Product Spotlight: Ottopol WRX-40, a Self-Crosslinking Penetrating Concrete Sealer
Penetrating concrete sealers are a type of sealer that works by soaking into the pores of a concrete substrate, rather than creating a sealed topcoat. They’re a popular choice for applications that want to keep the appearance of concrete and don’t require resistance to high impact and abrasion.
Gellner Industrial has developed several water-based acrylic polymers perfect for formulating into high-performance concrete sealers. One of our newer products, Ottopol WRX-40, is a self-crosslinking polymer capable of being made into a variety of solvent-resistant coatings, including a penetrating concrete sealer.
How a Penetrating Concrete Sealer Differs from a Film-Forming Sealer
Concrete sealers typically fall into one of two categories. Film-forming or topical coatings function much like a layer of paint, sealing and protecting the surface of the concrete substrate. Penetrating concrete sealers on the other hand seep into the porous concrete itself, sealing it from within.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages. For instance, film-forming sealers are more versatile in their appearance, but risk trapping moisture within the concrete. Penetrating sealers typically result in a more natural-looking surface, but are a little less durable when it comes to heavy impacts and abrasion that go beyond foot and automobile traffic.
Ottopol WRX-40: Versatile, Water Resistant, and Long-Lasting Protection
Ottopol WRX-40 is a high density crosslinking polymer that results in coatings with excellent solvent and water resistance, as well as superior adhesion to a variety of substrates. The original formula from which WRX-40 was derived is actually a wood coating with a similar purpose for protecting wooden interior surfaces. After a little experimentation and testing, we developed the crosslinking polymer coating available today.
WRX-40 is an aggressive self-crosslinking polymer, creating an exceptionally durable seal on many substrates, but especially on concrete. The resulting film exhibits water resistance after just four hours of ambient curing and superior stain and solvent resistance within 1-3 days. When tested on concrete and allowed to cure for 24 hours, WRX-40 showed excellent, long-term resistance to blushing, blistering, film defects, and most automotive and household solvents.
Our team also performed several tests for chemical and stain resistance. Brake fluid, motor oil, anti-freeze, and red wine did not stain the coating at all. Windshield wiper fluid created a small blue ring that was easy to clean, while bleach and transmission fluids created only minor stains on the coating. It also showed superior resistance to a variety of foods, beverages, condiments, and other common materials that might otherwise stain the coating or the concrete, making it excellent for consumer applications and industrial ones alike.
Interested in what Gellner Industrial has to offer?
Gellner Industrial LLC is the leading manufacturer of water-based acrylic polymers, setting industry standards for printing inks, adhesives, and coating. If you’re interested in Ottopol WRX-40 or any of our products, feel free to browse our full list of polymers, or contact us with any questions or requests.
