note: 646 Plus and 686 Plus performance and test data is the same, except for #5 which relates to the way we arrive at our low gloss in the 646 Plus product. The only main differances are the level of shine.

(1) We did a side by side early water-resistance test with a name brand sealer marketer that rushed their new low v.o.c. sealer to market, kicking and screaming all the way. These marketers wanted to continue selling high v.o.c. products, but they were required to sell only low v.o.c. products.

We did a test to show what would happen if it rained shortly after applying the sealer. We applied 3 coats of the marketer’s sealer on one side of a slate, and 686 PLUS on the other. We let them dry for one hour. Then we submersed the slate in water. The marketer’s side totally failed within minutes with water resistancy. 686 PLUS totally rejected the water. Then we let the slate sit for 2 hours. We then removed the slate, and let it dry. The marketer’s side was soft, opaque, and damaged. It would have to be stripped. The 686 PLUS side was undamaged. We do not suggest you seal knowing rain is on the way, but you can do this test, and see the superior performance.

(2) The hot tire tests performed with these resins show superior tire mark rejection than two part epoxies used to coat auto service station work areas. No low v.o.c. acrylic sealer comes anywhere close to this performance. Bear in mind that sealers can resist tire marks, but no finish will totally reject tire marks.

(3) There is another fancy marketing company with beautiful packaging. They have some company produce their low v.o.c. products for them. We tested side by side with this product in the area of re-coat. We applied a coat of the marketing company's sealer to one side, and 686 PLUS to the other side. When visibly dry; we applied a second coat. The marketing company's sealer streaked, and formed ugly white crystals. If you applied the marketing company's sealer carefully, and just right; you would get a passable shine. 686 PLUS went on smooth, and looked beautiful. The look was that of a wet glass-like ceramic tile.

(4) We also looked at the human exposure factor with the company mentioned in (3) versus 686 PLUS. The marketing company sealer has a strong benzyl alcohol smell. 686 PLUS has a relatively low odor. With 686 PLUS we formulated with the newest, safest chemicals available.

Why the concern of the candy-like odor of benzyl alcohol? Let me take quote from a benzyl alcohol material safety data sheet.  "...WARNING! HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED, INHALED OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. AFFECTS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM...." "...Potential Health Effects: Inhalation: Causes irritation to the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath. May be absorbed into the bloodstream with symptoms similar to ingestion.
Ingestion: Large doses may cause sore throat, coughing, labored respiration, dizziness, dullness, abdominal pain, vomiting, central nervous system depression, convulsions, and death due to respiratory failure. Skin Contact: May cause irritation, redness, pain, and tissue injury. May be absorbed through the skin with symptoms paralleling ingestion. Eye Contact: Causes irritation, redness, and pain. Can cause eye damage.
Chronic Exposure: Chronic exposure may cause skin effects. ..." 

***(quote from http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/b1885.htm )

Bearing in mind that we at Duro Shine Sealers LLC are formulating with the safest chemical solutions available; sealers are all products that have some level of toxicity, and should be handled, and used carefully according with the protective measures printed on the bottle, and at the web sites. For any further concerns; contact the manufacturer of the sealer you are using.

(5) Level of gloss, clarity, and the enhancement of colors. We have tested several name brand low v.o.c. sealers, and find the level of gloss to be slightly worse, or equal to high v.o.c. sealers. We did not see any that gave any superior level of shine, or much in terms of color enhancement, and none that had the lacquer wet glass look. 686 PLUS stands alone in it's wet-look, incredible shine, and depth of color enhancement.

(6) Most of the name brand low v.o.c. products we tested were less hard than the higher v.o.c. products. Regular acrylic products need alot of co-solvent component to form a hard film. You need to lower the co-solvent to make the product low v.o.c., consequently you end up with a softer, less durable plastic. 686 PLUS uses a self-crosslinking acrylic/ Poly that requires very little co-solvent to form a very hard surface. We observe a superior hardness in 686 PLUS. Bear in mind that these are all plastic coatings, and subject to scratching.

(7) 686 PLUS is a breathable coating. That means that vapor pressure below the stone can force it's way to the surface, between the molecules of plastic. Oil based lacquer is not breathable, and should not be used on exterior patios, walkways, or floors where vapor may come up from the earth. 

686 PLUS is non-yellowing, where oil based lacquer darkens, and yellows. 686 PLUS makes oil based lacquer obsolete. Shouldn't be a surprise. Lacquers have been around since the 60's. How many eight track tapes do you have still around. Technology marches on, and  there are new and better solutions for today's needs.

(8) If you currently use an oil based lacquer; check the packaging. If it says "...do not use where hydrostatic pressure exists..."; do not attempt to use on a floor, unless you are sure no vapor pressure exists. Most floors, and exterior surfaces need to release vapor (hydrostatic) pressure, and require a breathable sealer. 686 PLUS is a breathable sealer.

(9) In our business; marketers sell products they consider sellable, and dazzle you with great marketing. It's all about hype, and market share, and no attention to quality. We at Duro Shine Sealers LLC consider research and development as our first priority. We manufacture our own superior products and always bring you the latest advancements in sealers.