Question:

How does your Seal Tite Ultra product compare to your polyurea products like the Rhino/Line-X Alternative cartridge products?

Answer:

While our standard Seal Tite products are primarily meant to waterproof and protect on concrete, metal, or other such surfaces, our Seal Tite Ultra has the flexibility and tensile strength to waterproof polypropylene and similar fabrics. In fact, we suggest that as an alternative to EPDM and/or to patch torn EPDM in some instances. The other option is our Rhino / Line-X Alternative product which is a pure polyurea product and cures in minutes. Pros and cons of each are highlighted below:

• Seal Tite Ultra Advantages

  • Simple application by hopper spray gun, roller, brush
  • Can be applied on surfaces with higher moisture content than the RLA products
  • Basic air compressor with 5 CFM capacity is sufficient for spray application
  • Can be thickened or thinned as needed with the powder additive and lacquer thinner
  • Basic spray application safety equipment is all that is required for application
  • If future adjustments are required, can be top coated or have additional fabric patched and waterproofed with simple (brush or roller) application

• Seal Tite Ultra Disadvantages

  • Somewhat more expensive at about $95 per gallon (if using the recommended 2/3 liquids to 1/3 powder… higher without the powder additive)
  • Takes longer to cure and is temperature dependent (about 12 hours at 75 degrees for 80% cure… 24 hours for general use)
  • Only available in Black at this time

• RLA Cartridges Advantages

  • Cost per gallon is less at under $80
  • Has all the tensile strength and durability of pure polyurea products similar to Line-X
  • Cures 80-90% in about 2 minutes, so no time waiting
  • No mixing required
  • No equipment cleanup required
  • Cure rate not affected as much by ambient or surface temperature
  • Available in other standard colors (additional costs for colors other than black)

• RLA Cartridges Disadvantages

  • Air compressor requirements higher (minimum 10 CFM @ 110 PSI)
  • Air dryer for compressor required
  • Requires a specialized cartridge spray gun ($525)
  • Safety equipment includes full body suit (Tyvek if fine), and full face mask with minimum of dual charcoal filter
  • Reactive to water until cured, so surface must be moisture free when applied, or it may delaminate and/or blister
  • Concrete with high moisture content should be primed first with 2 part epoxy primer
  • Rapid cure rate means that this is basically a surface coating which is bonded to the geotextile, not penetrating the fabric as much as the Ultra
  • Same requirements would apply if modifications were needed in the future

Both products are 100% solids with 0 VOCs. The final product thickness mil height is the same wet or dry with the exception of any lacquer thinner (if used in the Seal Tite Ultra application).

NOTE: We also have a polyurea product primarily marketed for our commercial customers. While this coating is sold in units of 5 gallons, it provides excellent protection for concrete and other surfaces. Marketed as DB-1081, it is a slow curing polyurea which can be applied without specialized spray equipment.

Product costs above are general retail prices. The cost would probably be somewhat less on large orders based on your specific needs.

In general, the Seal Tite Ultra provides the most control for a DIY application since it can be varied based on your specific needs. It also penetrates geotextile fabrics better to become “part of the fabric” instead of a bonded top coat. That means that it is there for the long-run to keep your existing fabric waterproof.

If we can provide more information, please feel free to get in touch by  entering extension 902 from our 855-545-4900 phone number for sales support. We do not outsource support, so always leave a message if getting our voicemail as we may be busy assisting other customers.