PROTECT YOUR STONE AND GROUT

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With over 20 years of experience restoring surfaces, we know what happens after the surface is installed and subjected to daily wear and tear. This is why we utilize and offer the best cleaners, sealers, and protectants not found in big box stores. 

The following briefly explains the different types of sealers and protectants available.

PENETRATING SEALERS

The most popular type of sealer is a penetrating sealer. Penetrating sealers, also known as impregnating sealers, protect stone surfaces by penetrating the material's pores to help prevent staining. The sealer must be "carried" into the stone, and the carrier is usually water or solvent.

Many sealer manufacturers add more water or solvent to dilute the sealer to decrease the price and fit a price point. Except for our lifetime warranty sealers, we custom-mix our sealers to ensure you get the correct amount. Too much will sit on top and be wasted. Too little, and you don't get the protection you need.  

The Carrier

Water-Based Sealers: These are environmentally friendly and have a low VOC (volatile organic compound) content. They are suitable for most porous surfaces and are easy to apply and clean up. They are usually the best all-around sealers and are often used by installers and fabricators.

Solvent-Based Sealers: These sealers typically contain higher VOC levels, have a stronger odor, and are most suitable for dense stones and sometimes quartz. Solvent-based sealers usually provide deeper penetration into stones with low porosity.

For the ultimate protection, we suggest using a combination of water—and solvent-based sealers. This ensures the water-based sealer fills the larger openings in the stone, and the solvent can dive into the tight pores the water-based sealer may miss. We strongly suggest this combination for extremely stain-sensitive surfaces (usually light-colored quartzite, marbles, quartz, granites, etc.).

What sealers protect against

Hydrophobic (Water) refers to the property of repelling water or water-based substances. Sealers are commonly used on various surfaces, including natural stone, concrete, and masonry. These sealers penetrate the material's pores, forming a protective barrier that repels water and other liquids. The sealer's hydrophobic nature helps prevent water from being absorbed into the material, offering several benefits.

"Oleophobic" refers to the property of repelling oils or oil-based substances. It is commonly used to describe coatings or treatments applied to surfaces to make them resistant to oils, greases, and fingerprints. In addition to repelling oils, Oleophobic sealers may exhibit water and water-based stain resistance.

The visual effect

Neutral sealers are primarily water—or solvent-based and usually do not change the stone's appearance except by slightly increasing its shine.

Enhancing Sealers darken the stone and grout, bringing out the natural characteristics of the stone more than a neutral sealer. They are commonly used on materials like slate and flagstone to bring out the stone's richness and depth. In most cases, they cannot be reversed once they are applied.

Conclusion

The science of sealers is very complex, and there is not one sealer for all porous surfaces. With our extensive experience, we understand how stone porosity, intended use, and available sealers must complement each other for maximum protection. Even with maximum protection, penetrating sealers still will not guarantee you won't get a stain. Still, a suitably protected surface will give you a better chance of stain removal if they do happen.

Lifetime Warranty

If you want to take the worry out of getting a stain, get the Lifetime warranty program. The manufacturer guarantees this warranty to give you the peace of mind that your surface will remain stain-free for life or they will replace the stone. This is an excellent product for those with very porous stones. We are certified applicators for this product and know how to apply it correctly.  

TOPICAL PROTECTION

Applying a topical protectant is the ONLY way to protect your surface from etching and staining with absolute certainty. These protectants create a protective layer on the surface of the stone. Topical sealers may provide a glossy or matte finish and offer protection against stains, UV rays, and abrasion.

Protective Film

This product is economical, proven, and effective at preventing stains and etch marks. It is similar to the protectant utilized on cars to help prevent stones from chipping the paint. We have successfully used this film for years in residential and commercial settings. 

We are the first to be able to offer a UV  protectant film for outside stones. This is the first of its kind to the stone market. It has endured rigorous testing in conditions far exceeding our local weather conditions.

The surface must be adequately refinished, pits and chips repaired and thoroughly cleaned to ensure maximum adhesion. Many companies will "go over" the surface, claiming you won't see the existing damage and that it won't impact future performance. This is incorrect, and it is either a shortcut to save time, or they don't know how to repair the stone properly. Either way, you are not getting the best possible results. 

MORE AntiEtch

After spending over 20 years restoring stone and applying protective coatings to various surfaces, this is by far the most natural-looking coating I have ever experienced. The cost starts at around $100 a square foot, so it is for those who want the ultimate protection and appearance and are willing to pay for it.  

We have used UV coatings on concrete and other surfaces for over 15 years and have successfully applied More AntiEtch UV coatings on natural stone for the last 5 years. It is one of the most natural-looking protectants you can find for your stone. This product will protect your stone from being damaged by any acids or caustic chemicals. If you want your marble to look great all the time, this is the only solution. There is a steep learning curve to apply this product, so our experience is crucial to the success of your top.

Various Topical Sealers

All our topical sealers are designed for surfaces susceptible to absorbing stains, odors, mold, and mildew. They will prevent bathrooms from smelling like urine and ensure the grout lines are easy to clean and look like the original color. Our Siloxane coating is used in high-traffic areas such as Grand Central Station, where it lasts over five years before it needs recoating. In a residential setting, longevity could be a lifetime.  

ColorClad

We utilize ColorClad grout sealant to protect the grout from staining and ensure an even color. This sealer contains Aluminum Oxide to provide maximum protection and durability. It is usually mixed on-site to ensure the color you desire. 

I cannot stress enough there is a vast difference between applying the correct sealers and protectants and what is available to the average homeowner and contractors. Even the most expensive sealer may not be the best sealer for your stone. Knowledge is crucial when it comes to properly protecting your stone.