{"product_id":"actichem-pre-seal-5-ltr","title":"Actichem Pre-Seal 5 ltr","description":"\u003ch2\u003eProduct Overview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eActichem Pre-Seal — sold by Actichem as Preseal Pro, product code AP171 — is a penetrating pre-sealer applied to stone, masonry and cement products \u003cem\u003ebefore\u003c\/em\u003e and during installation, not after it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts job is to stop water getting into the material at the point in its life when the material is most vulnerable: during fabrication, transport and the wet trades. Water ingress at that stage is what causes tile warp, picture framing around grout lines, moisture staining from the bed and adhesive, and construction stains that are permanent by the time the site is handed over.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe key design constraint is that a pre-sealer must not interfere with adhesive bond strength. A film-forming sealer applied before installation would compromise the bond. Pre-Seal is a penetrating silane-type treatment that works inside the pore structure, so the adhesive still keys into the substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Professionals Use It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIt prevents defects rather than fixing them.\u003c\/strong\u003e Picture framing, tile warp and moisture staining cannot be cleaned off after the fact. They are installation faults, and this is the product that avoids them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIt does not compromise adhesive bond.\u003c\/strong\u003e That is the difference between a pre-sealer and simply sealing early with a normal sealer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEasier grout clean-up.\u003c\/strong\u003e Grout smear releases from a pre-sealed surface far more readily, which saves labour on every tile.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVapour permeable.\u003c\/strong\u003e It does not trap moisture in the substrate or hinder the natural passage of water vapour — important on anything laid over a slab.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSix-sided sealing is supported.\u003c\/strong\u003e Dip-sealing is an approved application method, which is the gold standard for protecting stone against moisture from the bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCost-effective.\u003c\/strong\u003e It is formulated to work alongside the rest of the Actichem penetrating sealer range rather than duplicate it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSafety Information — Please Read Before Ordering\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe previous version of this page carried no safety information at all. Actichem's current safety data sheet — version 2.2, issued 15 July 2025 — classifies Pre-Seal as \u003cstrong\u003eDANGER\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eClassification\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignal word: DANGER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eH318 — Causes serious eye damage.\u003c\/strong\u003e Eye Irritation Category 1. This is the top eye category, not eye irritation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eH315 — Causes skin irritation.\u003c\/strong\u003e Skin Corrosion\/Irritation Category 2.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePoisons Schedule: not applicable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot regulated for transport of dangerous goods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH 10.5 as supplied.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIngredients: potassium methylsiliconate (CAS 31795-24-1) \u0026lt;5%; isopropanol (CAS 67-63-0) \u0026lt;10%; balance withheld as trade secret\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat that means on site\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEye protection is mandatory, and the application method makes it more important, not less.\u003c\/strong\u003e This product is applied by saturating a surface, often by sprayer, often overhead of the operator's hands, and often by people who are dipping tiles. Potassium siliconate at pH 10.5 in an eye is a Category 1 eye damage event. Chemical goggles are the sensible choice over safety glasses here.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHave an eyewash available.\u003c\/strong\u003e Actichem specifies an eyewash unit. On a fabrication bench or a dip tank, that means a plumbed or bottled eyewash within reach of the operator — not a tap at the other end of the yard.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintain adequate ventilation at all times.\u003c\/strong\u003e Actichem's wording, not a softened version of it. The isopropanol content evaporates during cure, and dip-sealing in an enclosed shed concentrates it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIsopropanol is flammable.\u003c\/strong\u003e The product itself is not classified as a flammable liquid and the safety data sheet records the flash point as not applicable, but the solvent flashing off during cure is. No hot work, no smoking, no grinding sparks near a freshly treated batch or an open dip tank.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtective clothing.\u003c\/strong\u003e Actichem specifies barrier cream and skin cleansing cream in addition to the usual work clothing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo not use methylated spirits to remove residue while the product is wet\u003c\/strong\u003e near an ignition source — see the residue-removal note below.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your safe work method statement for pre-sealing was written without a DANGER classification in it, it needs to be redone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRecommended Substrates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormulated to protect construction and fine stone, masonry and cement products during fabrication, transportation and installation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarble, limestone and travertine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSandstone, granite, basalt and bluestone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCement and clay pavers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTerracotta, Saltillo and quarry tile\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead and understand the safety data sheet before use. Always pre-test in an inconspicuous location.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePreparation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe material surface must be totally clean, dry and free of any chemical residue.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo not apply in direct sunlight.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApply at temperatures between 10 °C and 28 °C.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoverage is 5 to 20 m² per litre per coat, depending on porosity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eApplication\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApply one coat by generously saturating the surface using a polish applicator, roller or sprayer. Ensure even coverage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDip-sealing is also an approved method, and is the preferred approach where six-sided protection is required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe surface must remain shiny and wet with a liquid film for at least 30 seconds. Very porous substrates will need more product to achieve this.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow 5 to 10 minutes for absorption, then remove the excess with a clean dry towel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTen minutes after the last application, wipe off any sealer remaining on the surface using absorbent toweling or an applicator.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResidue that has dried on the surface can be removed by moistening the towel with methylated spirits. Do this in a ventilated area and away from ignition sources.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCuring\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow 24 hours before fabrication or installation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep dry for 12 hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull cure in 24 to 48 hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese times are the whole value of the product. Pre-sealing a batch of tiles and laying them the same afternoon gives you neither the protection nor the bond behaviour you paid for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere Pre-Seal Fits in the Sealing Programme\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePre-Seal and a finish sealer do different jobs at different times and are not alternatives to each other.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePre-Seal\u003c\/strong\u003e goes on before and during installation. It protects against water, grout, adhesive and construction contamination while the trades are still on site, without compromising the adhesive bond.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStone Sealer Pro\u003c\/strong\u003e goes on after installation, once the surface is clean, dry and fully cured. It provides the long-term oil and water repellency the client actually lives with.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a high-value stone installation, using both is the correct specification. Using only a finish sealer means the material has already absorbed whatever it was going to absorb before you got there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMistakes to Avoid\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApplying to a damp or contaminated surface.\u003c\/strong\u003e The material must be totally clean, dry and chemical-free. A penetrating pre-sealer cannot get into pores that are already full of water or saw slurry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApplying in direct sun or above 28 °C.\u003c\/strong\u003e The carrier flashes off before the active penetrates, which gives you surface residue instead of protection. On an Australian site this is the most common failure and it is entirely avoidable — work early, work shaded, or work indoors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot keeping the surface wet for the full 30 seconds.\u003c\/strong\u003e On porous terracotta or sandstone you will need noticeably more product than the coverage figure suggests.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeaving residue to dry.\u003c\/strong\u003e Wipe it back within the stated window. Dried residue needs methylated spirits and effort.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInstalling before 24 hours.\u003c\/strong\u003e Both the protection and the bond behaviour depend on the cure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTreating it as a substitute for the finish sealer.\u003c\/strong\u003e It is not, and the client will notice within a year.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWorking without eye protection because \"it is only a pre-sealer\".\u003c\/strong\u003e H318.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct code\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAP171\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSKU\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAP171.05\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePack size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eType\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePenetrating pre-sealer for natural stone and porous tile\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAppearance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClear, water-white liquid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOdour\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH as supplied\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSolubility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMiscible in water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlash point\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDilution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReady to use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoverage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 – 20 m² per litre per coat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoats\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApplication temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 – 28 °C, not in direct sunlight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWet film dwell\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum 30 seconds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBefore fabrication or installation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24 hours\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKeep dry\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 hours\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull cure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24 – 48 hours\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSignal word\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDANGER\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHazard statements\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eH315, H318\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePoisons Schedule\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDangerous goods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot regulated for transport\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eActichem's safety data sheet lists pack sizes of 5 litres and 15 litres. Carpet Cleaners Warehouse currently stocks the 5 litre pack. Contact us if you need the 15 litre size for a large fabrication run.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill pre-sealing stop my tiles bonding?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo — that is the specific problem this product is formulated to avoid. It is a penetrating treatment, not a film former, so the adhesive still keys into the pore structure. A general-purpose sealer applied before installation would be a different story, and that is why \"just seal it early\" is not a substitute.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is picture framing and how does pre-sealing prevent it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePicture framing is the darker border you sometimes see around the edge of each tile after installation. It is moisture and fines from the adhesive bed and grout wicking into the porous edges of the tile and staying there. Pre-sealing the material — particularly by dip-sealing for six-sided coverage — stops that ingress before it can happen. Once it has happened, it is very difficult to reverse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is tile warp and is this really the fix?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePorous tiles that absorb moisture unevenly from a wet bed can distort. Reducing absorption reduces that distortion. Pre-Seal significantly inhibits warping; it is not a guarantee against every combination of tile, bed and site condition, and it does not replace correct bedding practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I dip-seal rather than brush or spray?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Dip-sealing is an approved method and gives true six-sided protection, which is the best outcome for high-value stone. Note that a dip tank concentrates the exposure risk — an open bath of a DANGER-classified, pH 10.5 liquid needs ventilation, eye protection and an eyewash close at hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo I still need to seal after installation?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Pre-Seal protects the material through the build. Stone Sealer Pro provides the long-term stain and oil repellency the finished floor needs. They are complementary, not alternatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much will I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCoverage runs from 5 to 20 m² per litre per coat, which is a very wide band because porosity varies enormously between granite and terracotta. Estimate from a test area on the actual material rather than from the midpoint of that range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat if it dries on the surface before I wipe it back?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoisten a towel with methylated spirits and work the residue off. Do it in a ventilated area and away from ignition sources. Prevention is easier — set the batch size so you can wipe back within the stated window.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I apply it outdoors in summer?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly within 10 °C to 28 °C and out of direct sunlight. On most Australian summer days that means early morning, late afternoon or under cover. Applying to hot stone gives poor penetration and surface residue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRelated Products\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ccwonline.com.au\/products\/actichem-tile-and-grout-sealer-pro-5l\"\u003eActichem Stone Sealer Pro\u003c\/a\u003e — the finish sealer to apply after installation and cure. Non-hazardous, water based.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ccwonline.com.au\/products\/actichem-stone-soap-5-ltr\"\u003eActichem Stone Soap\u003c\/a\u003e — the maintenance cleaner for the finished floor.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ccwonline.com.au\/products\/actichem-stone-gel-pro-5-ltr\"\u003eActichem Stone Gel Pro\u003c\/a\u003e — acid-free cream cleanser for scale and soap scum on stone.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ccwonline.com.au\/products\/actichem-tile-and-grout-cream-5l\"\u003eActichem Tile \u0026amp; Grout Cream\u003c\/a\u003e — grout haze and wax removal. \u003cstrong\u003eClassified DANGER with a reproductive toxicity statement — read that page before use.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSummary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePre-Seal is the product that separates a stone installation that still looks right in five years from one that was compromised before the grout went in. It stops water, grout and adhesive contamination entering the material during fabrication and installation, makes grout clean-up easier, and does it without compromising adhesive bond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a DANGER-classified product with a Category 1 eye damage statement at pH 10.5, applied by saturation and often by dipping — an application method that puts the operator close to the liquid. Goggles, ventilation and an eyewash within reach are the baseline. Observe the temperature limits and the 24-hour cure, and it will do exactly what it is designed to do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSafety Data Sheet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2179\/6391\/files\/202507-Actichem-Preseal-Pro-AP171.pdf\"\u003eActichem Preseal Pro Safety Data Sheet — version 2.2, issued 15 July 2025\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSKU: AP171.05\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlanning a stone installation and not sure whether to pre-seal, dip-seal or seal only on completion? Contact Carpet Cleaners Warehouse before you order. The decision has to be made before the material is laid, and it is not one you can revisit afterwards.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Actichem","offers":[{"title":"5LTR","offer_id":52320315900117,"sku":"AP171.05","price":63.69,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2179\/6391\/files\/Actichem-Pre-Seal-5-ltr.jpg?v=1780551762","url":"https:\/\/ccwonline.com.au\/products\/actichem-pre-seal-5-ltr","provider":"Carpet Cleaners Warehouse","version":"1.0","type":"link"}