The invention is a method of treating, restoring or sealing a surface comprising applying an emulsion comprising a latex polymer, a cationic emulsifier, and optionally a recycling agent to the surface to wet the surface and depositing a surface treatment layer on the surface, wherein the depositing step occurs while the surface is wetted. The invention also includes a surface pretreatment composition comprising water, at least one acrylic latex polymer, an aromatic recycling agent, and at least one cationic emulsifier. Furthermore, the invention includes the surface resulting from the application of the emulsion used in the invention and concentrated emulsions for use with the surface treatment composition.