Sealing and Protecting Stone

Choosing the ideal sealer for your natural stone can be overwhelming with numerous options available. Understanding the effectiveness, suitability for specific conditions, and product variations is crucial for making an informed decision

Penetrating sealers come in liquid form, utilizing either water or solvent as a base. These sealers penetrate into the tiny pores and surface imperfections just beneath the surface of natural stone. As the carrier evaporates, the sealer bonds chemically with the stone's pores, creating a breathable protective layer.

Applying a penetrating sealer shields your stone surface from absorbing stains and simplifies cleaning and maintenance of both the stone and grout. Unlike some sealers that may need reapplication every few years, our line of water-based penetrating sealers can endure for up to 15 years.

Solvent-based sealers are typically used in extreme situations but are generally not recommended for everyday use. Water-based sealers leverage advanced technologies such as nanotechnology and fluoro-polymer, making many older solvent-based products outdated.

Water-based sealers are preferred because they do not emit harmful fumes that can pose health risks. Unlike solvent-based options, which may require vacating the area for up to 48 hours after application, water-based sealers are safer for both application and indoor air quality. Additionally, solvents can potentially damage surrounding surfaces such as skirting boards, doors, paint, and adjacent areas.

• To ensure your natural stone is safeguarded against oil and water-based stains while maintaining its appearance and slip resistance, it's recommended to apply a high-quality, invisible, breathable penetrating sealer.

Penetrating sealers are generally suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, including moisture-prone areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, outdoor patios, and around pools. This helps prevent harmful moisture from becoming trapped within the stone, thus preserving its structural integrity over time.

• Penetrates deeply into the natural stone substrate, bonding within its micro-pore structure to provide comprehensive protection while allowing vapor transmission.
• Preserves the original color and natural sheen of the stone.
• Eliminates the need for frequent reapplication after each cleaning.
• Since it doesn't form a surface layer, it is resistant to scratching and scuffing. With no surface coating to degrade, the sealer requires less frequent reapplication compared to topical sealers.

• A penetrating color-enhancing sealer is specially designed to enhance and highlight the innate beauty of natural stone surfaces.
• Color-enhancing penetrating sealers are ideal for natural stone for two key reasons. Firstly, they are impregnating sealers, deeply penetrating the pores of the stone to provide robust protection against embedded dirt. Secondly, these sealers include properties that enrich the natural colors of the stone, intensifying its inherent hues.

Penetrating impregnating sealers penetrate deeply into the natural stone substrate, filling microscopic pores and fissures that form its natural texture.

A clear penetrating sealer preserves the natural appearance and texture of your sealed natural stone, while allowing vapor release and providing superior durability compared to sealers that form a film on the surface.

Primary Advantages:

• Enhances durability by integrating protection into the stone substrate, rather than just the surface.
• UV resistant, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
• Promotes breathability, allowing moisture to escape from the natural stone.
• Maintains a non-slip surface texture.
• Increases the longevity of natural stone.
• Unsealed natural stone surfaces are highly porous and vulnerable to permanent stains from spills. Sealing is crucial to shield your stone against unwanted staining and deterioration.
• If you have natural stone flooring, you may notice rapid liquid absorption and susceptibility to stains. Therefore, sealing is essential to protect against these issues.

Topical sealers create a glossy protective layer on the surface of natural stone and masonry. In contrast, penetrating sealers infiltrate the surface of natural stone, guarding each individual pore within its structure.

• Requires frequent reapplication intervals
• Complete removal necessary before reapplication
• Reduces breathability of the stone, potentially trapping moisture
• Forms a glossy surface film that is prone to scratching and scuffing
• May increase slipperiness when wet
• Alters the natural appearance of the stone

Substances like red wine, oil, and grease can cause damage to natural stone surfaces, including slatestone, potentially requiring intensive resurfacing methods for removal. While sealing natural stone cannot completely prevent liquid absorption, it does create a time buffer to clean up spills before permanent damage occurs.

Maintaining and cleaning unsealed natural stone flooring can be challenging, as contaminants quickly penetrate the porous structure, making them difficult to remove.

For stone floors like slatestone, it's highly advisable to apply a deep penetrating impregnating sealer to ensure enduring protection and resistance against stains.

Among the most effective penetrating sealers available today are those crafted in Australia. These sealers are non-solvent-based and are user-friendly, suitable for application using brushes, rollers, or sprayers, with quick drying times of just a few hours. These deep-penetrating sealers for stone are offered in a dry, invisible finish or with a subtly enhancing effect that enriches the stone's natural color. They are designed to last between 10 to 15 years.

• Prior to applying any sealer, ensure the surface is completely clean and in the desired condition, as addressing stains after sealing without stripping off the sealer can be challenging. Avoid using acidic cleaners on natural stone as they may cause damage.
• Before sealing natural stone surfaces, such as slatestone, ensure there are no other coatings present, such as wax or a previous topical sealer, which must be removed beforehand.
• Ensure the stone floor is thoroughly dry before applying most sealers to achieve optimal adhesion and effectiveness.

The number of applications needed will vary based on the porosity of the natural stone, potentially requiring additional coats of sealer. Once applied, the stone will be protected against staining, and timely removal of any stains should leave no traces on the stone's surface.

• Choose a high-quality, durable deep penetrating, impregnating sealer suitable for natural stone.
• Thoroughly clean your natural stone surface before applying to prevent dust and debris from becoming trapped under the sealer.
• Ensure proper application and apply the appropriate number of layers as recommended.
• Remember, the quality of stone sealers correlates with their price.

Natural stone varies in hardness and typically has pores. If you apply a small amount of water to an unsealed natural stone surface, it will absorb quickly. The porosity of natural stone is also influenced by its finish—highly polished surfaces tend to be less porous compared to those with a matte finish.

The incorporation of fluoro-chemical technology in products like GOLD signifies a cutting-edge advancement, providing exceptional long-term protection against water and oil-based stains. Its micro-molecular formula chemically interacts with the surface of natural stone, creating a bond stronger than traditional sealers.

This technology streamlines care for natural stone, ensuring:

• Enhanced resilience against stains
• Exceptional oil and water repellent properties
• Preservation of the stone's natural appearance
• Non-coating characteristics
• Allows the stone to breathe
• Simplified cleaning and maintenance

Overall, GOLD enhances the natural beauty of your natural stone with long-lasting results.

When selecting a service provider, opt for a reputable company with specialized tools and expertise to properly seal and maintain your natural stone after installation.

Regularly clean your sealed natural stone and promptly wipe up spills to maintain its appearance.

Professional cleaning not only removes surface dirt but also extracts embedded debris from the pores of natural stone.

Consult a professional stone floor maintenance service that possesses the necessary equipment and knowledge to preserve the aesthetic appeal of your valuable natural stone surfaces.

Tile Cleaners Australia and StoneMaster are part of a network of independent Accredited Applicators specializing in the proper application of natural stone care products. They provide comprehensive services that include thorough cleaning of natural stone surfaces, application of protective products, and dedicated aftercare.

• Tile Cleaners Australia is renowned as a leading provider of stone care solutions in Australia. Their services include stone cleaning, sealing, stripping, resealing, regrouting, color sealing, and minor repairs.
• StoneMaster takes a thorough approach tailored to each unique situation, conducting detailed assessments and employing the optimal restoration techniques. They follow up with appropriate maintenance procedures to achieve outstanding outcomes.

It's crucial to ensure thorough cleaning of your natural stone before applying a sealer to avoid trapping old stains, dust, or debris within the stone. If not properly cleaned, this can lead to the need for stripping and resealing.