Tag Archive for: efflorescence protection

1 Litre Nanovations hydrophobic agent

Beyond Surface Sealers: Nanovations 3001 Hydrophobic Agent ads Permanent Protection for Concrete, Mortar & Screed

Nanovations 3001 Hydrophobic Agent for Permanent moisture Protection for Concrete, Mortar & Screed

When it comes to protecting cement-based materials from water absorption, the industry has long relied on topical sealers only. While effective in the short term, these surface coatings have a fatal flaw: they are exposed to the elements.

UV radiation, foot traffic, abrasion, and harsh weathering inevitably break down surface treatments, requiring regular maintenance and costly re-application. Nanovations is changing the standard for durability with the 3001 Hydrophobic Agent—a solution that doesn’t just sit on the surface, but becomes part of the material itself.

The Integral Difference: Protection from Within

Unlike traditional sealers that form a vulnerable exposed layer on top of the substrate, Nanovations 3001 is a high-performance admixture added directly to the batching water. This method ensures the agent is distributed evenly throughout the complete mass of the material, providing integral protection for concrete, screed, or render.

By integrating the chemistry into the mix, the hydrophobic agent becomes a permanent part of the substrate’s mass material. This protection is not merely a “shield”; it is embedded into the matrix of the concrete itself. This means the water-repellent properties cannot wear off, peel, or degrade due to UV exposure or physical abrasion.

One Solution, Endless Applications

Because the 3001 admixture integrates with the cement hydration process, it is versatile enough to protect almost any cement-based product. It provides permanent hydrophobic protection for a vast range of construction materials, including:

The “Fit and Forget” Advantage

For architects and builders, the shift from topical sealers to integral admixtures offers a significant “fit and forget” advantage.

By locking the protection inside the material itself, Nanovations eliminates the risk of application error and the need for future maintenance. The result is a structure that resists efflorescence (salt blooming), rising damp, and water damage for the entirety of its life cycle.

Nanovations Pty Ltd continues to lead the Australian market in sustainable, nano-scale solutions. With the 3001 Hydrophobic Agent, they offer the construction industry a way to build cleaner, drier, and more durable structures—permanently.

Nanovations 3001 concentrated silane emulsion for hydrophobic concrete treatment and water-repellent admixture
The permanent water repellent effect through every part of the material. can be tested by breaking the concrete apart.

Order Nanovations 3001 Today

Secure the longevity of your construction projects with the original, trusted hydrophobic admixture.

Ready to order? Visit our website to purchase directly. We offer door-to-door courier service for your convenience.

Order Here

International clients: Please contact us or visit www.nanovations.com for global shipping options.

1 Litre Nanovations hydrophobic agent

Beyond Surface Sealers: Nanovations 3001 Hydrophobic Agent Creates Permanent Protection for Concrete, Mortar & Screed

Surface sealers vs. Integral Admixtures: Which is better? Learn why Nanovations 3001 offers superior 4-side protection against water, salts, and rising damp compared to traditional topical sealers.”

Nanovations 3001: The Original Hydrophobic Admixture Returns to Direct Supply

For nearly two decades, Nanovations 3001 has been a staple in the Australian construction industry, setting the standard for hydrophobic protection in cement-based materials. Introduced in 2006, Nanovations was at the forefront of bringing bulk impregnation technology to the Australian market.

We have an important update for our long-standing customers and new partners. Since 2013, our 3001 additive was available through a distributor (marketed as Efflock). This arrangement has now concluded. Nanovations no longer supplies 3001 to Efflock.

We are pleased to announce that the Nanovations 3001 hydrophobic additive is once again available directly from the source.

Why Buy Direct?

By cutting out the middleman and ordering directly from Nanovations, you gain immediate advantages:

  • Lower Prices: Enjoy the significant cost efficiency of direct orders without distributor markups. Save up to 50%
  • Larger containers: Large projects need large volumes. We deliver up to 1000 litre IBC sizes.
  • Streamlined Logistics: Faster shipping and direct communication with the supplier and manufacturer.
  • Proven Performance: You get the exact same high-performance, VOC-free protection you’ve trusted since 2013.

We supply the product in 1 Litre, 20 Litre, and 1000 Litre IBC sizes to suit projects of any scale.


What is Bulk Impregnation?

Many people are familiar with surface sealers, but bulk impregnation or hydrophobic mass treatment works differently. It is a technique that incorporates hydrophobic (water-repelling) agents directly into the concrete, render, or screed mixture during the batching process.

Unlike a surface coating or sealer—which sits on top and is exposed to the harsh Australian sun, traffic, and wear—Nanovations 3001 becomes part of the material’s “DNA”.

Whether your paver or slab is 40mm thick or 300mm thick, the water-repellent effect works through the complete thickness of the material. Even if the surface is chipped, scratched, or worn down over time, the newly exposed interior remains hydrophobic.

How Nanovations 3001 Works

3001 is a high-concentration admixture designed for the seamless, permanent integration of water-repellent effects into any cement-based material.

  1. Chemical Reaction: Once mixed, the agent reacts chemically with the calcium silicate hydrate in the cement.
  2. Capillary Pore Lining: This process lines the internal pores of the concrete with a water-repellent layer.
  3. Active Repellent Effect: Instead of water being sucked into the capillary system, it is actively pushed out.
  4. Breathability: Crucially, 3001 does not block the pores. The material remains vapour-permeable (it can “breathe”), but the surface energy is changed to repel liquid water permanently.

The End of Efflorescence and Rising Damp

The primary enemy of concrete aesthetics and structural integrity is water. Water carries dissolved salts from the ground or contaminated aggregates into the capillary system of the concrete. When this water evaporates, it leaves behind white, powdery salt deposits known as efflorescence.

Nanovations 3001 solves this permanently.

By eliminating the capillary uptake of water, salts cannot migrate through the screed, render, or mortar. If the salt cannot move, it never reaches the surface. This creates a lifelong barrier against:

  • Efflorescence: No more unsightly white powder.
  • Rising Damp: Stops moisture migration from the ground up.
  • Mould & Algae: A drier screed means significantly reduced mould growth and surface discoloration in bathrooms, pool surrounds, and external tiled areas.
  • Salt & Chlorine Attack: Prevents salt and chlorine from being sucked into the matrix, protecting rebar from corrosion.

Key Benefits at a Glance

  • Permanent Solution: Unlike topical sealers that peel or wear off, this protection lasts the lifetime of the concrete.
  • Structural Integrity: Observations show a reduction in shrinkage cracks during the curing process.
  • Environmental Resistance: Critical reduction in water and chloride adsorption improves freeze-thaw resistance in cold climates.
  • Versatility: Ideal for screeds, render, concrete, mortar, and pavers.

Order Nanovations 3001 Today

Secure the longevity of your construction projects with the original, trusted hydrophobic admixture.

Ready to order? Visit our website to purchase directly. We offer door-to-door courier service for your convenience.

Order Here

International clients: Please contact us or visit www.nanovations.com for global shipping options.


FAQ: What is the difference between a surface sealer and the 3001 hydrophobic admixture?

Penetrating Surface Sealers vs. Nanovations 3001 Agent, Integral Hydrophobic Admixture

When it comes to waterproofing concrete, homeowners and contractors often confuse penetrating surface sealers with integral admixtures. While both products aim to stop water, they work in fundamentally different ways.

Choosing the wrong method can lead to costly maintenance, peeling coatings, and long-term water damage. So, what is the actual difference between a standard topical sealer and a hydrophobic admixture like the Nanovations 3001?

The Short Answer: The main difference lies in depth of protection. A surface sealer is a topical coating applied after the concrete has cured, forming a barrier mostly on the outside or at best a few mm in. An integral admixture like Nanovations 3001 is added during the mixing process, making the entire mass of the concrete water-repellent from the inside out.

1. Surface Sealers (Topical Protection)

Surface sealers are the traditional method for protecting concrete and cement based materials. These are liquids sprayed or rolled onto the finished surface. While they are effective for short-term stain resistance, they come with significant structural limitations.

While effective for short-term stain resistance, they have significant limitations:

  • Vulnerability: Because sealers sit close to the the surface, they are exposed to traffic, UV radiation, and harsh weather or regular cleaning. Consequently, they wear down.
  • Maintenance: Most sealers require re-application every few years (or even weeks for lower-quality products).
  • Failure Risk: If the sealer is scratched or chipped, the concrete underneath is immediately exposed to water absorption.
  • 1-Side Protection: When you apply a sealer, you are only protecting the top face of the concrete. The bottom and sides remain exposed. This leaves the concrete vulnerable to rising damp from the soil below and water absorption in from the sides (joints) during rain.

2. Integral Hydrophobic Admixtures (Mass Impregnation)

Nanovations 3001 Agent, is mixed directly into the wet concrete, render, or screed. It chemically reacts with the cement to line the internal pores of the material.

  • Permanent Protection: The water-repellent effect becomes a permanent part of the concrete matrix. It cannot peel, crack, or wear off.
  • Full-Depth Defense: Even if the surface is damaged or the concrete cracks, the material deep inside remains hydrophobic.
  • Efflorescence Control: Because it stops water movement deep within the substrate, it prevents salts from travelling to the surface—stopping efflorescence before it starts.
  • Nanovations 3001 = 4-Side Protection: Because the admixture is mixed throughout the concrete, it provides a “total defence against water absorption”
  • Top: Repels rain and spills.
  • Bottom: Blocks rising damp and ground moisture (capillary action).
  • Sides: Prevents water absorption at the joints or edges.
  • Core: Protects the internal steel reinforcement from corrosion.

Why Choose Nanovations 3001 Hydrophobic Agent ?

Nanovations 3001 provides “Mass Impregnation.” Unlike a surface sealer that acts like a raincoat, it works until you until you get a tear. 3001 changes the nature of the concrete itself, ensuring that rising damp, salt attack, and moisture ingress are prevented permanently—without ever needing a top-up.

The best way to visualize the difference is to think of a surface sealer like a raincoat—it works well until it gets a tear.

Nanovations 3001 changes the water absorbing DNA of the concrete itself. By choosing mass impregnation, you ensure that rising damp, salt attack, and moisture ingress are blocked permanently. It provides a maintenance-free solution that ensures your concrete remains durable without ever needing a “top-up.”

Pro Tip: This is especially vital for pavers, tiles and pre-cast elements. With a surface sealer, moisture can still enter from the wet sand bed underneath, causing efflorescence to push up from the bottom. With Nanovations 3001, concrete element or paver is hydrophobic/ water repellent through the whole thickness and on all sides, stopping the salt migration cycle completely.

Comparison: Topical vs. Integral

FeatureSurface SealerNanovations 3001 (Admixture)
Application TimeAfter curing (Finished slab)During mixing (Wet concrete/ mortar / screed)
Protection TypeFilm/Barrier (Topical)Mass Impregnation (Internal)
DurabilityWears off with traffic/UVPermanent
MaintenanceRe-apply every 1-10 yearsNone required
Salt/EfflorescenceCan trap saltsPrevents salt migration

International clients please visit www.nanovations.com This product will be shipped with courier and door to door service .