What is Squirt SEAL with BeadBlock™?
Squirt SEAL is an ammonia-free, synthetic latex solution that contains natural microfibers and BeadBlock™ granules. Together they form a reinforced rubber plug in punctures up to 6 mm (1/4 inch) in size. It will prevent tire sidewalls from sticking together and contains corrosion inhibitors to protect wheels. It is suitable for use from -4°F to 104°F (-20°C to +40°C).
Why Squirt SEAL works?
SEAL’s mode of action is based on three components: latex, microfibers and BeadBlock™ granules. Synthetic liquid latex (ammonia-free) forms the base in which the microfibers are suspended with BeadBlock™ granules added. In the 120ml Easyfill Pouch, the BeadBlock™ granules are pre-added, but for the 1 Litre and 5-Litre containers, BeadBlock™ granules are added separately per application.
During sudden pressure change (when you get a puncture), the liquid rubber rapidly solidifies around the hole in the tire. If it does not seal at once, the microfibers will start plugging the hole, and in case of larger punctures or cuts, the BeadBlock™ granules will do the rest.
Tubeless tire set-ups can be tricky, or rather messy, for home mechanics, which is why Squirt Cycling Products created the Squirt SEAL Tire Sealant 120ml Easyfill Pouch system. It allows for spill free top-ups of tubeless tire sealant, leading to more hours of puncture-free riding and cycling enjoyment. The 120-milliliter flexible laminate packaging can also be upcycled into material for use in road surfaces, roof sheeting and construction decking.
How to fill your tire with the Squirt SEAL Easyfill Pouch?
The packaging features clear, easy-to-follow instructions on how to top up one’s tire sealant using the Easyfill Pouch. You can easily slide the pouch nozzle over any standard Presta valve for spill-free top-ups, and its milliliter marking gives one a good indication of how much sealant to add to your tire. Completely filling a 29” MTB tire requires 100-120mls, 26”/27.5” tires take 80-100mls, and road/gravel tires require between 60-90mls. Always ensure the valve stem is clear and unblocked, as this is often the barrier to getting sealant into the tire. With the valve core removed, clear the valve stem using a 2.5mm Allen key. It works well to push out any old sealant or other blockages.
There are two methods for inserting sealant with the 120ml Pouch:
Method one: Rotate the wheel to locate the valve at 12 o’clock and remove the valve core. Shake the pouch properly to mix the granules evenly with the latex. Secure the pouch nozzle to the valve stem. Ensure the pouch has sufficient air before proceeding, as it supplies the necessary “propellant” to propel the sealant into the tire upon applying pressure. Once secured, rotate the wheel gradually to the 6 o’clock position while squeezing the pouch from the 4 o’clock position until it is empty when reaching the bottom of the rotation.
Method two: Rotate the wheel to locate the valve at 12 o’clock and remove the valve core. Shake the pouch properly to mix the granules evenly with the latex. Keep the pouch in the upright position and fold the spout over, almost as if you are sealing a pack of crisps after opening it. While keeping the pouch upright, secure the nozzle onto the valve. Then, while turning the pouch upside down (for the fluid to flow out), squeeze it gradually to transport the sealant into the tire.
Important: After reading this, it should be clear that one wants to avoid all the BeadBlock™ granules settling in the bottom of the pouch and then only trying to force it into the valve. The two methods above ensure that the BeadBlock™ granules are transported gradually into the tire, along with a lot of fluid (sealant).
What is the recommended amount of BeadBlock™ granules to add?BeadBlock™ comes already added to the 120ml SEAL pouches, but for all other containers (1L and 5L), BeadBlock™ is added per application. We recommend 3 5ml (half a cap) per 100ml-150ml as per the instructions on the label.
Can I add more BeadBlock™ granules than the recommended amount?
Yes, you can, but there’s an optimum level beyond which adding more granules won’t enhance the sealing effect and prematurely dry the sealant.
Will the use of a CO cartridge affect the sealant?
CO₂ can be used in emergencies with sealant, bearing in mind that the canister should only be activated with the valve at the top (i.e.12 o’clock position). The cold blast of gas directly into the sealant can lead to local solidification of most latex- based sealants with resulting lumps.
SEAL liquid was translucent as opposed to white or caramel coloured when I opened my tire. Why does this happen?
The latex part of the sealant was absorbed into the tire to seal rubber porosity Especially in tubeless-ready tires and thin-walled racing tires, which are more porous. This seals the tire sidewalls and less frequent air top-ups will be required. Remove the remainder of the translucent liquid in the tire and top up with fresh sealant.
SEAL turns caramel-coloured after some weeks in the tire. Is this normal?
Yes, it’s normal, no cause for concern.
SEAL formed lumps and pieces of solid rubber in the tire – why does this happen?
In rare cases, the sealant might solidify prematurely to form solid pieces of rubber in the tire. This is due to two factors: chemical contamination or CO₂ use with the valve at 6 o’clock (bottom) position. The mould release agent typically causes chemical contamination during tire manufacturing. To remove manufacturing chemical residue, thoroughly clean new tires with liquid soap and rinse them with water.
The second probable cause for solids forming (using CO₂ at 6 o’clock position) is due to the extreme cold stream of CO₂ jetting into the puddle of sealant at the bottom of the tire. The sealant can handle sub-zero temperatures up to -4℉ (-20℃) without freezing, but not those which emanate from the sudden expansion of high-pressure gas into the immediate low-pressure atmosphere surrounding the puddle. This causes the sealant emulsion to solidify, hence the formation of lumps.
Will Squirt Sealant with BeadBlock™ clog up my valves after a couple of weeks?
No, it does not clog the valves from the inside, and you can top up at any time and inflate the tire as needed.