Dulux Avista Concrete Sealer Pre-Sealer 20L — Essential Protection for Fresh Concrete

The Dulux Avista Concrete Sealer Pre-Sealer is a solvent-based sacrificial coating specifically designed to protect freshly laid concrete during the critical curing period. Applied shortly after the concrete has been finished, it acts as a temporary shield against dirt, dust, light rain, and construction traffic — ensuring your decorative concrete surface remains clean and blemish free whilst it develops full strength.

This 20-litre pail provides coverage for approximately 60–100 m² and serves as the essential first step in the Dulux Avista concrete sealing system. Once the concrete has fully cured (typically 28 days), the pre-sealer is overcoated with a compatible top-coat sealer for long-term durability and appearance. The pre-sealer is also tintable using Dulux Avista Sealer Colour Tints, allowing you to introduce colour at the earliest stage.

Key Features & Benefits

• Sacrificial Protection: Shields fresh concrete from dirt, debris, and light rain during the vulnerable curing phase — preventing staining and surface contamination that can be costly to rectify.
• Compatible Primer: Forms an ideal base for subsequent top coats from the Dulux Avista range, including General Purpose Sealer, Extended Wear Sealer, Tintable Base Sealer, and Coloured Sealer.
• Tintable: Can be coloured using Dulux Avista Sealer Tints (1L) to add an initial colour layer that complements the final top-coat finish.
• Fast Drying: Touch dry in approximately 2 hours, allowing efficient site workflow.
• Versatile Application: Suitable for plain, coloured, and stencilled concrete surfaces.
• Solvent-Based Adhesion: Penetrates and bonds effectively to fresh concrete, providing a reliable foundation for the sealing system.

Ideal Applications

• Newly laid plain concrete driveways and pathways
• Fresh coloured and decorative concrete surfaces
• Stencilled and stamped concrete requiring interim protection
• Concrete that will receive a tinted top coat within 3 months

Application Guidance

Timing: Apply as soon as the concrete is firm enough to walk on without marking — typically 24–48 hours after pouring, once bleed water has fully evaporated and the surface can support foot traffic. Do not apply to wet or bleeding concrete.

Application: Use a solvent-resistant broom, roller, or suitable sprayer. Apply an even, thin coat — avoid pooling or heavy application. One coat is typically sufficient for interim protection.

Coverage: Approximately 3–5 m² per litre (60–100 m² per 20L pail), depending on concrete porosity and surface texture.

Drying Time: Touch dry in approximately 2 hours at 25 °C. Protect from rain and foot traffic during this period.

Overcoating: The pre-sealer must be overcoated with a compatible Dulux Avista solvent-based top-coat sealer within 3 months. It is not designed as a standalone long-term finish. Ensure the concrete is fully cured (minimum 28 days) before applying the final top coat.

Clean-Up: Clean tools and equipment with mineral turpentine or a suitable solvent.

Important Note

The pre-sealer is a sacrificial coating — it is designed to take the brunt of construction traffic and weathering so your concrete does not. It will show wear over time and is not intended as a permanent finish. For lasting protection, always follow with a compatible Dulux Avista top-coat sealer after the concrete has fully cured.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a pre-sealer and a regular concrete sealer?

A pre-sealer is a temporary, sacrificial coating applied to fresh concrete within the first few days after pouring. Its job is to protect the surface during the 28-day curing period — guarding against dirt, stains, and light weather. A regular concrete sealer is a permanent top coat applied once the concrete has fully cured. The pre-sealer provides interim protection; the top-coat sealer provides long-term durability and the desired finish (matt, semi-gloss, or coloured). Both are part of the complete Dulux Avista concrete sealing system.

2. Can I leave the pre-sealer as the final finish?

No. The pre-sealer is not formulated for long-term exposure and will degrade if not overcoated. You must apply a compatible Dulux Avista solvent-based top coat — such as the General Purpose Sealer, Extended Wear Sealer, or Coloured Sealer — within 3 months. Leaving the pre-sealer uncoated beyond this period can result in surface deterioration and may require stripping and reapplication.

3. How soon after pouring concrete can I apply the pre-sealer?

Apply the pre-sealer as soon as the concrete is firm enough to walk on without leaving impressions — typically 24–48 hours after pouring. The surface must be dry and free of bleed water. Applying too early risks trapping moisture, which can cause hazing, blistering, and adhesion failure. In hot weather, this window may arrive sooner; in cool or humid conditions, it may take longer.

4. Can I tint the pre-sealer to add colour?

Yes. The Dulux Avista Pre-Sealer can be tinted using Dulux Avista Sealer Colour Tints (1L). This allows you to introduce a base colour early in the process. However, the pre-sealer alone will not deliver the full colour depth or durability of a tinted top coat — it is designed as a primer layer and the colour intensity will develop fully once the top coat is applied.

5. What top coats are compatible with this pre-sealer?

The pre-sealer is compatible with the following Dulux Avista solvent-based top coats: General Purpose Sealer (Matt and Semi-Gloss), Extended Wear Sealer, Tintable Base Sealer, and Coloured Sealer. Always ensure the concrete is fully cured (minimum 28 days) before applying the top coat. If in doubt about compatibility, consult the Technical Data Sheet or contact Dulux Avista technical support.

6. My concrete has been curing for a week without a pre-sealer — is it too late to apply?

Not necessarily. The pre-sealer can still be applied to concrete that has been curing unprotected, provided the surface is clean, dry, and free from contamination. However, if the concrete has already been exposed to construction traffic, rain, or dirt, it may require cleaning before application. For concrete that is already beyond 28 days and fully cured, you may be able to skip the pre-sealer and go straight to a top coat — consult the product data sheet or a Dulux Avista applicator for site-specific advice.

7. Do I need to strip the pre-sealer before applying the top coat?

Generally, no — the pre-sealer is designed to be overcoated directly. However, the surface must be clean, dry, and free from loose material. If the pre-sealer has become badly worn, dirty, or powdery, a light pressure wash followed by thorough drying may be required. If the pre-sealer shows signs of delamination or has been left uncoated for longer than 3 months, strip it fully and start again to ensure proper adhesion of the top coat.