Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice® Gold
Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice® Gold
Maximum stain protection, without the forever chemicals
Natural stone, unglazed tile and grout are porous. Cooking oil, red wine, coffee and grease do not sit on top of them — they soak in. Once a stain is below the surface, removal is difficult and often permanent. Sealing is the only reliable way to stop it happening in the first place.
Until now, the sealers that performed best against oil-based staining relied on PFAS: the "forever chemicals" that do not break down in the environment or in the human body, and that regulators around the world are progressively restricting.
Aqua Mix® Sealer's Choice® Gold PFAS-Free is the answer to that problem. It is the same flagship, maximum-strength penetrating sealer that trade and homeowners have relied on for decades, reformulated with the forever chemicals removed completely. Water-based, no-sheen and safe for use in food preparation areas, it penetrates below the surface to deliver maximum stain resistance for up to 10 years — without changing the colour, sheen or slip resistance of the surface you are protecting.
Why PFAS-Free matters
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PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are known as forever chemicals because their carbon-fluorine bonds are among the strongest in organic chemistry — sunlight, water, heat and bacteria cannot easily break them down. They accumulate in the environment and in the body, and health agencies worldwide have linked exposure to a range of chronic health risks. Australia has already banned key PFAS chemicals in other industries, and regulation continues to tighten. Rather than wait for a ban, Aqua Mix® removed forever chemicals from its entire product line — and Sealer's Choice® Gold PFAS-Free is the flagship result. You do not have to trade performance for peace of mind. |
Key features
- Free of PFAS — no forever chemicals, at full premium performance
- Maximum stain resistance against water-based and oil-based spills
- Protects for up to 10 years under normal exposure and routine wear
- No-sheen, natural look — does not darken, gloss or alter the appearance of most stones
- Does not alter slip resistance of the sealed surface
- Breathable — allows moisture vapour transmission, so the surface can still release trapped moisture
- Built-in Microban® antimicrobial product protection — the cured sealant is mould and mildew resistant
- Safe for food preparation areas — ideal for benchtops, splashbacks and servery surfaces
- Water-based and non-VOC — non-flammable, non-yellowing, low odour and UV resistant
- Penetrates dense surfaces — engineered for optimal penetration into low-porosity stone and porcelain
- May be used as a pre-grouting sealer to protect tile faces before grouting
- Interior and exterior use
Note on Microban®: this antimicrobial technology protects the cured sealer itself against mould and mildew growth. It does not protect users or the surface from disease-causing bacteria or viruses, and it is not a substitute for normal cleaning.
Where to use it
Sealer's Choice® Gold PFAS-Free is a natural-look penetrating sealer suitable for most porous stone, tile and grout, indoors and outdoors:
- Natural stone: marble, granite, limestone, travertine, sandstone, slate, bluestone and basalt
- Tile: unglazed tile, polished and unpolished porcelain, terracotta, encaustic and clay pavers
- Other porous surfaces: polished and unpolished concrete, terrazzo, brick, masonry and grout
Typical applications: kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, bathroom and shower surfaces, entry and living floors, outdoor paving, pool surrounds, alfresco areas, driveways and commercial floors.
Limitations — please read before you buy
- Natural stone varies greatly in composition and porosity. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first and allow a 24-hour cure before assessing the result.
- This is a stain-resistance sealer. It will not prevent surface wear, or etching caused by acidic or caustic chemicals such as lemon juice, vinegar or harsh cleaners.
- Some lighter-coloured and polished stones may show visible sealer residue if application procedures are not followed correctly.
- Do not allow the sealer to contact any non-recommended surface.
- Do not allow the product to dry on the surface. If a visible film forms, scrub with Aqua Mix® NanoScrub® and a white nylon pad.
Coverage
Figures below are the manufacturer's estimates for a complete two-coat application, as described in the instructions. Actual coverage varies with surface type, porosity, finish and application method — dense polished surfaces such as granite and porcelain go significantly further than open, textured surfaces such as sandstone or textured concrete.
| Pack size | Minimum coverage | Maximum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 473 mL | 2.3 m² | 9.3 m² |
| 946 mL | 4.6 m² | 19 m² |
| 3.8 L | 19 m² | 74 m² |
| 18.9 L | 93 m² | 372 m² |
Not sure which size you need? Contact our team with your surface type and area, and we will help you work it out.
How to apply
1. Prepare the surface
The surface must be dry, clean and free of waxes, sealers, coatings and finishes. On new installations, allow adhesives and grouts to dry for a minimum of 48 hours before sealing. Protect surrounding surfaces. Apply only when the ambient temperature is between 10 °C and 32 °C.
2. Test first
Always test a small, inconspicuous area and allow a 24-hour cure to confirm the result before proceeding.
3. Apply the first coat
Shake the container well. Wearing impervious gloves such as nitrile and eye protection, apply a liberal coat using a paint pad applicator, sponge, brush or airless sprayer. Make sure the entire surface is treated. On dense, polished or honed surfaces, use a white nylon scrub pad to lightly work the sealer in before it absorbs.
4. Allow it to penetrate
Let the sealer penetrate for up to five minutes, or until it begins to dry.
5. Wipe and buff
Wipe the surface with a clean damp microfibre towel, then buff with a dry microfibre towel until dry. Do not let the sealer dry on the surface.
6. Apply the second coat
After a minimum of 30 minutes, repeat steps 3 to 5.
7. Clean up
Clean tools with soap and water immediately after use.
Drying and cure times
- Between coats: minimum 30 minutes
- Light foot traffic: not until 30 minutes after the final dry buff
- Keep dry: 24 hours after application
- Maximum stain protection: achieved after 24 hours
Lower temperatures or higher humidity will extend these times.
Looking after your sealed surface
How you clean a sealed surface determines how long the seal lasts.
- Routine cleaning: mop or lightly scrub with a pH-neutral detergent such as Aqua Mix® Concentrated Stone & Tile Cleaner, diluted 1 part to 80 parts water.
- Wipe up spills immediately to reduce the chance of absorption.
- Avoid acidic cleaners, bleach, high-alkaline cleaners, solvent-based products and steam cleaning. All of these shorten the life of the sealer.
- Reapplication: thoroughly clean the surface first, then reapply following the same instructions. No stripping is required.
Specifications
| Product type | Water-based penetrating sealer, natural look / no sheen |
| Brand | Aqua Mix® |
| PFAS content | PFAS-free — no forever chemicals |
| VOC content | Non-VOC formula (less than 5 g/L) |
| Appearance | Opaque liquid, sweet odour |
| pH | 8.5 – 10.0 |
| Density | 0.95 – 1.05 g/mL |
| Flammability | Not flammable / not combustible (flash point above 93.3 °C) |
| Application temperature | 10 °C – 32 °C ambient |
| Expected protection | Up to 10 years under normal exposure and routine wear |
| Available sizes | 473 mL, 946 mL, 3.8 L, 18.9 L |
| Storage | Store in a dry, temperature-controlled area. Protect from freezing. |
| Shipping classification | Standard Item — not regulated as a Dangerous Good under ADG |
Safety and handling
Sealer's Choice® Gold PFAS-Free is not a Dangerous Good for transport, but it is classified as an eye and skin irritant and must be handled correctly.
- Wear impervious gloves such as nitrile, plus eye protection.
- Use in a well-ventilated area. Do not breathe vapours, spray or mist.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke while using this product. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
- Do not mix with other chemical products.
- Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children.
- Do not allow the product to enter drains or waterways.
If contact occurs: rinse eyes or skin cautiously with water for several minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists. If swallowed, rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, and seek medical advice. In an emergency, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
Read the full Safety Data Sheet before use. The SDS and Technical Data Sheet are available for download on this page.
Frequently asked questions
What does PFAS-free actually mean for this sealer?
It means the formula contains no per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — the fluorinated "forever chemicals" traditionally used to give sealers oil repellency. Aqua Mix® reformulated its flagship sealer to remove them entirely while retaining maximum stain protection, so you are not trading performance for a cleaner formula.
Will it change the colour or finish of my stone?
No. It is a no-sheen, natural-look penetrating sealer. It works below the surface and does not darken, gloss or alter the appearance of most stones. Because natural stone varies, always test an inconspicuous area first and allow 24 hours before assessing.
Is it safe to use on kitchen benchtops?
Yes. The manufacturer states it is safe for use in food preparation areas once cured, which makes it well suited to benchtops, splashbacks and servery surfaces. Allow the full 24-hour cure before returning the surface to food use.
Will it make my floor or paving slippery?
No. It does not alter the slip resistance of the sealed surface, because it penetrates rather than forming a coating or film on top.
Can I use it outdoors?
Yes. It is UV resistant, non-yellowing and breathable, and is suitable for outdoor paving, pool surrounds, alfresco areas and driveways. Apply when the ambient temperature is between 10 °C and 32 °C, and keep the surface dry for 24 hours after application.
How many coats do I need?
Two coats, with a minimum of 30 minutes between them. The coverage figures on this page are calculated on a complete two-coat application.
How long does it last?
Up to 10 years under normal exposure and routine wear. Actual life depends on traffic, exposure and how the surface is cleaned. Using pH-neutral cleaners and avoiding acids, bleach and steam cleaning will extend it considerably.
Water stopped beading after a few weeks. Has the sealer failed?
No, and there is no need to reseal. That is normal. The small amount of excess sealer at the very surface wears off, leaving the active sealer working below the surface where it protects against staining.
I have visible residue or a patchy look on the surface. What now?
That is usually caused by applying too much sealer, not wiping the excess off before it dried, or sealing a surface that was still damp. Clean the affected area with Aqua Mix® NanoScrub® and a white nylon pad, then apply an even coat once the surface is properly dry.
Can I use it before grouting?
Yes. It may be used as a pre-grouting sealer to protect tile faces and make grout clean-up easier.
Is this a Dangerous Good for shipping?
No. The Safety Data Sheet confirms it is not regulated under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code, so it ships as a standard item. It is still classified as an eye and skin irritant, so gloves and eye protection are required when handling.
Does it prevent etch marks?
No. It protects against staining, not against acid damage. Acidic substances such as lemon juice, vinegar and some cleaners will still etch calcium-based stones like marble, limestone and travertine. Wipe up acidic spills immediately and only clean with pH-neutral products.