MasterSeal® 501

Surface applied capillary waterproofing system for concrete and block work

DESCRIPTION PACKAGING
The MasterSeal 501 waterproofing system MasterSeal 501 is supplied in 25kg bags.
ensures a total and permanent solution to water
leakage, ingress, or seepage in concrete COMPOSITION
structures or any cementitious substrate. The MasterSeal 501 consists of a blend of moisture
formation and development of insoluble crystals activated chemicals, high grade silica aggregates
into water bearing capillaries and interstices and selected cements.
effectively blocks the further passage of water.
ACTION
Supplied as a powder and mixed to a slurry Moisture and free lime present in the substrate
consistency with potable water. MasterSeal 501 is react with the active chemicals in MasterSeal 501
applied directly to concrete, blockwork or cement to create a continuous barrier of insoluble crystals.
renders in areas where general waterproofing is The crystal formation will penetrate deep into the
required. In powder form, the product may be capillary structure of the concrete, blocking
used as a dry shake on horizontal construction capillaries and interstices from the passage of
joints. water, whilst permitting the transmission of air and
water vapour, enabling the structure to breathe.
ADVANTAGES Rate and penetration of crystalline development
 Provides total and permanent waterproofing varies with the density and surface absorption of
properties by becoming an integral part of the the concrete, but the crystals will penetrate to the
structure to which it is applied. Active depth to which water is present.
ingredients will not delaminate, peel off or wear
away. MasterSeal 501 is equally effective against both
 Protects concrete and reinforcement against negative and positive water or osmotic pressure
corrosive waterborne substances. and can be applied to the internal or external
 Crystalline action is reactivated by contact with surface. Wherever possible however,
water providing permanent and continuous MasterSeal 501 should be applied to the surface
protection. with which the water is in direct contact. This will
 Effective against both positive and negative result in an accelerated rate of penetration and
water pressure. crystallisation into the concrete structure. After the
crystallisation process has successfully
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS waterproofed the structure, the MasterSeal 501
active chemicals remain dormant in the concrete.
WATER RETAINING WATER EXCLUDING Any later contact with water will reactivate the
 Water tanks / towers  Basements sealing process.
 Reservoirs  Tunnels
 Water treatment work  Inspection pits DIRECTION FOR USE
 Dams  Foundations
 Canals  Retaining walls New Construction:
 Harbours  Lift shafts The vast majority of leaking water retaining (or
 Concrete pipes  Construction joints excluding) structures constructed of sound
 Sea defence walls
dense concrete, leak only at construction or day
 Bridge decks
work joints. Costly remedial work can be
 Jetties
avoided by the use of MasterSeal 501 as a dry
 Pontoons
shake onto the horizontal surfaces of joints or as
a slurry application on vertical surfaces.
MasterSeal® 501
In conditions of high water table MasterSeal 501 Surfaces to be treated if not already wet, should
may be applied as a slurry or dry shake over be saturated for a period of 24 hours before first
blinding concrete immediately prior to casting the applications. MasterSeal 501 system technology
slab. This sandwich system will prevent ingress of requires the presence of water for the active
ground water preventing deterioration, and chemicals to migrate into the concrete. Crystalline
dampness or flooding. Foundations should be development will usually extend to the depth of
treated on the external face wherever possible, as water penetration.
should the face of construction joints.
MasterSeal 501 can be applied immediately after MIXING
the formwork has been removed, as the water Always add water to MasterSeal 501 – not in
curing process required for MasterSeal 501 will reverse order.
also ensure full hydration of the concrete. Mix 1 part of water to 2.25 – 2.5 parts of
If the treatment is to be exposed and an MasterSeal powder by volume.
aesthetically pleasing finish is required, the Mix only sufficient MasterSeal that can be used in
MasterSeal 501 after curing, should receive a 20 minutes.
sand/cement render on which to apply the desired
finish. APPLICATION
MasterSeal 501 mixes are applied by brush or
Existing structures spray onto the dampened substrate. Apply the
Structures subject to water leakage or ingress, material in 2 coats at right angles, the second coat
must be carefully inspected to determine the whilst the first is firm, but ‘green’ – usually 3-4
cause. Any water present should be cleared away hours after first coat (dependant on temperature).
so that a thorough survey can be conducted.
Static cracks over 1mm must be chased out, PLUGGING LEAKS
dampened down and repaired with Leaks and holes drilled to relieve water pressure
MasterSeal 590. Dynamic cracks should be may be sealed permanently using
sealed by injection with MasterSeal 901 or MasterSeal 590. To plug leaks under pressure,
MasterInject 1320. chase out the area of the leak until water flow is
free and insert a length of plastic hose. Seal
SURFACE PREPARATION around the plastic hose with plugging compound
In common with all surface treatments to concrete, as above. Clean the cavity with mortar and allow
the quality of substrate preparation directly affects to cure. When surrounding waterproofing is
the performance system. Surfaces to be treated complete, withdraw the hose and plug the hole
must be free from dust, oil, grease, paint, residual with plugging compound as above, using a gloved
curing compound, mould oil or any previous thumb to hold it in place until set (approximately 1
surface treatment that will impair adhesion of the minute). When the mortar has set, complete the
MasterSeal 501 treatment, or inhibit penetration of waterproofing, lapping slurry coats of
the chemicals or water into the surface. These MasterSeal 501 onto the concrete surrounding the
include polymer modified renders and those hole. Holes under low pressure can be similarly
substrates treated with silicon or silane water sealed, but pipe insertion and MasterSeal 590
repellents. Remove any laitance and provide an technical datasheet prior to use.
open pored, slightly rough surface sufficient to act
as a mechanical key, essential for adequate CURING
adhesion of the MasterSeal 501 treatment. Light The MasterSeal 501 must be prevented from
sand / grit blasting of the concrete surface is the drying out too rapidly and should be kept
preferred method of surface preparation. continuously damp for 5-7 days. Mist spraying
with water and covering with polythene is effective
Areas of weak or honeycombed concrete must be when drying out would otherwise take place.
repaired. Hollow, debonding renders must be Curing compounds are unsuitable for use with
removed and made good. MasterSeal 501 system technology.
MasterSeal® 501
Protect from weathering, sun, frost and wind for a STORAGE
similar minimum period. Store out of direct sunlight, clear of the ground on
Tanks and other water retaining structures may be pallets protected from rainfall. Avoid excessive
filled 24 hours after final MasterSeal 501 compaction.
application as crystal growth is accelerated by Failure to comply with the recommended storage
water pressure. conditions may result in premature deterioration of
the product or packaging. For specific storage
COVERAGE advice consult BASF's Technical Services
Two coat slurry application: Department.
MasterSeal 501: 1kg per m² per coat.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Dry shake application: As with all chemical products, care should be
UNMIXED MasterSeal 501: 1kg per m². taken during use and storage to avoid contact with
eyes, mouth, skin and foodstuffs. Treat splashes
EQUIPMENT CARE to eyes and skin immediately. If accidentally
Clean tools and equipment immediately after use. ingested, seek immediate medical attention.
Use of plastic or rubber containers is Reseal containers after use.
recommended.
MasterSeal 501 should be handled to minimise
SPECIFICATION CLAUSE dust formation during mixing. Use a light mask if
excessive dust is unavoidable. For further
MasterSeal 501 System Crystalline
information refer to the material safety datasheet.
Waterproofing
All areas indicated shall be waterproofed by the
MasterSeal 501 system as manufactured by NOTE
BASF or similar approved, to the following Field service, where provided, does not constitute
specification: supervisory responsibility. For additional
information contact your local BASF
COMPOSITION representative.
BASF reserves the right to have the true cause of
Premixed powders consisting of selected Portland
any difficulty determined by accepted test
cement blended with a activating chemicals and
methods.
high grade quartz.
QUALITY AND CARE
COLOUR
All products originating from BASF’s Dubai, UAE
Powder – grey facility are manufactured under a management
system independently certified to conform to the
SHELF LIFE requirements of the quality, environmental and
6 months. occupational health & safety standards ISO 9001,
ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001.
® = Registered trademark of the BASF-Group in many countries.

BASF_CC-UAE/Sl_501_12_94/v4/09_14
The technical information and application advice given in this BASF publication are based on the present state of
STATEMENT OF our best scientific and practical knowledge. As the information herein is of a general nature, no assumption can be
RESPONSIBILITY made as to a product's suitability for a particular use or application and no warranty as to its accuracy, reliability or
completeness either expressed or implied is given other than those required by law. The user is responsible for
checking the suitability of products for their intended use.

Field service where provided does not constitute supervisory responsibility. Suggestions made by BASF either
NOTE orally or in writing may be followed, modified or rejected by the owner, engineer or contractor since they, and not
BASF, are responsible for carrying out procedures appropriate to a specific application.

BASF Construction Chemicals UAE LLC