Acri-Soy Penetrating Concrete Sealer & Wood Sealer

Acri-Soy™ Penetrating Sealer – Application & Use Guide

1. Project Planning & Conditions

• Compatible Substrates: Porous interior & exterior concrete, masonry, brick, pavers, stone, stucco, unsealed wood decks, fences, and timber.
• Estimated Coverage: 400 - 600sq. ft. per gallon (varies based on surface porosity and absorption rate). One coat is usually optimal as the substrate will have a saturation point.
• Application Temperature: Apply when ambient and surface temperatures are between 50F and 90F and < 80% relative humidity.
• Weather Restrictions: Do not apply in direct, midday heat on extremely hot surfaces, or if rain is predicted within 24 hours.

2. Recommended Tools & Equipment

• Application: Low-pressure pump sprayer (with a fine fan tip), synthetic microfiber applicator pad, 3/8" nap roller, microfiber mop, wood stain block, or soft-bristle brush.
• Surface Prep: Eco-Etch Pro™ (for smooth concrete), eco-friendly wood cleaner, pressure washer.
• Wipe-Back: Clean microfiber towels or lint-free cotton rags.

3. Surface Preparation

Because Acri-Soy works below the surface, substrate pores must be completely open and clean to allow deep penetration.

Concrete & Masonry Prep:

1. Clean & Degrease: Thoroughly remove dirt, dust, efflorescence, oils, grease, and tire marks.
2. Remove Existing Coatings: All prior sealers, paints, waxes, or curing compounds must be completely removed mechanically (grinding/sanding) or chemically.
3. Open Concrete Pores: Smooth or hard-troweled concrete must be etched using Eco-Etch Pro™ or diamond-ground to achieve a CSP-1 profile (feels like fine sandpaper).
4. Rinse & Dry: Rinse off all residue. Concrete must be dry to the touch before application (moisture content below 4%).

Wood Surface Prep:

1. Clean & Wash: Remove dirt, mold, mildew, tannin stains, and loose wood fibers using a mild wood cleaner.
2. Open Mill Glaze: Lightly sand smooth-milled lumber 80 - 120 grit to open tight grain fibers.
3. Dry Thoroughly: Allow wood to dry for 24–48 hours after washing (moisture content below 15%).

4. Step-by-Step Application Instructions

Step 1: Test Patch & Mixing

• Always perform a small test patch in an inconspicuous area to verify absorbency, dry time, and final finish.
• Stir gently before and during application. Do not shake vigorously to avoid foaming. Do not dilute or mix with solvent-based products.

Step 2: Application (Wet-on-Wet Method)

1. Apply Uniformly: Using a pump sprayer, brush, microfiber mop, stain pad applicator, or roller, apply a uniform coat of Acri-Soy evenly across the surface.
2. Work in Sections: Work in manageable sections to maintain control over absorption.
3. Saturate Pores: Allow the sealer to penetrate for 5 to 10 minutes before back rolling when optimal penetration depth is desired. For highly porous surfaces (weathered wood or unsealed block), apply a second light coat while the first coat is still damp (wet-on-wet).

Step 3: Crucial Wipe-Back Step

• Wipe Away Excess: After 10 minutes, use a clean microfiber pad or cloth to back-roll or wipe away any excess, unabsorbed liquid or pooling.
• Note: Penetrating sealers belong inside the pores, not on top. Do not allow excess sealer to pool or puddle on the surface, as it may dry into a glossy or tacky residue.

5. Drying & Cure Times

• Dry to Touch: 30-60 Minutes
• Light Foot Traffic: 6-12 Hours
• Heavy Traffic/Furniture: 24 Hours
• Full Chemical Cure: 72 Hours

6. Clean-Up, Topcoating & Maintenance

• Clean-Up: Clean all sprayers, brushes, rollers, and hands immediately after use with warm water and mild soap.
• Topcoating (Optional): If a topical barrier or higher sheen (semi-gloss/gloss) is desired later, apply EcoPoly Sealer & Finish after Acri-Soy has cured for a minimum of 24 hours.
• Maintenance: Re-apply Acri-Soy when water no longer beads on the surface. Simply clean the surface thoroughly and re-apply—no harsh chemical stripping or heavy sanding is ever required.

Non-Hazardous Ingredients:

Water-based hybrid acrylic (polymer resin), soy-based emulsion modifier (coalescent), bio-based rheology modifier (thickener), plant based surfactant (wetting agent), and UV filtered water.

Q: What is the difference between a penetrating sealer and a topical film-forming sealer?
A: Penetrating sealers soak deep into the pores of wood, concrete, and masonry to form an integral barrier below the surface. Because they become part of the substrate, they will never flake, peel, or yellow over time. Topical sealers, on the other hand, sit on top of the surface to create a protective film that eventually wears down and requires chemical stripping before it can be reapplied.

Q: Will a penetrating sealer change the look or feel of my concrete or wood?
A: No. High-quality penetrating sealers are designed to preserve the original, natural appearance of the substrate, leaving a clear, matte finish. Because they do not leave a glossy coating on the surface, they also maintain the material's natural surface friction, ensuring driveways, decks, and walkways do not become slippery.

Q: Are penetrating sealers safe to use indoors?
A: While many conventional sealers rely on harsh solvents and emit strong odors, advanced bio-based penetrating sealers are engineered with zero VOCs, zero solvents, and zero Red List chemicals. This makes them completely odor-free and 100% safe for interior applications—like basement floors or indoor wood trim—without any dangerous off-gassing.

Q: How long does a penetrating sealer last, and how do I maintain it?
A: Because penetrating sealers work beneath the surface, they are highly durable and naturally protected from direct surface wear, UV rays, and foot traffic. Longevity depends on the porosity of the material and weather exposure, but maintenance is incredibly simple. When water stops beading on the surface, you simply clean the area and reapply. No harsh stripping or sanding is ever required.

Q: Can I use the same penetrating sealer on both wood and concrete?
A: Yes! Premium water-based hybrid emulsion sealers are incredibly versatile. They are chemically engineered to protect a wide array of porous surfaces, including concrete driveways, masonry, brick pavers, cinder blocks, and outdoor wood decks or garden boxes, providing uniform moisture protection across your entire project.

Q: How should I prepare my surface before applying a penetrating sealer?
A: The surface must be completely clean, dry, and free of any previous topical coatings, paints, dirt, oil, or efflorescence. Because a penetrating sealer needs to physically absorb deep into the substrate, any existing barrier or heavy contamination will block penetration and prevent the sealer from working correctly. Concrete etching by mechanical grinding or chemical etching with Eco-Etch Pro will insure optimal porosity.

Q: Can I apply a different finish or a glossy topcoat over a penetrating sealer later?
A: Yes. Unlike old-school wax-based sealers that reject future coatings, modern bio-based penetrating sealers act as a perfect, breathable base coat. If you decide you want a topical barrier, a higher sheen, or a painted finish down the road, you can seamlessly apply a compatible topical finish over the surface once the penetrating sealer has fully cured.