: Both are recommended and highly effective. The proper mix design, coverage rate and application also have a substantial impact to the life of the coating.
- Q: What is the difference between drying and curing?
- A: Drying is visually seen by the observer. A pavement coating can be dry to the touch but still need additional time to reach its appropriate cure point. If traffic is allowed upon the coating too quickly, i.e. before curing, then premature wear is possible. We always recommend 24 hours after application for final cure to occur. This will, of course, vary with weather conditions, humidity, temperature and mix design.
- Q: How will humidity affect drying of the sealer?
- A: Higher humidity and cooler temperatures impact the curing process of the pavement coating. Higher humidity over 50-60% restricts water from evaporating properly from the pavement coating. Lower temperatures below 70°F also slow the curing process. Appropriate usage of modifiers will assist in drying the pavement coating.
- Q: Can I sealcoat at night and get good results?
- A: Many property owners think that they can hire a contractor to do “night work” and minimize closure of drive lanes and parking areas to only the overnight period. Even with modifiers and a proper mix design, sealer needs sunlight to achieve proper curing. Sealcoating at night is possible, but opening traffic before curing will result in poor performance of the coating.