All natural stone is porous, making it an open target to absorb damaging liquids such as oils and salts. Liquids like these will affect your natural stone in many ways, such as loss of strength, efflorescence, salt attack, unsightly staining, reinforcement rusting and picture framing. Studies have shown when natural stone is sealed, these effects are greatly reduced and in some cases eliminated.
What sealer should I use?
Sealers can be put into two categories: Topical Sealers and Impregnating Sealers.
Impregnating Sealers line the pores of natural stone allowing the stone to breathe and maintain natural stone strength. Impregnating sealers have a natural look finish and provide an excellent barrier against harmful oils and other liquid base contaminates.
Topical Sealers are hard wearing sealers that provide a physical barrier between normal surface wear and tear and your natural stone. Topical Sealers usually have a gloss or matt finish, and can make the sealed area slippery when wet. (Anti-slip agents can be added)
How much sealer do I need?
To determine how much sealer you need, you will need to calculate how many square meters is to be sealed. The amount of sealer needed will also depend on how porous your natural stone is. Your supplier will be able to provide a guide to the amount of sealer needed for a particular material being sealed.
Why is there such a variety of sealers?
Each sealer is different. They are designed for different uses - for example, some products repel water and other repel both oil & water, some sealers are for dense stones, other are for porous stones.
Such is the variety of natural stone!
Do I need to pre-dip / dip seal?
Pre-Sealing will help prevent grout and other surrounding construction work from staining your Natural Stone. Pre-Sealing is highly suggested for outside areas and pools due to the high level of moisture. A Pre-Seal will help prevent any moisture attacking the Natural stone from underneath, creating extra resistance from all sides rather than a top coat. We also suggest that all porous stone be Pre-Sealed before being laid.
How do I maintain my sealed surfaces?
To receive the best protection and long lasting life from your sealed surface, basic maintenance needs to be undertaken. Removing and cleaning spills immediately, and routine cleaning and scrubbing of your sealed surface will keep your surface looking good and protected. SOLUTIONS-SEALERS have also designed a PH Neutral, bio-degradable, phosphate free product called NATURAL CLEAN to help maintain your sealed surface by cleaning, and increasing stain resistance life.
For further information about maintaining your sealed surface download the following PDF Document.
I have excess sealer, how do I remove it?
When sealing, the pores of the surface begin to fill, but after multiple coats the pores are filled and begin to generate excess sealer on the surface. This can be easily resolved by using a clean white cotton rag in a slow buffing motion to collect residue from the surface. Do this when sealer is still moist but not fully cured.
For hard to move areas a cleaning agent may be required.
Contact our technical team for assistance:
FREE CALL PH: 1300 4 STONE (78663) AUST.ONLY or alt. +61 7 5446 7281.
Why are my tiles dark and wet around the edges?
Picture framing usually happens due to grout seepage or moisture. If this has happened please contact a professional Applicator.
How do I make sandstone and limestone salt safe?
In areas where Limestone and Sandstone are exposed to extreme salt levels, we suggest dip sealing with SOLUTIONS-SEALERS CONSOLIDATE.
CONSOLIDATE is a CSIRO tested natural stone densifier, which gives your natural stone a high level of protection against harmful salts and maintaining the natural stones look and strength.
Is it safe to dip seal without the adhesive?
Dip sealing it will only affect water based adhesives; SOLUTIONS -SEALERS have tested a variety of adhesive & stone manufacturers for suitability. We recommend you speak with your adhesive supplier for suggestions for your stone type and environment.
How can I remove efflorescence from an acid sensitive surface?
Efflorescence on acid sensitive surfaces can be removed by using SOLUTIONS-SEALERS D-GREASE. D-GREASE is a powerful alkaline cleaner which will not breakdown or damage acid sensitive natural stone.
Are your products environmentally responsible?
SOLUTIONS-SEALERS have a range of water based – LOW VOC or NON VOC penetrating sealers which meet or exceed the standards set out in APAS Standards AP-D181 REV.11.
For a ‘GREEN STAR’ certificate. contact our office.
E: [email protected]
PH: +61 7 5446 7281
