Frequently asked questions

Xile DPS — Deep Penetrating Sealer FAQ

01 / 04

Xile DPS basics

  1. What is Xile DPS?

    Xile DPS is a water-based deep penetrating sealer (DPS) for concrete waterproofing and protection. The chemistry is inorganic silicate — it reacts inside the slab to form calcium silicate hydrate, densifying the matrix and reducing chloride ingress in a single application.

  2. How does a silicate concrete densifier work?

    A silicate concrete densifier reacts with free calcium hydroxide in cured concrete to form calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) inside the capillary network. The reaction creates a permanent mineral bond, densifying the matrix rather than coating the surface.

    Xile DPS uses this same silicate–calcium-hydroxide reaction. Penetration is 10–30 mm; the cured matrix shows +30 % compressive strength (ASTM C39) and −36 % chloride ingress (CNS 1232). For the chemistry-tier choice — sodium, lithium, or potassium — see silicate densifier comparison.

  3. What is the penetration depth of Xile DPS?

    Xile DPS penetrates 10–30 mm into cured concrete, depending on substrate porosity, age, and moisture content. Penetration depth is verified against the peer-reviewed penetration study held in Xile's technical file.

  4. How long does Xile DPS last? Does it need to be reapplied?

    Xile DPS forms a permanent mineral bond and is not designed to be reapplied. The Mongu–Kalabo Road in Zambia has held through ten Zambezi flood seasons of bridge-deck service since the 2015 application — no reapplication.

    Note: surface wear from heavy mechanical abrasion or chemical attack outside the silicate envelope can warrant a topical refresh — that is wear, not chemistry failure.

  5. What is the thermal envelope of Xile DPS?

    Xile DPS is stable to 800 °C and is specified into waste-incinerator concrete protection in mainland China. The cured calcium silicate hydrate matrix does not decompose within the silicate envelope.

    See high-temperature concrete and the silicate envelope for the failure modes of organic sealers above 150 °C and the documented specification envelope.

02 / 04

Xile DPS vs Creto DPS and other sealers

  1. Is Xile DPS the same as Creto DPS?

    No. Xile DPS and Creto DPS are different products from different manufacturers. Creto DPS is a US-distributed sodium-silicate product; Xile DPS is factory-direct from Xiamen, manufactured by Xile Waterproof Technologies since 2000. Same category, different chemistry tier and channel.

  2. How does Xile DPS compare to lithium silicate densifiers?

    Xile DPS and lithium silicate densifiers share the silicate–calcium-hydroxide reaction. Xile DPS is the manufacturer-direct silicate-tier product; the chemistry-tier choice (lithium vs sodium vs potassium) affects reactivity, alkali-silica behaviour, and cost. Specifiers should match the tier to the project.

    For the cation-by-cation breakdown — reactivity, residue, polished-floor suitability — see silicate densifier comparison: lithium vs sodium vs potassium.

  3. How is Xile DPS different from film-forming or hydrophobic sealers?

    Silicate densifiers like Xile DPS react inside the slab to form calcium silicate hydrate; silane and siloxane sealers form a hydrophobic barrier on or just below the surface; film-forming sealers leave a coating on top. Different chemistries, different lifespans.

    Xile DPS belongs to the first category. The reaction is the durability mechanism — the Mongu–Kalabo bridge decks have held through ten Zambezi flood seasons since 2015 with no reapplication.

03 / 04

Concrete substrate compatibility

  1. Does Xile DPS work on damp concrete?

    Yes. Xile DPS applies to damp — not wet — concrete. Surface moisture aids carrier penetration and the silicate–calcium-hydroxide reaction; standing water on the slab surface should be removed before application.

    Note: sub-zero application is excluded — the silicate reaction does not proceed reliably below approximately +5 °C.

  2. Does Xile DPS require a primer or topcoat?

    No. Xile DPS is a single-application system — no primer, no topcoat. The reaction occurs inside the slab, so there is no surface film for a topcoat to bond to or protect.

    Note: decorative-stained finishes that need topical UV protection require a separate UV-stable coating; Xile DPS itself contains no UV stabiliser — see the honest-limits answer below.

  3. What concrete substrates is Xile DPS specified on?

    Xile DPS is specified on cured Portland-cement concrete:

    • Bridge decks
    • Parking structures
    • Industrial floors
    • Water-retaining structures
    • Tunnel linings
    • High-temperature concrete (waste-incinerator and similar environments)

    It requires free calcium hydroxide to react.

  4. When isn't Xile DPS the right product?

    Xile DPS is not the right product for:

    • Asphalt — no free calcium hydroxide for the silicate reaction
    • Decorative-stained finishes that need topical UV protection — Xile DPS contains no UV stabiliser
    • Sub-zero application below approximately +5 °C
04 / 04

Standards and factory of record

  1. What standards has Xile DPS been tested against?

    Xile DPS performance is measured against CNS 1232 (waterproofing), ASTM C39 (compressive strength), and AASHTO T259/T260 (chloride permeability for highway concrete). Test reports are available on request via the specifier inquiry channel.

  2. Where is Xile DPS manufactured?

    Xile DPS is manufactured by Xile Waterproof Technologies in Xiamen, Fujian, China — a single-chemistry factory in operation since 2000, shipping factory-direct without distribution markup. The factory of record is Xile.

  3. How do I become a Xile DPS distributor?

    Distributors, importers, and OEM/private-label partners can open a partner conversation through the Xile DPS partner inquiry channel. The conversation begins with territory, channel mix, and minimum order; pricing is discussed factory-direct.