SiF SilaSeal penetrating sealer in Sydney
SilaSeal is SiF Sealers’ water-based silane-siloxane sealer for porous stone, pavers, brick, clay and concrete. It soaks into the surface instead of sitting on top as a film, keeps the natural look, and makes water bead. SiF calls it the work horse of its range.
It’s for pressure cleaners and soft-wash operators who want to seal after they clean, paving and landscaping contractors, stone restorers, and anyone sealing their own driveway or patio. SiF says anyone can use it as long as they follow the instructions.
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.
Looking for a silicone sealant in a tube? SilaSeal isn’t one. It’s a penetrating sealer you spray, brush or roll onto masonry.
## What SilaSeal does- Repels water. SiF rates it high for water-based stain resistance, with excellent water beading.
- Low oil-stain resistance. If oil is the worry, look at FluoroSeal (below).
- 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. Solvent free, not flammable, and gear cleans up with water.
Surfaces it suits, and where to think twice
SiF lists SilaSeal for: natural and reconstituted stone, pavers, brick, clay, concrete, decorative concrete, limestone and roof tiles. The areas SiF names are driveways, garages, patios, entertaining areas, pool surrounds, walls, roofs, kitchens and wet areas. SiF’s own limecrete guide marks SilaSeal as the one recommended for limestone.
Think twice when:
- The surface is very dense. SiF says SilaSeal isn’t recommended for very dense surfaces. On dense, smooth or non-textured surfaces SiF’s method is a light spray, then spread it with a microfibre mop, and a second coat if the surface still takes sealer.
- Oil stains are the main worry. For a concrete driveway where the owner is worried about oil from cars, SiF’s own worked example uses FluoroSeal.
- The customer wants a richer, darker look. That’s SilaSeal Enhance.
- 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 SilaSeal concentrate to 3 parts water. Always add the water to the concentrate, never the other way round.
- 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. Very porous surfaces drink more, and dense ones take less.
SiF’s typical cover per coat (m² per litre):
| Surface | Porous | Dense |
|---|---|---|
| Brick | 5 to 6 | |
| Poured concrete | 6 to 7 | 7 to 8 |
| Limestone | 4 to 5 | 6 to 7 |
| Sandstone | 3 to 4 | 6 to 7 |
| Terracotta | 4 to 5 | 6 to 7 |
How to apply it (SiF’s steps)
- Clean, then rinse well. The surface can be damp but must have no pooled or visible 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. Cool a hot surface with water first if you need to.
- Test a patch to check it suits the surface.
- Spray from the far end, walking backwards, in one even flood coat. SiF says a low-pressure sprayer works best. A brush, roller or paint pad also works.
- 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 or blower. Don’t let it pool, and try not to overlap areas that have already dried. SiF warns that leftover sealer or overlapping can leave white marks, so wipe them before they dry.
- Keep foot and vehicle traffic off for at least 24 hours. SiF says full curing may take up to 7 days. Clean your gear with water.
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 SilaSeal | 5 L concentrate | 20 L ready to use | $220 |
Prices are in Australian dollars and include GST.
Also from SiF, in our shop: SilaSeal Enhance 20 L ready to apply, $270, and FluoroSeal 5 L concentrate, $335. [See all SiF Sealers](https://shop.hydralab.au/collections/sif-sealers)SilaSeal or FluoroSeal?
SiF’s chooser comes down to two questions: what look do you want, and do you need oil repellence as well as water?
| Sealer | Finish | Repels |
|---|---|---|
| SilaSeal | Natural look | Water |
| FluoroSeal | Natural look | Oil and water |
| SilaSeal Enhance | Enhanced look | Oil and water |
SiF says to start with SilaSeal for a natural look and dependable water repellence. If the job needs oil repellence too, go to FluoroSeal for a natural finish, or SilaSeal Enhance for an enhanced one. More on FluoroSeal
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.
SilaSeal questions
Is SilaSeal a silicone sealant? No. SiF SilaSeal is a water-based silane-siloxane penetrating sealer for stone, pavers, brick and concrete. It soaks in and leaves no film on top. It isn’t a gap-filling silicone in a tube.
How much does 5 L of SilaSeal 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. Porosity changes it: SiF gives a range of 2 to 25 m² per litre, for example 3 to 4 m² per litre on porous sandstone and 7 to 8 on dense poured concrete.
Should I use SilaSeal or FluoroSeal? Both keep a natural look. SilaSeal repels water and is SiF’s starting point. FluoroSeal repels oil as well as water, so SiF points to it where oil stains are the worry, such as driveways and garages. For an enhanced, darker look with oil and water repellence, SiF has SilaSeal Enhance.
Can I seal straight after pressure cleaning? 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. Broom or blow it off first. Don’t seal if rain is expected within 24 hours or the surface is over 30 °C.
How long before I can walk or drive on it? Keep traffic off for at least 24 hours; SiF says full curing may take up to 7 days.