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BIG A Gilsonite Asphalt Oil Sealer for Driveway Sealcoating 5 Gallon

Overview of a 5 gallon bucket of BIGA Gilsonite Sealer
MPN: 
LN-11
SKU: ASDGS-SS5-1
5 Gallon BIG A Gilsonite Oil Sealer
List price: $159
$139
Free Shipping to lower US 48
 
Availability: 
In Stock
Quick Overview: 
  • Maximum asphalt rejuvenation properties
  • Produced and shipped year-round
  • Fortified with Gilsonite for added durability

Description

Shipping Note: Shipping Gilsonite sealers to NY, NJ, and CA is prohibited by those respective state laws.  Contact us for options or details.

Our 5 Gallon BIG A Gilsonite Sealer is a Ready-To-Use solvent-based asphalt oil sealer specially blended with refined bitumen (processed oil), Gilsonite (natural bitumen) and Mineral Spirits. It is one of the only types of solvent based sealers on the market and this unique formula gives it a higher penetration into the top layers of asphalt for maximum rejuvenation and bonding. Specially formulated with Gilsonite as a primary ingredient, this addition helps strengthen and fortify the sealer for a tougher, more durable product. If you aren't familiar with Gilsonite, it is a natural form of bitumen (the binder that holds the asphalt roads together) and has proven to be one of the best asphalt and sealer modifiers for the money. It's unique properties actually strengthen refined bitumen and it has become a very popular additive to many asphalt road projects.

If you're new to Gilsonite sealers, you may have run across articles claiming that "Gilsonite Sealers are a watered down gypsie sealer".  Yeah, we've seen those articles too and they're opinion based articles written by contractors trying to sell a service.  If you want to believe them, feel free, but we want to make sure you understand that Gilsonite sealers, like most products, are designed for a very specific and unique purpose.  We'll do our best to help you form a better opinion on whether you need a Gilsonite Sealer in the When to Use section below.

When To Use A Gilsonite Sealer

There are a lot of contractors who use Gilsonite sealers as a general sealer and while this is fine in most situations, we recommend using the BIG A Gilsonite Asphalt Sealer as an asphalt rejuvenator for old asphalt.

Since Gilsonite sealers are a solvent based sealer, the solvents soften the top layers of the old asphalt binder and allow the new asphalt binders to mix with it.  Where it gets interesting is the use of the Gilsonite which is a naturally occurring and unique form of asphalt that has been fortified with other natural elements to form a harder and stronger asphalt.  What this means for you, is a new top coat of asphalt that removes the old oxidized layers and replaces it as if it were new.

Really what this comes down to, is what you want out of your sealer.  If you have new asphalt that is maybe 1 to 2 years old, it's in good shape and you will want to use an asphalt emulsion or coal tar sealer to "seal" the top layer of asphalt so the sun and weather doesn't oxidize it.

However, if you have older asphalt that is 5 to 10 years old, or even older, you may want to consider using the BIG A Gilsonite Asphalt Sealer so you can repair the top layer and remove the oxidization.  Once you've repaired your asphalt with the Gilsonite sealer, you would come back 1 to 2 years later and seal it with a good quality cover based sealer like asphalt emulsion or coal tar.

Ships Year-Round

If you're in need of a sealer that can be used year-round, the BIG A Gilsonite Sealer is the product for you. Since it doesn't contain water, it isn't prone to the damage caused by freezing temperatures that are a problem for almost all other sealers on the market. While we do recommend that you apply the BIG A Gilsonite Sealer in 40º F (4.5º C) and warmer for "best experience", it can safely be used in lower temperatures. What's the lowest temp? We'll put it this way... The temperature you're willing to sealcoat in.

Some things to consider when sealcoating in lower temperatures:

  • The product has a higher viscosity which means it moves slower or acts thicker.
  • The product will work best if it is brought up to a reasonable temperature, before use.
  • Never pre-heat the product using an open flame or any kind of "open heating" system. The product is flammable.

There's an exception to where we can ship the BIG A Gilsonite Asphalt Sealer and that would be New York (NY) and New Jersey (NJ). Those states have laws in place where we are unable to ship Gilsonite sealer. If you're looking for other good sealers, take a look at the asphalt emulsion or coal tar sealers we offer.

Performance

Gilsonite Sealers have become a very popular product world wide because of it's ability to penetrate further into existing asphalt, bond with it and rejuvenate the top layers that are damaged by weather. Our BIG A Asphalt Sealer is also designed to penetrate the top layers, but to a slightly lesser degree.

Cutting & Sand

Cutting or Thinning

The BIG A Gilsonite Sealer is a ready-to-use product which means you don't need to cut or thin it.  We highly recommend that you stick to the product that comes out of the container, however in rare cases, you might need to cut the product.  The most important time, will be lower temperatures.  If you expect to sealcoat in temperatures below 40º F (4.5º C) then you might need to cut the product with a small amount of painters mineral spirits for the sole purpose of decreasing its viscosity.  This will make the product flow a little easier.  Outside of this, we do not recommend cutting or thinning this product.

Sand & Aggregates

Since the BIG A Gilsonite Sealer is ready-to-use, we don't recommend adding any aggregates like sand, however you can do so if your situation requires it.  There are two ways we recommend adding sand, the first is to sprinkle sand over the surface of the sealed area and the second is to mix the sand with the product.

If you do mix sand with the product, stick to 2.75 lbs / gallon.

Things To Consider

Keep Away from Flames

Since the BIG A Gilsonite Sealer is solvent based, that means it is also flammable. Keep this product away from open flames by NEVER bringing it up to temperature using a torch or similar "open heating" type of system.

Application Methods

In addition, because this is a solvent based sealer, it makes it more difficult to use in traditional sealcoating spray systems. The solvent can eventually eat through the rubber seals and hoses if they are not designed to withstand solvent solutions. Because of this, there are several options to consider:

  1. Recommended Method - Apply by hand as thin as possible with a sealcoat squeegee or sealcoat brush
  2. Convert your pump seals to withstand solvents (We have oil upgrade options available for the BIG A brand of sealcoat systems via phone +1(800) 689-2098)
  3. Convert your entire pump to a "Gear Driven" pump (Not an option we currently offer with our line of sealcoat spray systems)

Over-Application Warning

Over application needs to be avoided when at all possible.  That said, if you end up with some extra sealer in the bucket and want to get rid of it, you can apply a very very thin second coat once the first coat has fully cured.  We recommend avoiding any over-application whenever you can because this can lead to the asphalt softening but yes, it is possible if you take care of how much you apply.

Solvents Soften Asphalt

Since the point of the solvent is to soften the old asphalt to bind with the new, applying a layer of Gilsonite Sealer that is too thick can keep your asphalt from curing properly.  In most cases if you apply it too thick, it will cure just fine over time, but in some rare cases it could take weeks or even months to fully cure.  As long as you make sure to apply a coat as thin as possible, you'll be just fine using a solvent based oil sealer.

Warranty

None | BIG A

This product does not have an explicit application warranty period.

We WILL warranty issues caused from shipping or packaging problems.

For a full explanation, view our BIG A Consumable Warranty Policy.

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Specifications

General

Material Type

Asphalt Gilsonite

Base

Solvent

Shipped Volume

5 Gallons

Weight Per Gallon

7.42 lbs

Finish / Color

Flat Black

Skin Irritation

Mild - Uncomfortable

Shoe Tracking

None to Minimal

Coverage for Great Condition Asphalt

Per Gallon

110 - 120 sq ft

Per Container

550 - 600 sq ft

Additional Notes

Actual coverage will vary depending on texture and condition of the asphalt.

Coverage for Fair Condition Asphalt

Per Gallon

100 - 110 sq ft

Per Container

400 - 450 sq ft

Additional Notes

Actual coverage will vary depending on texture and condition of the asphalt.

Coverage for Rough Condition Asphalt

Per Gallon

90 - 100 sq ft

Per Container

350 - 400 sq ft

Additional Notes

Actual coverage will vary depending on texture and condition of the asphalt.

Dry Times

Dry to Walk

3 - 6 hours

Dry to Drive

24 hours

Full Cure

24 - 36 hours

Additional Notes

Actual dry times will vary depending on ambient temperature, humidity and wind conditions.

Application

Application Method

Spray or Squeegee (recommended)

Recommended Max Dilution

5% (Apply undiluted for best performance)

Abrasives

None (add 2.75 lb / gal max if needed)

Minimum Application Temp

None

Recommended Application Temp

40º F

Cleanup (liquid state)

Solvent such as Mineral Spirits

Storage

Cold Extreme

No minimum

Hot Extreme

Avoid Excessive Heat. KEEP FROM OPEN FLAME

Shelf Life

6 - 8 months

Documents

Material and Safey Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS):
Shipping Weight
Weight: 60 lb
Shipping Dimensions
Dimensions: 12 in × 12 in × 15 in