Application Tips

Benefits and Application Tips for Black Bull and Sure Seal Acrylic Concrete Sealer

Black Bull or Sure Seal sealer protects and beautifies exposed aggregate concrete. It is a solvent based acrylic coating that will leave a durable, protective, high gloss film. Black Bull and Sure Seal sealers are transparent coatings offered in clear, brown, and gray tint. Black Bull and Sure Seal sealers may also be applied to smooth concrete for curing, protecting, and dust proofing.

Contractor using a paint brush to apply Sure Seal 30 Clear acrylic concrete sealer to the trim areas on a brown exposed aggregate driveway.
A contractor using a thick 18 inch roller to apply Sure Seal 30 Clear acrylic concrete sealer to a brown exposed aggregate driveway. Notice how he does not over apply and ensures that he has cross rolled the sections to avoid leaving roller marks in the sealer.

APPLICATION:

  • Pressure wash surface or driveway.

  • Surface should be clean, dry, and free of all foreign materials.

  • Use "Black Bull" Concrete Cleaner and Degreaser to remove any soils on surface such as oil or grease. Allow degreasing product to set and then rinse well. Stubborn stains may require full strength degreaser and a strong bristle brush.

  • Product should be applied when temperatures are between 45 degrees and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Allow surface to dry for at least 24 hours. Do not apply when there is any presence of moister. DO NOT CLEAN AND SEAL IN THE SAME DAY.

Sealing Exposed Aggregate:

  • Apply sealer evenly. Expect to use 100 square feet per gallon for most exposed aggregate. 200 square feet for broom finished (not recommended as it will darken in color - may not be aesthetically pleasing. Aquacure recommended for broom finished concrete). 300 square feet per gallon for smooth trowel concrete.

  • Stir all tinted sealers extremely well. If using a drill, be careful not to "whip air bubbles" while mixing.

  • For best application use a thick nap roller for sealing exposed aggregate. Do not apply pressure to roller when applying sealer.

  • Do not pour sealer onto concrete directly as this will result in an uneven application. Use a 9 inch roller if you are working out of the bucket. For optimum coverage, use an 18 inch roller and work from a wheelbarrow or heavy duty solvent resistant pan.

  • Cross Roll about every four feet to even out application.

Sealing smooth trowel concrete:

  • A 3/8" nap roller is recommended and should be applied at 300 square feet per gallon.

  • If used inside, there must be adequate ventilation.

Drying Time:

  • Drying time is directly related to temperature and humidity.

  • Foot traffic should be avoided for at least 4 hours.

  • Vehicle traffic should be avoided for at least 24 hours.

DO NOT REAPPLY more than every 2 years to avoid build-up. Product will protect even after shine has diminished.

When/Where not to use:

  • Not recommended on broom finish concrete. (Tendency to darken concrete)

  • Will show any imperfections in concrete and cause a darkened blotchy appearance.

  • Concrete darkens as if it were wet.

Not recommended on brick:

  • Brick is porous and will soak up water like a sponge. If water can gain access to any surface, other than the sealed surface, the sun will pull moisture out of the brick and will form a milky white appearance.

Not recommended on tile, slate, or stone:

  • Many such stones are porous like brick and may have a milky appearance problem.

  • Will make stone look wet and may bring our color variations in the stone.

Problems That May Occur:

  • Surface was not allowed to dry or it rains before sealer dries totally:

    • Sealer may turn milky white.

    • Solution: Reapply a second coat of sealer or a coating of xylene to re-emulsify coating. It will allow moisture to escape.

  • Sealed surface is scratched or damaged in some way:

    • Clean damaged area and wait until totally dry.

    • Apply sealer to the damaged area.

    • Solution: Apply second coat of sear to re-emulsify coating to allow film to even out.

  • Streaks after applying brown sealer:

    • Did not stir bucket well before using.

    • Dipped roller into bottom of bucket and picked up extra tint.

    • Applied heavier in overlap areas. Roll out smoothly to blend in or cross roll drive.

Solution: Reapply second coat of sealer to re-emulsify and even out coating.