Frequently Asked Questions

Pitch Black is a custom rubberized asphalt emulsion blended with select minerals, polymers, and chemicals to produce the finest product. Pitch Black is built to last. Each additive was selected for its characteristics that ultimately produce a sealcoat with the deepest and longest lasting color, firmest body, and greatest durability. Performance in the field and laboratory testing confirm the superiority of Pitch Black over competitive products in the marketplace.

Pitch Black® asphalt emulsion sealcoat has been used since the 1980s. Robert Archie is the inventor of Pitch Black® and founder of U.S. Seal International, Inc. He has 61 years of experience in the asphalt and sealcoat industry.

Application of Pitch Black® asphalt emulsion shall be by mechanical means using spray equipment, distributor bar, wand, rubber faced squeegees, brooms or combinations of these techniques that are approved by the Manufacturer and Engineer. The sealcoat being applied shall be uniform and free flowing, free of inconsistencies. Potable water may be added at a rate of 15% – 20% by volume maximum dilution, dependent upon ambient and surface temperatures. Asphalt emulsion sealcoat may not be applied when the ambient temperature is less than 55°F and rising or the surface temperature is less than 60°F. For best results always apply 2 coats, 1st coat as above, 2nd without addition of sand. In heavy traffic areas a 3rd coat is suggested.

Occupational exposure to coal tar or coal-tar pitch increases the risk of skin cancer. Other types of cancer, including lung, bladder, kidney, and digestive tract cancer, have also been linked to occupational exposure to coal tar and coal-tar pitch.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of chemicals that occur naturally in coal, crude oil, and gasoline. They result from burning coal, oil, gas, wood, garbage, and tobacco. PAHs can bind to or form small particles in the air. High heat when cooking meat and other foods will form PAHs. Naphthalene is a manmade PAH used in the United States to make other chemicals and mothballs. Cigarette smoke contains many PAHs. Lab tests prove that Pitch Black® has 0.00% PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons).

Your relationship with your material supplier plays an important role in the success of your sealcoating business. It’s essential that you team up with a reputable materials supplier, follow the best sealcoating practices, deliver the promised performance to your customers and run your business with untarnished integrity.

Sealcoating will protect against fading, and can even improve the appearance of your asphalt. It will restore the lustrous appearance of the asphalt, even if some natural fading has occurred. It will also fill all of the minor surface flaws, giving the pavement a smooth and even appearance.