Tradepo

Unit 16/33-43 Meakin Road Meadowbrook – QLD, 4131
Unit 16/33-43 Meakin Road Meadowbrook – QLD, 4131
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Sealing Instructions

Sealing Instructions: Proper Surface Preparation Guide

Pre-Application Note: The following instructions are general guidelines. The product-specific Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is the ultimate authority for application, limitations, and safety. You must review the TDS for your specific product and substrate before beginning any work. Failure to do so can result in sealant failure.

1. Universal Surface Preparation Principles

Successful sealing depends entirely on proper preparation. All surfaces must be:

    • CLEAN: Free of dust, dirt, grease, oil, wax, old sealant, mildew, and all contaminants.

    • DRY: Moisture prevents adhesion. Verify dryness with a moisture meter.

    • SOUND: Structurally intact. Remove loose material and repair cracks.

    • PRIMED (if required): Certain substrates need a primer for optimal bonding. Consult the TDS for primer recommendations.

Key Preparation Steps for All Applications:

    • Remove Old Sealant: Cut out and remove all existing, failed sealant.

    • Mechanically Clean: Use wire brushes, sandblasting, or grinding to remove debris and profile the surface.

    • Repair Defects: Fill cracks and holes with a suitable patching compound.

    • Degrease: Wipe joint surfaces with a clean rag and a solvent like isopropyl alcohol or acetone to remove invisible residues. Allow solvent to fully evaporate.

    • Protect Adjacent Areas: Apply masking tape to get clean lines and protect finishes.

2. Silicone Sealant

    • Best For: Building joints, glazing, and high-moisture areas (bathrooms, kitchens). Excellent UV and weather resistance.

Surface Prep (General):

    • Clean with a dedicated silicone cleaner or alcohol.

    • Lightly abrade smooth surfaces for better adhesion.

    • Must be completely dry.

Critical TDS Checkpoints:

    • Substrate Compatibility: The TDS will list approved and non-approved substrates (e.g., some plastics can be problematic).

    • Primer Requirement: Certain materials (e.g., some metals, porous stone) may require a specific primer. The TDS will specify if and which primer to use.

    • Application Temperature: Typically 5°C to 40°C.

    • Skin-Over/Cure Time: The TDS provides exact times based on temperature and humidity.

Curing Conditions:

    • Cures with atmospheric moisture. Ideal humidity is 40–80%.

    • Do not apply if rain or frost is imminent.

3. Hybrid Polymer Sealant

    • Best For: High-movement expansion joints (±25%) in interiors and exteriors (windows, siding, concrete).

Surface Prep (General):

    • Remove all old sealant.

    • For joints deeper than 10mm, install a closed-cell backer rod.

    • Prime porous substrates if required.

Critical TDS Checkpoints:

    • Primer Requirement: The TDS is critical here. It will definitively state whether a primer is needed for substrates like concrete, wood, or PVC to prevent bubbling and ensure adhesion.

    • Movement Capability: The TDS confirms the exact percentage of joint movement capability (±25%).

    • Substrate-Specific Instructions: May have special instructions for plastics or powder-coated surfaces.

    • Paintability & Overcoat Time: The TDS provides details on if, when, and with what products the sealant can be painted.

Curing Conditions:

Full cure and ability to withstand movement takes 24-48 hours (see TDS for exact details).

4. Fire-Rated Acrylic Sealant

    • Best For: Sealing joints in fire-rated walls, floors, and around penetrations. Low-movement interiors.

Surface Prep (General):

    • Ensure no flammable residues are present.

    • Check that joint dimensions are within the fire-rating certification.

Critical TDS Checkpoints:

    • Fire Rating Certification: The TDS contains the official fire test evidence (e.g., BS 476, EN 1366-4) and the certified joint width/depth for achieving a 1-hour, 2-hour, or 4-hour rating. This is a legal requirement.

    • Compatible Substrates: The TDS lists all substrates the product is tested and certified to adhere to in a fire scenario (e.g., plasterboard, concrete, masonry).

    • Primer Use: While often not needed, the TDS will explicitly state if a primer is ever required or strictly prohibited.

    • Application Limitations: The TDS specifies where the product can and cannot be used (e.g., interior only, certain service penetrations).

Curing Conditions:

Becomes water-resistant and paintable only after full cure (typically 24+ hours). Refer to the TDS.

5. Essential Best Practices

    • Temperature & Humidity: Apply within the range specified in the TDS (typically 10°C–35°C). Extreme conditions cause poor curing.

    • Tools: Use a good caulking gun. Tool the bead for proper contact and finish.

    • Backer Rod: Always use in deep joints to control depth and prevent 3-sided adhesion.

    • Maintenance: Inspect seals annually for damage and reapply as needed.

Need Professional Help?

For large-scale projects or unsure about substrate compatibility, consult a DUROTECH-certified installer or refer to the full Technical Data Sheets (TDS) at Tradepo’s Sealants Category.

Contact Us

Call us at 0414557974
Email us at sales@tradepo.com.au

By following these guidelines, you ensure maximum sealant performance, longevity, and safety.

“For an in-depth look at the science behind weatherproofing, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) provides detailed information on performance requirements.