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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do I still see marks on my polished marble/limestone/travertine even though it has been sealed? - Stone Sealing

• A: Even though your polished marble/limestone/travertine has been sealed, you may still notice marks on the surface. It's important to understand that these marks are often not stains but rather etches. Acid-sensitive stones, such as these, can be affected by any acid, which can lead to a loss of polish and the creation of a dull or frosty surface. For example, red wine can cause both a stain and an etch on unsealed stone, but on a sealed stone, only the etch may be visible. Penetrating sealers function by sitting below the surface of the stone, preventing acid from deeply penetrating and causing stubborn stains, but they may not fully protect against surface etching. Acid can come in various forms, such as fruit juices, wine, salad dressings, or even urine in bathroom settings, and can cause damage. The good news is that this type of damage can typically be repaired.

Other FAQs :

• Q: How many coats of sealer are typically applied to stone surfaces?
• A: The number of coats applied to your stone surfaces usually ranges from 2 to 4, depending on several factors, including the desired finish.
• Q: What is the recommended waiting time before walking on sealed tiles or placing furniture back on them?
• A: The recommended waiting time before walking on sealed tiles and placing furniture back on them is typically around 4 hours. This allows the tiles to become touch dry, making it safe to walk on the surface and return most furniture items. However, it is important to avoid mopping the tiles or exposing them to moisture for at least 24 hours to prevent washing off the sealer. The sealer requires up to 24 hours to fully cure and provide optimal protection. It is also advisable to refrain from placing rugs on the floor for at least 24 hours, allowing the tiles to breathe until the sealer is completely cured. Following these guidelines ensures the best results and longevity of the sealer on your tiles.
• Q: The stone supplier said to seal my porcelain but my tiler said not to - why?
• A: The truth is porcelain is creating much confusion in the market place and many pages have been written to try to put all issues into perspective. The more questions you ask the more confused you will be. As a rule of thumb, textured and honed porcelain doesn't need to be sealed, but polished porcelain often does need to be. This is contrary to what may seem logical. The tiny pores that accept staining are created in the polishing process. A good penetrating sealer fills these pores and sets up good stain protection. The textured stone generally just need a good clean because of the rough surface. If you are not sure, do a stain test. Get a sample stone or an off-cut and try to stain it with the things common to that area. If it stains, there is a benefit to having the stone sealed.
• Q: Can sealing effectively prevent efflorescence?
• A: Efflorescence is a phenomenon where salts migrate to the surface of porous materials during water evaporation, resulting in a whitish coating and potential damage to the surface finish. To effectively prevent efflorescence, it is crucial to apply a high-quality water-resistant sealer from a reputable range. However, it is important to note that efflorescence can also be influenced by factors such as water penetration. Therefore, it is essential to address any underlying causes of water penetration, such as repairing leaks or damaged grout, to effectively prevent efflorescence. By combining proper sealing with resolving the water source, proactive measures can be taken to minimize the occurrence of efflorescence and maintain the integrity of the surface.
• Q: What type of guarantee is provided with stone sealing services?
• A: Stone and grout sealing services do not typically come with guarantees. However, our Impregnating Water Based Sealers have a life expectancy of up to 10 years, which can vary based on factors such as the quality of the stone, level of foot traffic, and maintenance procedures implemented. It is important to understand that a sealer does not provide complete imperviousness to stains. Rather, it offers a reaction time to address spills. An unsealed floor can immediately stain, whereas a sealed floor is resistant to staining and provides a reaction time of up to 4-5 hours. A penetrating sealer sits just beneath the stone's surface, preventing spills from penetrating and causing staining. However, it cannot prevent etching or surface damage caused by acid-based spills like red wine, vinegar, urine, or fruit juice. Immediate cleaning of such spills is crucial to prevent permanent damage to the stone surface.

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FAQs » Stone Sealing

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