MAINTENANCE/INSTALLATION
To Seal or Not to Seal
To seal or not to seal that is the question. No, not really. The question should be how often should I seal my natural stone? All homeowners need to be informed on how to maintain their marble, granite or other natural stone so durability of the stone is ensured, and the beauty of the work is preserved.
The primary function of a stone sealer is to provide stain resistance to a porous stone. There are many sealers available today, yet none make the claim of being "stain proof." What sealers will provide is "time to react," meaning a period of time that the sealer will hold out the contaminant, allowing easy removal from the stone surface before there is stain penetration. Based on the quality of the sealer used and the type of contaminants the stone is exposed to, reaction time will range from mere moments to many hours. The primary distinction between today's penetrating (impregnator-type) sealers is the reaction time they provide and the range of contaminants they resist.
When selecting a sealer for natural stone, there are various factors
to be considered, they include where the stone is installed, hardness,
porosity, what look you want to achieve, and the type of surface.
The sealers used on natural stone installations are generally divided
into two types: penetrating sealers and coating sealers. A breathable,
penetrating or impregnator sealer will help to protect natural
stone from below-surface staining. Impregnators will cost more
than the 'standard' penetrating sealers because they repel both
water-based and oil-based contaminants and will last longer. Coating
sealers are topical and recommended for use on highly porous stone
(Example Tumbled Marble or Limestone). For installations
that are in constant use or see a heavy amount of foot traffic, penetrating sealers
are often specified. A premium high-end sealer is ideal for use on kitchen floors
or countertops, in commercial installations with high surface traffic, or where
maximum stain protection is required.
The Stone Resource has chosen HMK (A German based company and leader in protection
of Natural Stone.) as the product that we use on all countertops that are produced
in our factory. The S34 Silicone Impregnator from HMK has a high stability against
dirt, water, oil, and alkali infiltration. Its suggested uses include interior
and exterior applications of natural and cast stone, regardless of the surface's
finish. S34 is UV resistant, or non-yellowing, and leaves a natural appearance
with little or no color change and no build-up or shine. Treated surfaces remain
98% vapor permeable. According to the company, this product provides excellent
protection for countertops, vanities, floors and showers. S34 is the company's
most widely used sealer for both residential and commercial installations.
A modified silicone/acrylic base sealer, HMK's S35 Stone Sealer with Matte Finish is formulated to produce a tough, hard, and highly protective finish. S35 protects against water, dirt, and oil infiltration and is used for both interior and conditional exterior applications on honed and textured mineral surfaces. S35 enhances the stone's color and texture, while leaving a matte finish. It is highly vapor permeable, UV resistant, and slip retardant, and is often used on slate, tumbled marble, limestone and thermal granite installations to enhance the natural color and beauty of the stone.
HMK's S37 Stone Sealer with a Satin Finish is also a modified acrylic base sealer that produces a tough, hard, and highly protective finish. S37 protects against water, dirt, and oil infiltration, and is suggested for interior use on honed and textured mineral surfaces. S37 enhances the stone's color and texture, leaving a satin finish. Like HMK's S35, this product is highly vapor permeable, UV resistant, and slip retardant and is often used on slate, tumbled marble, limestone and thermal granite installations.
Once a sealer has been used successfully, it is a good idea to
stay with the same sealer when eventual reapplication is needed
(usually due to surface wear on a surface-type sealer and loss
of stain resistance on a penetrating-type sealer). The Stone Resource
recommends re application of the S34 Impregnating sealer on the
countertops approximately every 6 months to a year.
The benefits of sealing natural stone installations are numerous.
Without sealer to preserve the integrity of a quality stone installation,
the hours put in by the installers, and the money spent by the
consumers would all be for nothing. This finishing touch provides
the protection necessary to keep the stone looking like new. Sealing
helps to resist staining and reduce ongoing maintenance requirements.
It will also help preserve and enhance the original appearance
of the stone. Sealers properly selected and used can be extremely
beneficial in the protection, ongoing maintenance and longevity
of a stone installation.
So, the answer to the question, when asked by your homeowners, should be to seal your kitchen and bathroom countertops every 6 months to a year. Please request that they consult with their stone professional as needed.
Care and Cleaning of Natural Stone in Residential Applications
