EXPERT ADVICE
house paints."
The way color sealcoats are formulated
appears to contribute to their versatility.
"In our research and experience, we
found acrylics to be best suitable as a
binder for colored sealcoat," Pandrapragada
said. "They provide the sealcoat with
excellent performance properties and are
cost effective as compared to epoxies and
urethanes."
Gearheart concurred on the best formulation:
"100% acrylic formulations
are the best for outdoor applications, due
to ultra-violet stability and breathability.
These coatings can suspend silica sand and
specialized aggregate for non-slip texture
and durability in all temperatures and
weather conditions."
A couple of questions come to mind
when thinking of using color sealcoating
on a jobsite. What kind of prep work
needs to be completed before applying color
sealcoating? Does color sealcoating require
different prep than plain sealcoating?
According to Pandrapragada, the prep
work for color sealcoating is similar to
plain sealcoating. "Prior to application,
the surface must be clean and free from all
dirt, debris, oil spots and any other surface
contaminations."
Surface preparation before color sealcoating
should consist of general cleaning
of the surface with brooms, blowers and
With color sealcoating it is possible to preserve and beautify any
asphalt surface to give it distinctive appeal.
pressure washing if needed. The surface
should be clean and free from loose coatings,
organic growth, and other contaminants
that could interfere with adhesion.
Cracks should be filled with 100% acrylic
crack fillers.
"Asphalt-based and hot applied crack
fillers should not be used under acrylic
coatings," Gearheart advised. "Also, ensure
that coal tar sealants have not been
used prior to acrylic colored sealcoats, for
best adhesion. Crack filling and repair
should be performed, and repairs or leveling
should be considered for damaged or
raveling areas. The life of colored sealcoat
can be shortened if submerged under water,
or puddled areas, for long periods of
time."
There are a number of performance attributes
that characterize color sealcoating.
The treatment does not contain any oils,
so it should not leach onto floors or carpet
after completion curing. The 100% acrylic
coatings are resistant to oil and fuel and
also act to seal, protect, and extend the life
of pavement.
Dry time for color sealcoat is very
similar to traditional sealcoats and cleanup
is performed with water. Application
temperatures are the same as most asphalt
sealants. The pavement and ambient temperatures
should be 50 degrees F (10 Celsius)
and rising during application and for
at least 24 hours after the job is completed.
Colored sealcoat is best applied with soft
rubber squeegees.
"To assure the successful application of
color sealcoating, it is best to allow new
asphalt to age 60- to 90-days to rid the
surface of oils contained in fresh asphalt,"
Dubey said. "A 'Water-Break-Free-Test'
should probably be performed to determine
that the surface oils have sufficiently
dissipated in order to ensure solid bonding
of the color coating. Any residual oil may
cause the coating dis-bond. Old oxidized
pavements must be thoroughly cleaned
and preferably power-washed to remove all
loose particles. In addition, the manufacturer
may recommend the use of a primer
if the surfaces integrity cannot be assured."
Color sealcoating can play a significant
role in the asphalt paving contractor's offering
of services. Specifically engineered
formulations produce highly durable pavement
coatings designed for light pedestrian
and vehicle traffic. With color sealcoating
it is possible to preserve and beautify
any asphalt surface to give it distinctive
appeal.
In a sense the term "blacktop" is outdated,
since with the availability of color
sealcoats it is possible to have a green,
red or other color asphalt surface to
match any desired aesthetic and functional
purpose.
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