A1 Sealer PLUS
1.0 A1 Sealer PLUS is a waterborne coating system that protects A1 objects from weather influences such as moisture and UV radiation
All objects in an outdoor environment are exposed to weather influences that have an erosive effect on A1. Our A1 Sealer PLUS protects the A1 object against these influences.
A1 Sealer PLUS is available in Matt, Satin and Gloss. For the most matte result, we recommend first applying a layer of A1 Sealer PLUS Satin, followed by a layer of A1 Sealer PLUS Matt.
The advantages are: one-component, solvent-free, waterborne, quick-drying, easy to apply, good UV resistance, excellent adhesion, protection against dirt absorption and good protection against moisture.
Data:
- Min. processing temperature: 10°C
- Average consumption: 8–10 m² per litre
- Storage life: 1 year in closed packaging
- Storage: Store frost-free and out of direct sunlight
2.0 Application of A1 Sealer PLUS
The surface to be sealed must be free of wax, oil, dirt and dust.
- Apply with a brush, roller or spray.
- When spraying, we recommend adding 20% water.
- After application by brush or roller, rub A1 Sealer PLUS out with a dry cloth while it is still damp. When spraying, polishing is not necessary.
- Each layer has a drying time of 15 to 45 minutes, depending on temperature and humidity.
- A1 Sealer PLUS can be applied in 1 to a maximum of 3 layers to improve its protective properties.
A1 Sealer PLUS is a breathable coating. Besides any residual moisture left after production, A1 absorbs a limited amount of water when placed in a very humid environment. It releases this water again in a dry environment, and does so many times faster.
Because A1 Sealer PLUS is breathable (vapour-permeable), any remaining or absorbed moisture can easily leave the A1 object. For this reason, avoid applying too thick a layer of A1 Sealer PLUS, as this may seal off the A1 object.
When applied by brush, one kg of A1 Sealer PLUS covers 8 to 10 m².
When sprayed, one kg of A1 Sealer PLUS covers 10 to 12 m².
We suggest reapplying A1 Sealer PLUS every 6 years, or sooner if the A1 object or the sealer layer is damaged.
3.0 A1 Top Finish
A1 Top Finish is a 100% vapour-permeable, high-quality waterborne impregnating agent based on silane/siloxane. It penetrates deep into the surface and leaves a long-lasting water-repellent effect. We suggest adding one layer of A1 Top Finish over the layers of A1 Sealer PLUS for an extra water-repellent effect, while keeping the coating system vapour-permeable.
4.0 Waterproof
The A1 objects are lying in the grass. They all had at least 2 layers of A1 Sealer PLUS. Today I turned over the long and the short object, and the bottom has turned brown! A1 Sealer PLUS makes them waterproof, right?
A1 Sealer PLUS is not waterproof, but breathable. The brown colour is probably caused by moisture in the soil. Two layers of A1 Sealer PLUS are usually sufficient, but with prolonged exposure to moisture, as in this case, there is a risk of discolouration.
A1 Sealer PLUS protects your object better against water and UV. However, it will not make the A1 object 100% waterproof.
5.0 Inspection and renewal of A1 Sealer PLUS
We recommend reapplying A1 Sealer PLUS every 6 years. We also recommend checking the A1 object every year for damage to the sealer layer, so that it can be repaired immediately. This inspection is also a good opportunity to clean the A1 object if necessary.
6.0 Patinate with A1 Sealer PLUS
A1 can also be patinated by adding pigment to A1 Sealer PLUS. By applying it with a brush, cloth or syringe, you can achieve different effects. You can also apply different colours on top of each other.
We recommend using an unpigmented layer of A1 Sealer PLUS as the final layer.
7.0 Does A1 Sealer PLUS give enough weather protection for A1 objects?
Our A1 Sealer PLUS gives the A1 object enough protection against weather influences. Apply 3 layers (not more) of A1 Sealer PLUS for optimum protection. Also make sure to inspect the A1 object and repair it if needed.
Other factors also play an important role in protecting the object outdoors, such as using non-water-absorbing fillers, making sure no water can get trapped in the A1 object, and external influences such as vandalism.
Coatings (for outdoor use)
For outdoor use you can choose several coating systems. Most common systems are: A1 Sealer PLUS, 2K PU, Keim or other exterior wall paint.
8.0 A1 Sealer PLUS
A1 Sealer PLUS is the most common one-component sealer for protecting A1 products used outdoors. It is easy to apply in one or more layers. The more layers you apply (up to a maximum of 3), the glossier the finish. It can also be used as a base resin to decorate products and give them a natural look.
9.0 Advantages of the sealer
One-component, solvent-free, easy to apply, good UV resistance, protection against dirt pick-up, quick-drying, excellent adhesion and good humidity protection.
Our users also apply other coatings and sealers to enhance or protect the appearance and performance of their A1 objects. Below, you will find several coatings and sealers that appear to work well with A1. This information is based on past projects and on results after ageing in weathering/UV cabinets. Depending on the climate in different parts of the world, the lifespan and maintenance intervals of the coating systems can vary.
10.0 Exterior wall paints
Exterior wall paints are available in a variety of brands and formulations, each with their own features. KEIM Soldalit is a multi-purpose silicate exterior paint with a sol-silicate binder (a combination of silica sol and water glass) for organic, mineral and mixed substrates. KEIM Soldalit is water-repellent, highly vapour-permeable, lightfast, UV-stable and extremely weather-resistant, with a low tendency to attract dirt.
11.0 2K polyurethane coatings
2K polyurethane coatings are available in a variety of brands, formulations and qualities. Baril 269 Poluran Clear Coat 75 is a high-quality coating with excellent adhesion on A1 composite products. This semi-gloss transparent coating is easy to apply and has high abrasion, chemical, mechanical and impact resistance. Its good flexibility and weathering/UV resistance result in long-lasting protection for products made of A1. Be aware that 2K coatings are NOT vapour-permeable. This can cause water to become trapped if the back of the A1 piece is also sealed and the A1 is not fully cured.
12.0 Acrylic paint, oil paint or lacquer
For indoor use, the A1 object can be finished with acrylic paint, oil paint or lacquer, provided that the adhesion of the paint has been tested beforehand.
If you choose such a paint and a final lacquer (matt or high gloss), we recommend testing first and following these steps:
- make the object indoors,
- let the object dry and cure,
- paint the object (follow the paint supplier’s advice on drying time),
- apply varnish if needed (follow the supplier’s advice on drying time),
- do not use A1 Sealer PLUS.
For outdoor applications, these coating systems can interfere with the breathability of A1, which can cause the coating layer to flake.
13.0 Can I extend the life of A1 with a vapour-permeable coating system?
A vapour-permeable coating system, such as our A1 Sealer PLUS or a suitable wall paint, will extend the life of an A1 object placed outdoors. The coating not only reduces the effects of moisture but also protects against UV. As a result, the top layer of the A1 object is much less affected by weather than it would be without a coating. That is also why we recommend inspecting your A1 object for damage at least once a year and repairing it as soon as possible.
14.0 Can you recommend a vapour-permeable paint brand that works on A1 objects?
Unfortunately, with so many paint systems on the market, we cannot test them all. A proper test would also take many years. That is why we cannot recommend specific paint brands.
For the best result when finishing the A1 object with a closed paint system, make sure the residual moisture has evaporated. As a rule of thumb, we suggest leaving the A1 object for at least 7 days in a room at room temperature with a humidity below 70%.
When using a closed paint system, do not place the A1 object outdoors.
