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QC Construction Products Cemseal

QC Construction Products Cemseal is matte to satin level of gloss, and resistance to oil or water penetration, QC CEMSEAL is an excellent sealer for both interior and exterior surfaces. This product is a good choice for driveways, garages or any concrete surface where staining and dirt may be problems.

Chemical Family: Acrylics & Acrylates

Product Type: Base Coat, Sealer, Top Coat, Waterborne Coating

Application Method: Trowel

Compatible Substrates & Surfaces: Concrete, Masonry

Features: High Durability, Oil Resistant, Satin Finish, Water Resistant

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Identification & Functionality

Chemical Family

Features & Benefits

Features & Benefits

Features & Benefits

  • A water-based 100% acrylic emulsion, QC CEMSEAL can be used both as a base coat for other water-based sealers or as a topcoat to dust-proof and protect concrete.
  • When sealing or finishing existing concrete, QC CEMSEAL is an excellent sealer for the following surfaces:
  • Colored, imprinted concrete
  • Colored concrete that has been uncoated or stripped
  • Acid-stained or color hardened concrete that has been uncoated or stripped
  • Uncolored concrete that has been uncoated or stripped
  • Interior concrete surfaces that will be regularly maintained and recoated
  • Exterior concrete surfaces that will weather naturally
  • Exterior concrete surfaces that will be regularly maintained and recoated
  • Exposed aggregate
  • QC CEMSEAL increases durability of concrete surfaces.
  • QC CEMSEAL is ideal for interior surfaces where solvent-based material cannot be used.
  • QC CEMSEAL will not yellow, haze or flake.
  • QC CEMSEAL can be tinted with QC Water-based Tint Concentrate to enhance concrete that has been colored. (Tinted QC CEMSEAL is designed to enhance the look of concrete that has been colored, not to function as the primary coloring system.)

Applications & Uses

Application Method
Compatible Substrates & Surfaces
Applications

Before Any Application

  • The surface should be clean and dry. If the surface is not completely dry, the product may turn white or hazy. If aggressive moisture movement on interior concrete is suspected, exact moisture movement levels can be measured using a moisture test kit in accordance with ASTM D4263 standards, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Moisture measurements of five pounds and below are acceptable. If measurements fall outside of this range, QC CEMSEAL should not be applied.
  • In addition, a pH test should be done, using an appropriate pH pencil and following the manufacturer’s instructions. An acceptable pH range is between 8-9. If measurements fall outside of this range, do not proceed. In most cases, applications cannot be completed.
  • Exterior surfaces, there is no method to effectively test for moisture movement and related problems. It is beneficial to look for visible signs of moisture problems—such as surrounding landscape that has been heavily irrigated, concrete adjoining steep hillside areas, poor surface drainage of landscape, dark blotchy areas, variegated surface color, etc. If moisture problems are suspected, pretreat the surface with QC Cemguard* according to the instructions in the respective Product Information Bulletin. QC Cemguard* is a clear, penetrating water-based sealer designed to harden, waterproof, protect and preserve concrete, even in the most adverse environments.
  • This material is dependent on proper penetration. Any existing curing agents, coatings, sealers, oils, paints, dirt and/or efflorescence will inhibit penetration of QC CEMSEAL. Any materials that would prevent penetration must be removed before application. In the case of sealers, cures, and coatings, mechanical removal—such as shot-blasting, sand-blasting or terrazzo-grinding—is advisable. Use QC Concrete Degreaser and Neutralizer* to help remove grease and oil. Harsh chemicals should never be used to remove any of the materials cited here.
  • To clean uncoated or stripped surfaces, use one part QC CONCRETE DEGREASER AND NEUTRALIZER* to eight parts water. On smooth surfaces, scrub in with automatic scrubber or use a low-speed buffer equipped with scrubbing pads or brushes. After scrubbing surface, rinse with clean water or vacuum up QC CONCRETE DEGREASER AND NEUTRALIZER* and rinse with clean water. Allow surface to dry thoroughly before application. On rough surfaces or textured concrete, use the same equipment as with smooth surfaces but rinse with pressure-washer.
  • Before applying product, test QC CEMSEAL in an inconspicuous area for desired results. If applying QC CEMSEAL over old sealer, paint or other coating, it is also important to test for compatibility in an inconspicuous area. If in doubt about application, contact QC CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS.

Application to New Concrete

  • For smooth-troweled concrete, a lambswool applicator may be used. For rough surfaces or textured concrete, a 1/2 inch nap roller is recommended. For small areas, a low nap roller may be used without the sprayer. Apply the sealer uniformly.
  • Important: When applying QC CEMSEAL, do not allow the sealer to puddle. Apply the sealer as uniformly as possible, without leaving either spaces or puddles. It is better to apply two thin coats rather than one single, heavy coat. Allow each coat to dry before applying subsequent coats.
  • For acceptable oil and water resistance, a minimum of two coats must be applied.
  • For best results on interior surfaces with medium to high traffic, apply QC CEMSEAL and then apply a surface finish product such as QC INTERIOR FLOOR FINISH*.

Application to Existing or Old Concrete

  • Follow application steps listed in the “Before Any Application” section.
  •  If applying sealer to existing concrete, paint or other coating, test prior to application in an inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility. If in doubt about compatibility with surface on existing concrete, contact QC CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS.
  • After cleaning and testing surface, follow application steps listed above in the “Application to New Concrete” section. Surface Protection and Maintenance
  • Day-to-Day Cleaning – QC CEMSEAL, like all surface sealers, must be kept clean for maximum durability and protection. Frequent sweeping or vacuum-removal of loose soils will significantly increase the wear-life of QC CEMSEAL or any surface coating.
  • Maintenance Cleaning – Surfaces sealed with QC CEMSEAL should be cleaned with QC FLOOR CLEANER* (a water-based detergent cleaner), rinsed and allowed to dry. On interior surfaces where routine maintenance is required, use a low-speed buffing maintenance system.
  • QC CEMSEAL may be removed using QC SEAL STRIP.
  • Removing Ground-in Soils – For removal of ground-in soils, use QC FLOOR CLEANER* diluted to two to four ounces per gallon of water. For interior surfaces, use an automatic scrubber equipped with light-cleaning scrub pads. Pick up cleaner residue with a wet vacuum or automatic scrubber. For outdoor surfaces, scrub with a low-speed buffer. Rinse by pressure-washing thoroughly. For both indoor and outdoor surfaces, let dry before opening to traffic.

Coverage Rates and Drying Times

Coverage rates may vary depending on surface porosity, texture, age and condition of the concrete, the application method, and other local conditions.

  • Smooth Finish, Per Coat – Material usage, per coat, is approximately 600-800 square feet per gallon.
  • Rough or Broom Finish, Per Coat – Material usage, per coat, is approximately 400-600 square feet per gallon. Drying times below will vary depending on surface porosity, temperature, humidity and local conditions.
  • Set to Touch – Surface can be lightly touched 30-45 minutes after application.
  • Recoat – Surface can be recoated one to two hours after each application.
  • Light Traffic – Light traffic can be allowed eight to twelve hours after final coat.
  • Vehicle Traffic – Vehicle traffic can be allowed two to three days after final coat, depending on temperature. Hot tire traffic or extreme turning of vehicles on the surface prior to proper drying time may leave permanent black marks or may remove sealer.

Properties

Color
Physical Form
Appearance
Stable iquid emulsion, dries clear
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Solids Content0.18%-
VOC Contentmax. 250grams per liter-
Gloss98.0-ASTM D523-89
RecoatabilityExcellent-ASTM D3153-87

Technical Details & Test Data

Applicable Standards

QC CEMSEAL exceeds coefficient of friction per ASTM D2047 standards for slip-resistance.

Safety & Health

Safety & Health

Limitations

  • QC CEMSEAL is not a curing compound. Do not apply product to freshly placed concrete. Allow at least 14 days for concrete to cure. For optimum results, allow concrete to cure for 28 days or longer.
  • If applying QC CEMSEAL to existing extremely hard-troweled concrete, call QC CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS for technical assistance.
  • QC CEMSEAL will protect concrete from dusting and soiling if applied properly, evenly, and with sufficient coverage as outlined in the application directions.
  • Inadequate coverage will dramatically reduce the performance of QC CEMSEAL.
  • Failure to remove dirt and debris from the surface or failure to properly clean the surface will result in premature wear and will limit your ability to protect the concrete.
  • It is very important that QC CEMSEAL be allowed to completely dry before temperature drops below 40 °F or before contact with water.
  • Concrete cured with QC COLOR CURE* should not be covered with plastic sheeting or waterproofing paper. If concrete needs further curing after a period of four days, then new, nonwrinkled, nonstaining, reinforced, kraft-curing paper can be used.
  • Do not apply QC CEMSEAL if the surface or ambient temperature is below 45 °F, above 95 °F, or if the temperature is expected to fall below freezing (32 °F) within the 24-hour curing cycle.
  • Adhesive-backed tape (such as duct tape) left on QC CEMSEAL over an extended period of time will create a chemical “weld” between the tape and the sealed substrate. If this happens, the sealer may be subject to delamination. Delamination can also occur when plastic or synthetic rubber mats are placed on the surface and left undisturbed over extended periods and when rubber tires on the sealed surface have been exposed to heat.

Packaging & Availability

Packaging

QC Cemseal is available in 1-and 5-gallon units.

Storage & Handling

Storage & Handling

Shelf Life and Storage

Store between 50-80 °F in sheltered environment; do not store in sunlight; sealed, unopened product is under warranty for one year.