Lichen, moss, algae and grime can quickly attach itself to hard surfaces – especially following rain.
Removing it without using a specialist product can make the issue worse in the long run. This is because you may inadvertently spread the spores while you brush or wash, allowing them to reattach and regrow quickly.
What is Sapphire Pro?
Sapphire Pro is a curative algaecide formulated specifically for use on hard surfaces. Used correctly, it will eliminate algae and moss quickly and prevent regrowth. In the right conditions, results can be seen within a few hours.
Sapphire Pro can be used at any time of year and is particularly effective when used before the worse of the winter weather when frost and rain can make moss and algae slippery.
Sapphire Pro is a plant derivative and has a very low environmental hazard classification making it safe to use both for environment and operator. It will not foam up in a watering can or spray tank.
What surfaces can Sapphire Pro be used on?
Sapphire Pro can be used on nearly all hard surfaces, including:
• Most building materials
• Pavements and paving blocks
• Patios
• Driveways
• Steel
• Zinc
• Aluminium
• Tiles
• Bitumen
• Exterior wood and decking
• Plastic
• Glass (exterior walls of a greenhouse)
• Stones
• Non-grassed athletic tracks
Do not use Sapphire Pro on copper, synthetic resin or thatch. For other surfaces not listed here, including limestone, perform a test on a non-visible area before applying to the entire area.
No pressure washer, no problem
Sapphire Pro does not need to be applied through a pressure washer; it can simply be diluted at the correct rate, sprayed on and left to work.
You do not need to brush, scrub or wash the surface after application either. The active ingredient – nonanonic acid - will do the hard work for you.
Nonanoic acid is a naturally occurring saturated fatty acid with antifungal properties. It works by stripping the waxy cuticle of the moss and algae ‘plant’ causing cell disruption and leakage, and finally death by desiccation.
How to Use Sapphire Pro
Always read the product label and manufacturer’s specific instructions before using Sapphire Pro. Use on a dry day when there is no risk of frost or ice, and when rain is not forecast for the following two hours (to prevent run off).
1. Prepare the area to be treated by removing any debris, loose stones, leaves and so on.
2. Make sure you protect any surrounding plants and vegetation by covering them or moving pots out of the way.
3. Ensure you are wearing the correct PPE. Sapphire Pro is a biocide and so it is appropriate to ensure your feet and hands are covered.
4. Dilute the Sapphire Pro in water, following these dilution rates:
- For garden projects, patios, fences and smaller areas, dilute 1.8 mL Sapphire Pro in 27 mL water, per m2. For example, for a 10 m2 project, dilute 18 mL Sapphire Pro in 270 mL water.
- For medium and larger areas using a knapsack sprayer, dilute 1 L Sapphire Pro in 15 L of water.
It is important to note that if you have used Sapphire rather than Sapphire Pro before, the dilution rates are different. Sapphire and Sapphire Pro are different products with different active ingredients, and they have individual and unique dilution rates.
5. Once diluted, use immediately. Spray or pour the diluted product in an even consistent sweeping motion ensuring all affected areas are thoroughly wetted.
6. Once finished, rinse all equipment with clean water.
7. Wait for the required time, and if necessary, clean the treated area washing or brushing away any dead moss and residue once it has completely died.
While a single application is usually enough to remove moss and algae from most hard surfaces, you may need to consider a follow-up application for badly affected areas.
For questions and further technical guidance, please contact our technical team.
