Limestone Emulsion

Description

Limestone Emulsion is a water‑based silicone water repellent and surface binder formulated for Australian limestone. It is a non-caustic and user-friendly product that penetrates deeply into the capillaries of limestone surfaces, rendering the substrate water‑repellent and strengthening the surface. The treated zone reduces absorption of water and water‑borne staining materials that contribute to deterioration in limestone buildings. Unlike other sealers, Limestone Emulsion does not significantly alter the appearance or vapour permeability of the substrate.

Recommended Uses

Limestone Emulsion is recommended as a water repellent sealer for permeable Australian limestone. It may also be suitable for other types of limestone substrates.

Key Features

• Water-based emulsion with no volatile hydrocarbon solvents.
• Penetrates deeply into the limestone surface.
• Bonds to the substrate with no peel or blister and provides surface dust binding.
• UV, alkali stable and durable formulation.
• Reduces water penetration and water-borne staining and strengthens surface.
• Does not significantly change the surface appearance and vapour permeability.
• Non-caustic and user-friendly formula.

As masonry materials vary significantly a test MUST be carried out prior to application to determine the suitability of this product for the purpose.

Use Instructions

Read the product data sheet thoroughly to ensure correct application and safe handling. Do not apply if rain or extreme weather is expected. The surface must be dry, firm, and free from grime, oil, or previous coatings/sealers. If necessary, wash with a suitable detergent and water, then allow to dry. Fill all cracks with appropriate grout materials and allow them to cure before application. Conduct a test before application to determine the required number of coats and the appropriate consumption rate.

Application

• Limestone Emulsion can be applied by brush, roller, or spray euipment. Preferred application is by saturation flooding with a hand‑pressure or airless spray to avoid direct contact of brushes or rollers with the surface. Apply sufficient material to ensure coverage.
• For vertical surfaces, apply the product as a thin liquid film stream running down approximately 30–40 cm. Apply a second coat immediately after the first is absorbed; this ‘wet‑in‑wet’ method saturates the surface to improve penetration.
• For horizontal surfaces, apply the product by flooding for approximately 10 minutes to ensure penetration. If the substrate absorbs the sealer quickly after the first application, apply a second coat immediately. Remove any liquid remaining after 10 minutes to prevent excessive accumulation that may cause an uneven finish.
• The number of applications depends on substrate permeability. For dense surfaces, one wet‑in‑wet coat may be sufficient. For permeable limestone, apply two or more wet‑in‑wet coats, with each subsequent coat following immediately after the previous application. Do not apply Limestone Emulsion to surfaces that have dried and become water‑repellent, as this may cause discoloration and unevenness.
• Stir or shake Limestone Emulsion before use.
• Mask off windows, doors or any surfaces you do not wish to treat. If splashing occurs, remove the product immediately with a damp cloth to prevent contamination.

Consumption rate

Limestone Emulsion consumption varies with substrate permeability. Typical coverage is 0.5–2 m² per litre per coat, though actual rates may fall outside this range.

After application

The initial surface water repellency will develop gradually after the surface is dry.  Full curing may take 24 hours or up to 7 days.  Avoid heavy traffic for at least 24 hours.  The equipment should be washed immediately in water after application.

Pilot testing and quality control

Due to the variation of building materials,it is strongly recommended to conduct a pilot test on a small on‑site area before application to confirm product suitability.

Typical Data

• Appearance: White emulsion
• Active Content:<50% by weight
• Specific Gravity:appro. 1.0 g/ml at 20 ^oC
• pH Value:7-9
• Solubility in Water: Dispersible in water
• VOC Content: Nil
• Flash Point:Not allocated

Important Note

Limestone Emulsion penetrates into the capillaries and renders the surface water repellent while still leaving most of the capillaries open to allow water vapour to pass through. It reduces water absorption by capillary action. However, it has a limited resistance to water penetration particularly under prolonged contact or hydrostatic pressure. On highly permeable substrates or in extreme wind‑driven rain resistance to water penetration and water‑borne staining may be insufficient. This product should not be diluted with water or any other dilutant.

Handling & Storage

Limestone Emulsion is a water‑based, non‑caustic product classified as non‑hazardous under Worksafe Australia criteria. As with all chemical products, follow good industrial hygiene practices during use. Store in closed containers in a cool, dry place away from fire sources. Shelf life is 12 months in the sealed container when stored below 25 °C.

Use under sufficient ventilation.

Keep out of reach of children.

Packaging

Limestone Emulsion is available in 20, 200 and 1,000 litre plastic containers.