SiF FluoroSeal oil and water repellent sealer, Sydney
FluoroSeal is SiF Sealers’ water-based fluoropolymer penetrating sealer. It repels oil as well as water, so spills sit on the surface instead of soaking in. It keeps a clear, natural finish on stone, pavers, tile and concrete. SiF points to it when oil stains are the worry: driveways, garages, kitchens and entertaining areas.
It’s for pressure cleaners and soft-wash operators adding sealing to a driveway or patio job, paving contractors, stone restorers, and owners sealing their own areas.
HydraLab is an authorised SiF Sealers stockist in Belrose. Order the 5 L concentrate online, then pick it up free or get it on our Wednesday delivery.
## What FluoroSeal does- Repels oil and water. SiF rates it high for both oil-based and water-based stain resistance. In SiF’s words, water and oil float on the surface.
- Easy stain clean-up. Sealed surfaces are easier to clean.
- Cuts water getting in and minimises efflorescence in mineral surfaces.
- Clear, natural finish. It doesn’t significantly change how the surface looks.
- Breathable. It doesn’t form a film, so the surface can still breathe.
- UV stable with high wear resistance.
- Damp surfaces: SiF’s product page says it can go on a damp surface with no pooled water; its how-to guide says touch dry, so let it dry off after rinsing.
- Water-based. VOC free and solvent free, not flammable, and gear cleans up with water.
Surfaces it suits, and where to think twice
SiF lists FluoroSeal for: natural and reconstituted stone (including limestone, sandstone and travertine), pavers, decorative concrete, spray-on concrete, unglazed tile, and clay and concrete building materials. The areas SiF names are driveways, garages, kitchens and wet areas, entertaining areas, patios, pool surrounds and walls. SiF’s limecrete guide marks FluoroSeal as the one recommended for polished surfaces. Its porosity table ticks FluoroSeal for high, medium and low porosity surfaces.
Think twice when:
- It’s a roof. SiF lists roofs and roof tiles for SilaSeal, not FluoroSeal.
- It’s glazed tile. SiF lists unglazed tile. Glazed tile isn’t on its list, so ask SiF or us before you seal it.
- The customer wants a richer, darker look. FluoroSeal keeps the natural look. SilaSeal Enhance repels oil and water and darkens the surface.
- There’s glass, metal or paint nearby. Keep overspray off them, and wipe any off with a damp rag before it dries.
Whatever the surface, SiF says to test a patch before you seal the lot.
Coverage and mixing
SiF’s figures:
- Coverage: spray an even flood coat at about 5 m² per litre, depending on how porous the surface is. SiF’s data sheet gives the full range as 2 to 25 m² per litre.
- Mix: 1 part FluoroSeal concentrate to 3 parts water. Always add the water to the concentrate.
- Pour the 5 L concentrate into a 20 L bucket.
- Add 15 L of water.
- Drill-mix, or put the lid on and shake for about 30 seconds.
- So one 5 L concentrate makes 20 L. At about 5 m² per litre that’s roughly 100 m² in one flood coat. Dense and polished stone takes less per square metre, so the same 20 L goes further.
SiF’s typical cover per coat (m² per litre), including dense, honed and polished stone:
| Surface | Porous | Dense | Honed | Polished |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poured concrete | 6 to 7 | 7 to 8 | ||
| Sandstone | 3 to 4 | 6 to 7 | ||
| Limestone | 4 to 5 | 6 to 7 | 9 to 10 | |
| Travertine | 6 to 7 | 9 to 10 | ||
| Granite | 7 to 8 | 11 to 12 | ||
| Marble | 9 to 10 | 14 to 15 |
How to apply it (SiF’s steps)
- Clean, then rinse well. The surface can be damp or wet but must have no pools of water. Broom it off or use a blower. SiF’s how-to also says the surface should be touch dry before sealing.
- Check the weather. No rain expected within 24 hours, no extreme weather, and the surface under 30 °C.
- Test a patch to check it suits the surface.
- Spray from the far end, walking backwards, in an even flood coat. SiF says a low-pressure sprayer works best. A brush, roller or paint pad also works. Get the surface to saturation in one application, or two applications “wet on wet”.
- Leave it wet for at least 5 minutes. One flood coat is enough. A very porous surface can take more.
- After 10 to 12 minutes, clear any sealer still sitting on top with a broom, blower or lambswool applicator. Don’t let it pool. Excess must come off before it dries.
- Keep foot and vehicle traffic off for at least 24 hours. SiF says full curing may take up to 3 days. Clean your gear with water.
Dense, smooth or non-textured surfaces: SiF’s method is a light spray, then spread it with a microfibre mop, buffing dry after each coat, with a second coat if the surface still takes sealer.
After it’s sealed: SiF recommends cleaning sealed surfaces every 12 months and lists Surface Safe for that job. Harsh chemicals (acids, alkalines and solvents) shorten a sealer’s life, according to SiF. When it’s time to reseal, SiF says no stripping is needed.
Pack and price
| Product | Pack | Makes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SiF FluoroSeal | 5 L concentrate | 20 L ready to use | $335 |
Prices are in Australian dollars and include GST.
Also from SiF, in our shop: SilaSeal 5 L concentrate, $220, and SilaSeal Enhance 20 L ready to apply, $270. [See all SiF Sealers](https://shop.hydralab.au/collections/sif-sealers)FluoroSeal, SilaSeal or SilaSeal Enhance?
| Sealer | Finish | Repels |
|---|---|---|
| SilaSeal | Natural look | Water |
| FluoroSeal | Natural look | Oil and water |
| SilaSeal Enhance | Enhanced look | Oil and water |
Choose FluoroSeal when the job needs oil repellence and the customer wants the surface to look the same as it does now. If water is the only concern, SiF starts with SilaSeal. If they want the stone darker and richer, it’s SilaSeal Enhance. SilaSeal vs FluoroSeal in more detail
Pickup and delivery
- Free pickup in Belrose NSW 2085. Orders are usually ready within 24 hours. We text you when it’s ready. Text 0468 000 668 before you come so someone’s there.
- Wednesday delivery within about 40 km of Belrose: $30 flat, free on orders of $300 or more. Order by 5pm Tuesday for that Wednesday.
- Rest of Sydney, Central Coast and Newcastle: $30, on our next trip out.
- We pack and deliver it ourselves, not by courier.
Questions? Text 0468 000 668 or email info@hydralab.au.
FluoroSeal questions
What is FluoroSeal? SiF FluoroSeal is a water-based fluoropolymer penetrating sealer for stone, pavers, tile and concrete. It soaks in, leaves no film, and repels both oil and water while keeping a natural finish.
Is FluoroSeal good for oil on a driveway? It’s the SiF sealer for that job. SiF rates it high for oil and water stain resistance, and its own worked example for a concrete driveway where the owner is worried about car oil uses FluoroSeal. Sealed surfaces are also easier to clean.
How much does 5 L of FluoroSeal concentrate cover? Mixed 1 part to 3 parts water, 5 L makes 20 L. SiF says to spray about 5 m² per litre, so that’s roughly 100 m² in one flood coat. SiF’s range is 2 to 25 m² per litre depending on the surface. Porous sandstone takes 3 to 4 m² per litre and honed granite 7 to 8.
Will FluoroSeal change the look of my stone? SiF says it’s transparent and doesn’t significantly change the look. If you want the stone darker and richer, SiF’s option is SilaSeal Enhance.
Can FluoroSeal go on damp pavers? SiF’s product page says it can go on a damp surface with no pooled water; its how-to guide says touch dry, so let it dry off after rinsing. Don’t seal if rain is expected within 24 hours or the surface is over 30 °C, and keep traffic off for at least 24 hours; SiF says full curing may take up to 3 days.