CSS EMULSION™ Concentrated Solvent Sealer Overview & Dilution Guide for Professional Installers

CSS EMULSION™ Concentrated Solvent Sealer Overview & Dilution Guide for Professional Installers

CSS EMULSION™ (Concentrated Solvent Sealer) is Elite Crete Systems’ premium exterior clear sealer designed for conventional concrete, polymer-modified cementitious overlays, stamped concrete, stained concrete, and colored concrete surfaces. It is a high-solids, solvent-borne acrylic copolymer system enhanced with methyl methacrylate (MMA) resin.

Unlike most ready-to-use single-component acrylic sealers sold through distribution, CSS EMULSION™ is manufactured and packaged as a concentrate (approximately 53% solids). This design gives the professional contractor direct control over final solids content, film build, penetration, and performance characteristics by adjusting the dilution ratio on site.

Chemical Composition & Why It Performs Differently

CSS EMULSION™ is a 53% solution of an acrylic copolymer combined with methyl methacrylate resin, dissolved in a high-flash aromatic solvent. The inclusion of MMA significantly improves several performance attributes compared with standard acrylic sealers:

• Higher film hardness (Pencil Hardness rated 6H)
• Improved abrasion and scratch resistance
• Better resistance to water, deicing salts, UV exposure, and a range of chemicals
• Reduced tendency to yellow under ultraviolet light
• Tougher, more durable protective film once cured

Because the product is sold as a concentrate rather than a pre-diluted sealer, the applicator can tailor the solids content to the specific surface texture and service requirements. A richer mix produces a thicker, more chemically resistant film; a leaner mix improves penetration on denser substrates.

Why CSS EMULSION™ Must Be Diluted

Applying the concentrate undiluted would produce an excessively thick film that traps solvent, slows drying, and can lead to poor adhesion, blushing, or surface defects. Dilution with a compatible VOC-compliant solvent reduces viscosity, controls film thickness, and allows the sealer to wet and penetrate the substrate properly while still delivering a high-performance protective film.

Recommended solvents

• Preferred VOC-compliant options: DMC (dimethyl carbonate) or PCBTF
• Avoid (or verify local regulations carefully): xylene, lacquer thinner, acetone, paint thinner, and mineral spirits in most current jurisdictions

Always confirm local, state, and federal VOC requirements before selecting a solvent.

Dilution Ratios & Performance Selection Guide

Dilution ratios are expressed as CSS EMULSION™ : VOC-compliant solvent.

The following chart, drawn from Elite Crete Systems Product Information, provides practical guidance for matching dilution and number of coats to the desired level of protection:

Practical rules of thumb used by experienced installers

• Splatter textures, knockdowns, and slate trowel-downs → frequently start at 1:1
• Thin stamped overlays and conventional stamped concrete → commonly 1:1 to 1:2
• Smoother or denser surfaces → leaner mixes (1:2 or higher) improve penetration

Richer mixes (closer to 1:1) produce higher film build and better chemical/abrasion resistance. Leaner mixes improve penetration but reduce ultimate film thickness and chemical resistance.

Mixing Procedure

1. Measure the required volume of CSS EMULSION™ into a clean metal container.
2. Add the measured volume of VOC-compliant solvent.
3. Mix with a non-sparking drill and mixing paddle for a minimum of 2 full minutes until the solution is completely uniform.
4. Apply immediately after mixing.

Application Guidelines

• Surface must be completely dry (masking-tape adhesion test is a reliable field check).
• Apply thin, even coats while maintaining a wet edge. Avoid puddling, especially in joints.
• Recommended equipment: quality pump-up sprayer, airless sprayer, or solvent-resistant lambs-wool / shed-free roller.
• Application temperature range: approximately 35–110 °F (surface and ambient). Avoid application in direct hot sun, fog, rain, or when temperatures will drop below freezing within 6–8 hours.
• Recoat window: apply the next coat before 3 hours or after 24 hours. Applying between these times risks solvent entrapment and intercoat adhesion problems.
• Light foot traffic is typically possible in 3–4 hours at 70 °F; full cure for heavy traffic is generally 12–24 hours (complete cure continues for 7–10 days).
• Keep the freshly sealed surface protected from rain, sprinklers, and condensation for at least 12 hours after the final coat.

Limitations & Safety

• Exterior use only in most cases. The diluted product is highly flammable. Do not use indoors or in poorly ventilated spaces.
• Not intended for continuous water submersion, constant chemical exposure, or high-abrasion traffic (e.g., metal-wheeled vehicles).
• Concrete must be well-drained and free of hydrostatic pressure.
• Alkali staining can appear at edges, cracks, and joints.
• Slip resistance: apply only to textured surfaces or incorporate a non-skid additive when a smoother finish is specified. Always verify wet and dry slip resistance on a sample area.
• Adequate ventilation, elimination of ignition sources, and proper personal protective equipment are mandatory.

Coverage Considerations

Coverage varies widely with surface texture, porosity, dilution strength, and application method. Approximate ranges at a 1:1 dilution include:

• Smooth concrete: up to ~350 sq ft per diluted gallon
• Broom or light overlay finishes: ~250–300 sq ft
• Thin stamped or conventional stamped concrete: ~200–225 sq ft
• Heavy splatter or knockdown textures: as low as ~125–150 sq ft

Always confirm coverage with a mock-up on the actual substrate when estimating large projects.

Summary for Specifiers and Installers

CSS EMULSION™ delivers a higher level of control and performance than typical pre-diluted single-component acrylic sealers because of its concentrated format, MMA-enhanced chemistry, and the ability to adjust solids content on site. When diluted and applied correctly according to the performance chart above, it produces a durable, UV-resistant, chemically resistant protective film well suited to the full range of Elite Crete Systems decorative concrete overlays and exterior concrete surfaces.

For complete safety information, always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS.414). For project-specific recommendations outside standard conditions, contact Elite Crete Systems technical support or your Authorized Distributor.

This document is intended as a practical technical summary for professional installers and knowledge-base use. Always refer to the most current Product Information, Technical Data, and Safety Data Sheets before beginning any installation.