FAQ – Gator Seal

Yes it can, if the competitors product is solvent based. Alliance resealer can be used over any Alliance sealers, except the Natural Look. It is always recommended to test it first in an inconspicuous place, to be sure that there are no issues. Note: A solvent sealer can be used on top of another solvent or water based sealer. However, a water-based sealer can never be used over a solvent based. If doing a solvent based resealer over one of the Alliance Hybrid sealers, the existing Hybrid sealer must be intact no bare spots otherwise there will be a difference in the finished look. For resealing we recommend our resealer again always do a small test area first.

Yes it can. All of our water-based sealers can be used indoors. They should only be used on concrete or natural stone – not for use on ceramic or porcelain tiles. We do not recommend our Solvent based sealers for in door use.

This depends on many factors, but normally sealers last 2 to 5 years – except for our natural look product – it is guaranteed 10 years.
• Natural Look –is the longest lasting – life expectancy 10 years.
• Satin Look and Wet Look are Solvent normally the finish lasts – 3 to 5 years.
• Hybrid water based normally lasts the finish lasts 2-3 years.
• The environment dictates the amount of time that the finish lasts.
• Please note: There is no guarantee, after the containers have been opened and the sealer has been stored.

We use Flourochemical products in the Natural look. It is a more costly product but unlike Siloxanes that breakdown with UV after 1 year our Gator Natural Look is a Flourochemical product and will last 10 years.

12 – 18 months. If stored in a cool area out of the direct sun.

No we always recommend using our efflorescence cleaner, this preps the surface assuring a good bond for the sealer. If the area is only pressure washed you are likely to have visible marks and possibly other problems such as the sealer flaking or pealing.

It depends on which cleaner and which sealer, always read the instructions and always test in a small inconspicuous area first, to be sure before continuing. There is a potential for damaging the sealer, in particular when using the rust remover or the paint and tar remover.

First make sure you use the appropriate cleaner for the stain. If the stain has been there for sometime or has deeply penetrated the surface – several applications may be required – Not all stains can be fully removed. Sometimes it may be necessary to remove and relocate the paver.

The answer is not clear-cut – stamped concrete is a specialized process and usually the contractors use a solvent based sealer, our recommendation would be to do a test area first using our resealer.

Yes all of our sealers are formulated to work with wet cast pavers.

We only recommend one coat.

Generally solvent-based sealers tend to be harder and more durable, in terms of glossy finishes, meaning that the shine will generally last longer.
Note: Our Natural Look sealer, which is water based, has no shine, but actually protects the longest 10 years. This is a new and unique non-film forming formula.

We only recommend a highly breathable sealer on walls, like our natural look sealer. Walls are more porous (less dense) than pavers; hence you want a breathable sealer as opposed to a film forming.

If it resembles spilt milk, this is over application of sealer. The remedy depends on if the sealer is solvent or water based. For Solvent based use Gatorene (or xylene), always do a small test area. Water based sealers do not respond well to cleaning with a solvent and will require a number of applications of solvent and vigorous scrubbing with a stiff nylon brush or a soft brass brush – again always test your procedure in a small inconspicuous spot. Bad areas may even require removing (stripping) the sealer, if so use Gator Eco Soya Stripper.

There are several possibilities that can cause whiteness-
• Trapped moisture.
• Too thick a layer of sealer, or multiple layers of sealer.
• Surface was too hot when applied.
• Surface was not clean at time of sealing.
• Or a combination of the above.

1) The Alliance Natural Look sealer is very long lasting guaranteed for 10 years.

2) Normally a sealer is reapplied in 2 to 5 years, depending if it has visibly worn. When reapplying a Sealer it is recommended to use Gator resealer, particularly for an existing solvent-based sealer. Gator resealer can be used over Alliance solvent based or Alliance water based sealers, provided the existing sealer surface does not have bare spots, or is not flaking. However if doing so the job now becomes a solvent sealed job. Always clean the surface with Gator Efflorescence cleaner prior To sealing (or resealing) this ensures a clean surface and a good bond for the sealer. Never apply a Water-based sealer over a solvent-based sealer. If resealing a job previously done with Alliance water Based sealers, if there is no apparent finish left the area can be cleaned with Alliance efflorescence Cleaner allowed to dry and reapply the desired finish Alliance water based sealer.

Natural Look and Hybrid Zero Gloss, the pavers retain same color and hue.
Hybrid Low Gloss and Hybrid High Gloss will retain same color, but adds a shine like a clear coat.
Satin Look: deepens and enhances colors, slight shine.
Wet Look: deepens and enhances colors, high shine.

We recommend waiting 24 hours.

No a sealer should only be done after the sand is installed. Note: The use of the compacter is a necessary step in the Polymeric Sand Application. This will certainly ruin any sealed surface.

1) Wait a minimum of 72 hours for the polymeric sand to dry and harden.
2) Always use Gator efflorescence cleaner after the Alliance polymeric sand is dry and before sealing.
3) Allow pavers to thoroughly dry after cleaning before sealing.

Note: Pavers and stone surfaces must be cool to the touch when the sealer is applied (between 60F and 85 F).

Call us at 1-866-212-1611 we will be glad to assist you.

It is important that the paver surface is dry before sealing. There can be sections that are still humid and these sections can become hazed.

There is improper adhesion from the paver surface in regards to the sealer applied. A re-sealer can adjust this with technical instructions.

We wait 1 year because the efflorescence bleeding process is unpredictable. Before sealing any surface one must ensure that there is no efflorescence in the pavers.

No, the sealer won’t affect the sand or dust.

No, all the sealers are applicable.

Yes, sealer renders the surface impermeable.

Sealer is the initial application (first time sealing)
Re-sealer is applied when surface is already sealed.

It is used on the 3^rd year.
It is also used when one wants to refurbish the sealed surface without changing its aesthetic finish within a 3 year period

No, it is recommended every 3 years.

Yes, the wet look will make the surface slightly slippery, the satin less and the natural not at all.

Same procedures.

Yes, with a special product called the Sealer Stripper.

The Wet Look and Satin Look sealers will affect the color.
The Natural look sealer will slightly enhance the color by approximately 5%.

48 hours of dry weather.

Yes, the rain will hinder proper adhesion.

You should wait 24 hours.

For solvent-based sealer: 15C-30C / 62F-92F.
For water-based sealer. 0c and above / 32F and above.

It is not suggested because the grains of the sand can scratch the sealed surface.

No, you must wait 30 days of fairly dry weather to obtain a mature polymeric sand joint.