Question 1

What makes Pitch Black® different from regular sealers?

Accepted Answer

Pitch Black® is a proprietary, polymer-reinforced, rubberized asphalt sealer—not a watered-down commodity product. The formula is engineered for flexibility, adhesion, and long-lasting color retention in harsh freeze/thaw climates.

Question 2

How long does Pitch Black® last?

Accepted Answer

With proper application and surface prep, Pitch Black® typically provides 3-5 years of protection depending on traffic volume, sun exposure, and maintenance practices. Regular maintenance applications extend overall pavement life significantly.

Question 3

Is Pitch Black® environmentally safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Per manufacturer testing, Pitch Black® contains 0.00 ppm total PAH content (EPA 8310), is free from asbestos fibers and carcinogenic materials, and is non-flammable when wet. It meets or exceeds environmental standards for pavement sealers.

Question 4

Can Pitch Black® be applied in cold weather?

Accepted Answer

Pitch Black® should be applied when surface and ambient temperatures are above 50°F and rising. Our region's application season typically runs from late spring through early fall, depending on conditions.

Question 5

How soon can traffic return after application?

Accepted Answer

Light foot traffic can typically resume in 2-3 hours under moderate conditions. Vehicle traffic should stay off for a full 24 hours to ensure proper curing and maximum durability.

Question 6

Do you offer Pitch Black® for wholesale purchase?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Summit Surface Partners is the exclusive regional Pitch Black® distributor for MT, ID, Eastern WA, ND, and SD. We supply bulk totes, 55-gallon drums, and pallet quantities to contractors, municipalities, and property managers — with the Technical Bulletin, Slurry Bulletin, and SDS on file for every order.

Question 7

What ASTM specs does Pitch Black® meet?

Accepted Answer

Per the manufacturer Technical Bulletin, Pitch Black® meets or exceeds: ASTM D-217 cone penetration (340mm minimum), ASMA A-1 nonvolatile components (50% minimum solids), ASTM D-2042 nonvolatiles soluble in tri-chloroethylene (10–35%), ASTM D-244 water content (15–20%), ASTM D-3910 wet track abrasion (≤35g loss), ASTM C-136 mineral aggregate (#16 sieve, 100% passing), and ASTM D-562 viscosity (75 KU minimum). It also passes Federal Specs TT-C-555B (accelerated weathering, no deterioration) and TT-C-551B (resistance to 98 mph wind-driven rain).

Question 8

What does the 0.00 ppm PAH result actually mean?

Accepted Answer

PRI Asphalt Technologies tested Batch 1071 of Pitch Black® under EPA Method 8310 for all 18 regulated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. None of the 18 PAH compounds were detected above the method detection limit, so total PAH was reported as 0.00 ppm. By contrast, coal-tar sealers — which are banned in Washington State, Minneapolis, Austin, and many watersheds — routinely test in the thousands of ppm. Pitch Black® is an asphalt-emulsion sealer (not coal tar), and the third-party PRI report documents that for HOA boards, school districts, and municipal RFPs.

Question 9

Is Pitch Black® a coal tar sealer?

Accepted Answer

No. Pitch Black® is an asphalt-emulsion sealer — polymer-reinforced and rubberized. It contains no coal tar and tests at 0.00 ppm total PAH (EPA Method 8310), which is why it is approved for use in jurisdictions that have banned coal-tar sealcoats.

Question 10

What are the application temperature and weather requirements?

Accepted Answer

Per the Technical Bulletin: apply only when ambient air temperature is ≥55°F and rising and surface temperature is ≥60°F. Do not apply if precipitation is forecast within the cure window. On hot days, fog-coat the surface to pre-dampen (not wet) before spraying. Always apply two coats — heavy-traffic lanes get a third. Cracks wider than 1/8" must be filled with hot-applied rubberized crack sealant first, dry to the touch, before sealcoat.

Question 11

How should Pitch Black® be stored and handled?

Accepted Answer

Store sealed containers above freezing — Pitch Black® is water-based and will be ruined by a single freeze cycle in the drum or tote. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use, out of direct sunlight, and away from ignition sources (it is non-flammable wet but burns slowly when fully dry). Standard PPE per the SDS: nitrile gloves, safety glasses, long sleeves. In case of skin contact, wash with soap and water before the emulsion dries. Do not take internally; keep out of reach of children. Shelf life is up to one year in an unopened container.

Question 12

What is the cure and return-to-service time?

Accepted Answer

At 70°F and 50% relative humidity, Pitch Black® dries in approximately 2–3 hours. Cure time depends on temperature, humidity, air movement, and film thickness. Foot traffic is fine after a few hours; vehicle traffic should stay off for a full 24 hours. Line striping with high-quality water-based traffic paint should be done only after the sealcoat has thoroughly dried.

Question 13

Where can I download the Pitch Black® Technical Bulletin and SDS?

Accepted Answer

All three documents are linked directly on this page under "Pitch Black® Product Documentation": the Technical Bulletin (concentrate), the Slurry-grade Technical Bulletin, and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). They are also available on request from any Summit Surface Partners distributor.

Pitch Black®

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Deep, Rich Black Finish

Built for Harsh Climates

Weatherproof Barrier

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