PENETRATING SEALERS
Sealing granite and natural
stone with penetrating sealers, (also called ipregnators),
protects the structure of a natural stone. They protect the stone
from within. When sealing natural stone or granite with this type
of sealer, it is applied directly to the face of the stone with a
soft cloth. It's simple to do and does not require a stone
specialist. This type of sealer is recommended for sealing
granite.
The sealer will penetrate below the stone's surface without
leaving a coating or film on top. The stone below the
surface will be protected, however, there is no surface
protection. This means calcareous natural stones such as marble,
onyx, limestone, and travertine can still etch or dull if acidic
products such as orange juice or coke are left on your stone.
To help provide surface protection, a natural vegetable soap
cleanser or a cleanser made specifically for natural stone should
be used. These cleansers build up a thin film layer between
periodic deep cleanings. Natural vegetable soaps and stone cleaners
remove dirt and debris from the stone's surface the same as a
detergent soap does. They are just milder.
Penetrating sealers are either
solvent based or water based.
Solvent based penetrating
sealers have a higher durability because they are able to penetrate
deeper within the stone. Water based, on the other hand, cannot
penetrate any deeper into the stone than it will
absorb.
In the denser stones, a water
based sealer will not penetrate as deeply and leave the protection
just below the surface. This means there is less protection of the
stone over longer periods of time.
Stones with a high rate of
absorption will take the protective sealers deeper into the stone.
A water based penetrating sealer works well with very porous
natural stones.
The most common protection
materials used in penetrating sealers are silicone, siloxane, and
fluoropolymers. These materials are unaffected by outside elements
and only damaged by temperature ranges of 900F to 1200F or exposure
to strong caustic solutions.
Sealers with silicone, silane,
and siloxane work well to repel water born stains. This type of
impregnator will repel water based liquids such as coffee and
tea.
Fluoropolymers are generally
water based sealers and have oil repellent characteristics. They
will repel oil based liquids such as grease and cooking
oil.
If you are sealing granite or
natural stone kitchen counters, look for an oil repellant
impregnator. An oil resistant impregnator will only slow the
absorption of oil while an oil repellant impregnator will keep the
oil from entering the stone.
Advantages
-
The sealer penetrates into the stone and attaches
it's protection to the stone walls within the pore structure. This
allows the stone to breathe.
-
Does not alter the color or sheen of the
stone.
-
Does not need to be reapplied after each
cleaning.
-
The sealer is not on the surface so the coating
won't scratch or scuff.
-
A penetrating sealer does not need to be
reapplied as often as a topical sealer because there is no surface
coating to wear off.
-
Disadvantages
-
Penetrating sealers do not protect the surface of
the stone from scratching or etching.
Penetrating natural stone and
granite sealers are durable. These sealers require periodic
reapplication based on the frequency of your deep cleanings and
also, the brand of sealer used. Some manufacturers recommend
sealing granite and natural stone yearly, while others recommend
every five to ten years. Read the recommendations on your product
before applying it.
Marble & Granite Supply of Illinois, INC
1225 Hartrey Ave Evanston, IL 60202
Telephone: 847-866-8682
Fax: 847-866-8206
Email Address: sales@marble-granites.com
Website: www.Marble-Granites.com