Without a doubt it is always best to prevent any of our finishes and sealants from freezing. They all contain water and the formation of ice crystals within the products can separate the water from the other components. In some products once this occurs it becomes impossible to regain the properties of the original formulation, even after thawing and vigorous mixing. These types of products are not freeze-thaw stable.

With a few exceptions, most of our products are freeze-thaw stable. However, if a product becomes frozen it needs to be thawed slowly, preferably at room temperature. Speeding up the thawing process by heating the container can seriously damage the product making it unusable. If the product is in pails or containers, once it has completely thawed it will require a thorough mixing.

When a waterborne product is subjected to multiple freeze-thaw cycles, each cycle contributes to the degradation process until the product is not suitable for use, i.e. gelation or coagulation of the product. If a product does become frozen it is better to allow it to stay frozen than it is to bring it inside to thaw and then store it where it may freeze again. It's the succession of freeze, thaw, freeze, thaw sequences that really destroys the integrity of a product.

Before applying any product that’s been frozen, be sure to test a small amount to see if it is still usable.

To reiterate:

• It’s best to protect all of our products from freezing.
• If it does get frozen, thaw it slowly at room temperature then thoroughly mix it.
• It’s better to keep it frozen than to subject it to multiple freeze-thaw cycles.
• Before applying any product that’s been frozen be sure to test a small amount to see if it is still usable.

Perma-Chink Systems’ products that are NOT freeze-thaw stable:

• Chink Paint™ Textured
• Chink Paint™ Smooth
• Log End Seal™
• Oxcon™
• StripIt

Perma-Chink Systems’ products that have limited freeze-thaw stability (5 cycles or less):

• Lifeline™ Ultra 7

For information about cold weather storage of Shell-Guard® and Shell-Guard® RTU see Storing Borate Solutions.