How to Measure Size in m²

It is simple to calculate the square metre size of an area.

When measuring rectangular shaped areas. Just multiply the length by the width in metres and you have the answer.

When measuring more complex shapes it is best to divide them into separate rectangles and then add them together to get a total area.

Outdoor Pavers Sealing - City - Canberra Central

Deepshield™ penetrating sealers enrich and strengthen your outdoor living space

Outdoor pavers enhance the character of your patios, driveways, walkways, swimming pool surrounds, courtyards and garden pathways. They help create a mood and complement outside fixtures, regardless of the size of the area. Wih the right care, your outdoor pavers will be easy to maintain and last a lifetime.

If you are investing in outdoor pavers or want to protect a current installation, consider that although these surfaces are solid, pavers are to varying degrees also quite porous and prone to staining and deterioration, they should also be able to breathe, which allows any vapour to escape, preventing harmful moisture from building up within the stone.

Deepshield™ provides long term protection of up to 10 years against the effects of wear and tear, even under harsh sunlight (Deepshield™ GOLD will last for up to 15 years). Deepshield™ penetrating sealers preserve the natural look and feel of your outdoor pavers while creating a breathable barrier to oil and water based stains.

Sealing with Deepshield™

Prevents unsightly stains
Prevents discolouration
U.V Protection against sun damage
Does not alter the coefficients of friction, or slip factor
Extends the life of your pavers
Reduces mould and algae growth
Assists in eliminating the occurrence of efflorescence

Outdoor surfaces are subject to degradation of appearance through moisture, rain, foot traffic, UV rays, chemicals and other impurities such as oil, grease, acids and salt, which results in common problems such as cracking, pitting, spalling, dusting, discolouration, efflorescence, salt damage, etc.

Deepshield™ Transparent Penetrating Sealer and Deepshield™ Colour Enhancing Penetrating Sealer protect your surfaces for up to 10 years providing the highest level of protection against water and oil based contaminants, UV, organic stains and acid erosion.

All DEEPSHIELD® products are available from our Online Store, or from one of the dozens of Accredited Applicators throughout all Canberra suburbs, all Canberra Central area and all surrounding suburbs to City

How Does Deepshield™ Work?

Deepshield™ contains tiny nano-particles designed to penetrate the micro-pore structure of stone. The sealer is absorbed deep inside the pores and once the carrier evaporates, the nano-particles remain, sealing the pores and keeping moisture and stain carrying substances out.

Deepshield™ water-based sealers prolong the life of your surfaces by taking full advantage of recent advancements in nano-technology and fluoro-bond technology. Deepshield™ forms a bond to your surfaces stronger than any mechanical or hydrogen bonding of conventional film forming sealers, providing unmatched long-term stain resistance and reliability.

Outdoor pavers are exposed to a wide range of potential risks

Oil
Dirt
Rust
Grease from the BBQ
Moss/Mildew
Food/Drinks
Suncream
Fading from the harsh sun
Erosion from rain, especially softer materials such as brick and marble
Acids (Vinegar (2pH) Coffee (5pH) Orange juice (3pH) Soft drinks (3pH) Beer (4pH))
Organic stains, caused by direct contact with decomposing organic matter, such as leaves, bird or animal droppings, flowers, tea or coffee.

Deepshield™ Transparent Penetrating Sealer

Deepshield™ Transparent Penetrating Sealer provides long-term invisible protection for up to 10 years against potential stains caused by water and oil based contaminants without altering the texture or appearance of the treated surface. For natural stone, terracotta, grout lines, concrete and other porous surfaces, this fast curing vapour permeable sealer can be used indoors and outdoors.

Deepshield™ Colour Enhancing Penetrating Sealer

Deepshield™ Colour Enhancing Penetrating Sealer has been designed to slightly darken and enhance the natural colours of stone, giving a "wet look" while not affect the surfaces slip resistance properties.

Deepshield™ GOLD Penetrating Sealer

Deepshield™ GOLD provides superior invisible protection for highly polished and dense surfaces such as granite, marble and bluestone as well as most other surfaces. Deepshield™ GOLD lasts for up to 15 years depending on use and ongoing maintenance.

Pre-Sealing Preparation

Any surface to be sealed should be clean and looking just as you want it prior to sealing - it may be very difficult to remove blemishes once sealed without once again having to remove the sealer. Acidic cleaners should not be used on sensitive natural stone as they will cause damage.

It is NOT recommended to use topical (coating) sealers on or near pool decks. Topical sealers can create a slippery surface when wet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I seal my outdoor pavers?

Building materials such as natural stone, concrete, brick, tiles and grout are all made up of countless invisible capillary pores. This makes them porous and allows the absorption of damaging liquids such as water, water-borne salts and oils which cause the building material to deteriorate prematurely and in doing so reduce their usefulness. Examples of deterioration include; weathering, loss of strength, efflorescence, salt attack, sulphate attack, unsightly staining, biological attack, reinforcement rusting, chemical attack, swelling, embrittlement and picture framing. Sealing can help eliminate or significantly reduce most of these problems from outdoor pavers.

Will Deepshield™ make my surfaces slippery?

Deepshield™ will not affect the slipperiness of your surfaces, and does not cause any yellowing or leave a visible shine. Deepshield™ is ideal for use around swimming pools and other wet areas.

What can happen if stone is not able to breathe?

Stone has an internal structure that is not totally solid. Moisture present in the ground can be wicked or drawn up into the stone by capillary action. If natural vapour transmission is not allowed to take place, moisture gets trapped and can cause chemical and physical changes within the stone. This action of decay in natural stone may take the form of pitting, spalling, flaking and oxidation.

What is the difference between Deepshield™ GOLD and Deepshield™ Transparent Penetrating Sealer?

Highly polished surfaces and dense materials such as marble, granite and bluestone have extremely fine micro pores that require a specific formula to penetrate. Deepshield™ GOLD is based on the latest fluoro-bond technology and designed to penetrate and chemically bond to the micro pores of dense surfaces, protecting for up to 15 years. Both Deepshield™ GOLD and Deepshield™ Transparent Penetrating Sealer provide the highest level of protection against water and oil based stains without altering the surface texture or appearance.

What is the difference between Deepshield™ Transparent Penetrating Sealer and Deepshield™ Colour Enhancing Sealer?

Deepshield™ Transparent Penetrating Sealer enters the pore structure of your stone and once cured does not alter the appearance, whereas Deepshield™ Penetrating Colour Enhancing Sealer is designed to also slightly darken and enrich the natural beauty of stone and provide a “wet look” while not affecting the surfaces slip resistance properties, which is essential in keeping a safe to walk on surface under all conditions. Deepshield™ Transparent Sealer and Deepshield™ Colour Enhancing Sealer protect against water and oil based stains for up to 10 years.

What makes Deepshield™ GOLD different?

Deepshield™ GOLD is a deep impregnating (penetrating) sealer based on the latest fluoro-bond technology, specifically engineered for dense surfaces as well as most other natural and man made stone surfaces. Deepshield™ GOLD penetrates the pore structure rather than sit on the surface and once cured, will not alter the appearance of your tile or stone.
Deepshield™ GOLD will protect your pavers from water and oil based stains for up to 15 years by chemically reacting with the surface pores, creating a long lasting, breathable protective barrier that also results in regular maintenance becoming much easier.

What is the difference between an impregnating sealer and a topical sealer?

Topical sealers produce a physical barrier over the surface which also creates a darkening, yellowing or glossy effect. Surface (topical) sealers usually don't last long, can make the floors slippery and need to be completely removed the next time sealing is required. Salts and efflorescence may also build-up under the non-breathable surface, causing the coating to appear cloudy.

Can Deepshield™ GOLD be used on polished and less adsorbent stone surfaces?

Yes. Deepshield™ GOLD will not harm any stone, tile or grout surface and is specifically designed for highly polished surfaces as well as denser surfaces such as granite, marble and bluestone. Due to the structure of dense or polished stone surfaces, Deepshield™ GOLD is the best product for the job.

Is one coat of sealer enough for granite, marble and bluestone?

When sealing a very dense stone such as granite, marble or bluestone one coat is usually sufficient, depending on the degree of the stones' porosity. Most stone and grout will require two coats. A few of the more absorbent stones may require additional coats to be properly sealed.

How do I know if my tiles are sealed or not?

An easy way to find out if your tiles are sealed is to carry out the water test. Place a tablespoon of water on the treated surface for 20 minutes, remove the water with a tissue or cloth, pressing hard to soak up any water in the texture of the surface. If the water is absorbed or leaves a dark mark, the surface needs to be sealed, otherwise, the surface is adequately sealed and does not require further sealing.

How often do I need to seal outdoor pavers?

Deepshield™ Transparent Penetrating Sealer protects outdoor pavers for up to 10 years from both water and oil based contaminants. If you sealed your pavers with Deepshield™ GOLD and have properly maintained your surfaces the sealer should last up to 15 years. The longevity can vary depending on the type of stone, tile or grout, the location and what type of wear the surface is exposed to.

What can I do to keep my surfaces looking new after sealing?

To keep your pavers looking new, it is recommended cleaning each week using a pH neutral cleaner to remove any dirt or grime. Strong detergents (strong acid or alkali) may affect the sealer. Mild detergents and pH neutral substances are strongly recommended.

How do I compare impregnating sealers?

There are three main factors that set impregnating sealers apart. The carrier, the expected lifetime of the sealer and the depth of its penetration below the surface. A good depth of penetration will help provide longer lasting protection against traffic wear and weathering.

Will Deepshield™ GOLD build up, crack, peel, or discolour?

No. Deepshield™ GOLD will penetrate and bond to the pore structure of your surface. It is not a surface coating and will not crack, peel, yellow or discolour at any time.

How can I buy Deepshield™ products?

All Deepshield™ products are available from our online store, or from one of the dozens of Accredited Applicators throughout the country. Please refer to our “Online Shop” section for further details.

Should I seal marble and travertine?

These calcium-based stone types are very porous, leaving them susceptible to acidic stains. Many food products, such as lemon, wine, tomato sauce and coffee are acidic and will cause damage. Definitely seal marble and travertine after installation.

Can I use Deepshield™ GOLD on my granite counter-tops?

Yes, Deepshield™ GOLD is specifically designed for denser surfaces such as granite, marble and bluestone and performs extremely well on most other tile and stone.

How should I apply Deepshield™ sealer?

Deepshield™ should be applied liberally, using a low-pressure sprayer, lambswool applicator, bristle broom or paintbrush or roller. Whatever suits you best!

Should the sealer be water-based or solvent-based?

Water and solvent are only carriers for the active ingredients of the sealer, once the sealer is applied the carrier will evaporate and only the active ingredients will remain. You should always avoid using solvents because of health and environmental risks. Deepshield™ GOLD will penetrate highly polished and dense surfaces as well as honed and natural surfaces. Water-based sealers are easier to apply and have no toxic chemicals that can harm your health and environment.

Why is it necessary to carry out a test trial with the sealer before doing the full job?

Every surface is subtlety different. Unless you have applied the sealer to the exact same surface with the same conditions before, it is vital to conduct a small trial to ensure you get the result you are after.

Which Deepshield™ products can I use in food prep areas?

All Deepshield™ products are non-toxic and safe for use in food preparation areas.

Is there a perfect sealer that always prevents stains?

No sealer can prevent all stains all the time. The sooner any spill can be cleaned up the less likely a stain will result. Acidic spills such as juice, soft drinks or wine can actually etch and dull polished stone if not wiped up promptly. Clean your tile and grout regularly so dirt and stains don't have a chance to build up.

Will I still get some staining after sealing?

We believe our sealers are the best of their type available on the market and are used daily by hundreds of professional applicators as well as thousands of DIY home owners. However, even impregnating sealers have their limits. For instance our sealers will not stop sensitive natural stone from etching, so to minimise absorption, spillages should be cleaned up immediately.

Can I seal tiles that have pre-existing sealer on them?

All pre-existing surface sealers must be removed before applying Deepshield™ to any surface, as the coating left by the old surface sealer may block the product from penetrating the surface. You don't however need to strip pre-existing penetrating impregnating sealers, as Deepshield™ impregnating sealer will pass through any other previously applied impregnating sealer.

Will sealing my natural stone make it "salt safe"?

Not completely. There is no doubt that our sealers will provide considerable resistance to the ingress of water and salt into the stone, however the treated stone will not necessarily become 'salt safe'. Rather, it becomes far more resistant to the ingress of salt.
The durability of the stone will be affected by the amount of salt already in the stone prior to treatment, the proximity to salt water, the type and concentration of the salts in the water, the type and quality of the stone and sub-soil drainage.
At Deepshield™ we believe our sealers are the best available and are easy to apply, however they must be applied correctly. With proper application our sealers can significantly improve the durability of natural stone in a salt water environment.

What is efflorescence and what causes it?

Efflorescence appears as a white deposit of mineral salts and is caused by moisture ingress. As the moisture enters and moves through the wall or floor, it dissolves mineral salts. This mineral salt solution eventually finds its way to the surface and as the water evaporates, it leaves behind a white deposit. On porous construction materials it may present a cosmetic problem only (primary efflorescence), but can sometimes indicate serious structural weakness (secondary efflorescence).
To help stop efflorescence, surfaces should be sealed with a high performance sealer as soon as practical. By using a deep penetrating, alkaline resistant sealer such as Deepshield™, the surface will be able to withstand the highly alkaline environment found in cement based-materials. Deepshield™ is completely breathable so moisture cannot be trapped below the surface.

Can Deepshield™ GOLD be used on glazed or highly polished tiles?

In most cases, glazed ceramic tiles do not require any type of sealant, as the top layer will not allow anything to penetrate the glaze. Deepshield™ GOLD is designed for very dense surfaces and unlike other penetrating sealers produces excellent results on some glazed ceramic tile. Regular penetrating sealers are unsuitable as they may not penetrate the surface completely, leaving residue on the surface and causing a bigger problem than prior to sealing.

Will sealing make my floors dirt resistant?

Sealing a surface with impregnating sealer will make the surface stain resistant, but not dirt resistant. The sealed surface should be cleaned as regularly as other non-sealed surfaces. If a problematic substance such as sticky tree gum falls on a sealed surface, it can still be difficult to clean, but should not permanently stain the surface, as it might an unsealed surface.

Can I use Deepshield™ to seal my fireplace tiles?

Yes, Deepshield™ is water-based and non flammable, making it suitable for use around fireplace areas.

Are your products environmentally friendly?

Yes. Deepshield™ are non-toxic water based sealers and can be used indoors and outdoors, with no unpleasant odours or flammability issues.

How do I know which sealer to buy for my tiles?

The market offers many brands with similar claims. Deepshield™ sealers differ in two important ways. Firstly, their deeper penetration provides extra protection against weathering, traffic wear, efflorescence, salt attack and freeze-thaw attack. Secondly, Deepshield™ has a lifetime of up to 10 years and Deepshield™ GOLD up to 15 years.

Can I apply a topical coating to a surface already treated with Deepshield™ Penetrating Sealer?

Deepshield™ do not recommend this due to possible bond and/or aesthetic issues, however if you choose to apply a topical sealer to a surface treated with Deepshield™ please carry out a test on a sample area first to determine the result.

Will Deepshield™ change the appearance of my tiles and grout?

The straight answer is no. Deepshield™ seals the pores within the tile or stone surface and does not change the feel, texture or colour of the treated surface as Deepshield™ dries invisible. The only exception to this is Deepshield™ Colour Enhancing Penetrating Sealer, which will slightly darken and highlight the character of your natural stone, providing a wet look.

Delivery anywhere in Australia direct to your doorstep within 1 week.

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Deepshield™ water-repellent deep impregnating sealer will provide protection and a reasonable lifespan to stone and masonary surfaces in areas with salt-water such as around a saltwater pool or close to a beach.