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Siliconates & Specialty Auxiliaries

Concentrated Siliconate Water Repellent | Manta WS115

Manta WS115 is a highly concentrated, water-reducible solution of alkali metal methyl siliconate for the hydrophobic treatment of natural stone and porous masonry. It must be diluted before application. Once absorbed, it reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide and internal moisture to form an insoluble polymethylsilsesquioxane network within the capillary pores.

Grade
WS115
Chemical Name
Aqueous Alkali Metal Methyl Siliconate
Form
Colorless transparent liquid

Overview

Manta WS115 is a concentrated, water-reducible alkali metal methyl siliconate designed for the hydrophobic treatment of natural stone and porous masonry, and it must be diluted before use. It is a penetrating treatment that maintains the natural appearance of the substrate.

Once absorbed by the substrate, the active siliconate reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide and internal moisture. The reaction yields an insoluble, invisible polymethylsilsesquioxane network within the capillary pores, which repels liquid water while maintaining water vapor permeability and helps to limit spalling and flaking caused by freeze-thaw cycles and weathering.

Compared with Manta WS114, the WS115 specification lists a separate active substance content, and its dilution is set by active concentration rather than a water ratio. The WS115 TDS also covers brush, sponge, roller, dipping and integral admixture use, while the WS114 TDS covers spray application.

Key Features

  • Penetrating treatment that maintains natural appearance
  • Significantly reduces capillary water uptake
  • Maintains water vapor permeability
  • Good thermal stability with UV and anti-aging protection
  • Helps to limit spalling and flaking from freeze-thaw cycles and weathering
  • High dilution rates for economical application
  • Long-lasting, wash-resistant durability

Specifications

Typical properties of Manta WS115
PropertyTypical Value
AppearanceColorless transparent liquid
Total Solid Content30%
Active Substance Content20%
pH13
Specific Gravity (25°C)1.1
FlammableNon-flammable

Typical values from the current Technical Data Sheet.

Applications

  • Substrate impregnation: natural stone, brickwork, unglazed ceramics, fair-faced concrete, cementitious mortars, perlite and gypsum boards; preliminary testing is required on wood because high alkalinity may cause severe discoloration
  • Formulation additive: performance-enhancing additive for sodium silicate (water glass) systems

How to use

1. Substrate Preparation

The surface must be structurally sound, clean, and free of dirt and contaminants. Cracks should be filled level with putty or cement slurry; the substrate must be flat and solid, free from hollow or loose areas.

2. Pre-Dampening & Dilution

Pre-Wetting: Slightly dampening the mineral substrate prior to application can significantly optimize capillary absorption.

Dilution: Dilute the WS115 concentrate with clean water to an active concentration of ≤ 3%. Warning: Concentrations exceeding 3% significantly increase the risk of severe white crystalline bloom (efflorescence) on the treated surface.

3. Application Method

Apply the diluted solution via low-pressure sprayer, brush, sponge, or roller. It can also be utilized in dipping/soaking processes or as an integral admixture in concrete.

Wet-on-Wet Application: For maximum penetration, apply a second coat while the first coat is still visibly wet.

Surface Wiping (Important): When treating dense surfaces such as polished stone or ceramic tiles, any unabsorbed excess liquid must be wiped off immediately with a clean, soft cloth before it dries to prevent permanent alkaline white spots. Allow the treated surface to dry naturally and protect from water for a minimum of 24 hours.

Related applications: Concrete, Masonry & Stone Protection

Packaging & Storage

Supplied in 50 kg, 60 kg, 250 kg drum, or customized.

Precautions

  • Highly Caustic (pH 13): This product is strongly alkaline and slightly corrosive. It will aggressively etch and permanently damage glass, plastics, and sensitive plant life. It reacts with metals (e.g., aluminum). Mask and protect adjacent windows, metal fixtures, and vegetation prior to application.
  • Over-Application Remediation: If applied excessively, an insoluble white alkaline precipitate will form upon drying. If this cannot be removed by immediate water flushing, aggressive scraping or mechanical abrasion will be required.
  • Occupational Health & PPE: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, face shields, and protective clothing at all times. If spraying in enclosed areas, local exhaust ventilation is mandatory to avoid inhaling aerosols. Keep strictly out of reach of children.
  • First Aid: Strictly avoid direct skin contact. In case of accidental exposure, flush immediately with copious amounts of water. For ocular contact, flush continuously for 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention. )
  • Winter Reconstitution: At very low temperatures, the active ingredients may crystallize. Simply heat/allow the product to warm to room temperature; it will fully reconstitute into a clear solution without any loss of active performance.

Safety and Storage

Keep in a clean, dry place. Store strictly at or below 25°C (≤ 77°F) in original sealed containers. Shelf life is 12 months.

Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

How far should Manta WS115 be diluted before use?

Dilute the concentrate with clean water to an active concentration of ≤ 3%. Concentrations above that limit significantly increase the risk of severe white crystalline bloom (efflorescence) on the treated surface.

How do I avoid white spots when treating polished stone or tiles with WS115?

On dense surfaces, wipe off any unabsorbed excess liquid immediately with a clean, soft cloth before it dries, then let the surface dry naturally and protect it from water for a minimum of 24 hours. Dried alkaline precipitate that cannot be flushed away with water requires scraping or mechanical abrasion.

Does pre-wetting the substrate improve WS115 performance?

Yes. Slightly dampening the mineral substrate before application can significantly optimize capillary absorption. For maximum penetration, apply a second coat wet-on-wet while the first coat is still visibly wet.

What should I do if Manta WS115 crystallizes in winter?

At very low temperatures the active ingredients may crystallize. Allow the product to warm to room temperature and it reconstitutes into a clear solution without loss of active performance.

Which nearby surfaces need masking during WS115 application?

At a pH of 13 it etches glass and plastics, damages sensitive plants and reacts with metals such as aluminum, so mask adjacent windows, metal fixtures and vegetation before application. On wood, preliminary testing is required because the alkalinity may cause severe discoloration.

Looking for a different purity, functional group, or a structure not listed here? Contact our technical team.

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