The Importance of Sealed Stone

 

Determining if a stone is sealed is an important question that must be answered prior to considering the application of a new sealer treatment. Realizing if an unsealed stone surface will be able to accept a sealer is also important in determining how to move forward. 

There is a very simple and inexpensive test to determine if the stone, Saltillo tile or cement-based grout is currently sealed, or if it even requires a sealer.

Water Test: 
A quick and easy test is performed with water and can provide valuable information about the current state of the stone or grout surface. 

1. Apply water in a few different areas of the stone and/or grout 
2. Make each application of water approximately 25mm wide 
3. Roughly measure the size of the circle of water without making contact with the water. Make a notation as to the size of each application of water 
4. Place a drinking glass over each application of water to protect from evaporation 
5. Let sit undisturbed for 20 min 
6. After 20 minutes remove the glass(es) and observe the results: 

No change - If the water appears the same as when it was applied and the water measures the same diameter, then a sealer is already present or the stone is very dense and does not need a sealer. 

Slight change - If the water is still present in a bead but appears to be absorbing into the surface then a sealer may already be present but requires resealing, or, the stone is not sealed and is dense enough to allow for the slow absorption of water 

Complete change - If the water is completely absorbed into the surface and the spot appears to have grown in size then the stone is not sealed and the use of a high-quality sealer (e.g. STONETECH® BulletProof® Sealer, STONETECH Heavy Duty Sealer, STONETECH Impregnator Pro® Sealer, etc) is strongly recommended. Continue reading Technical Data Sheet TDS-1261.

View/download:

STONETECH Surface Care Product Selection Guide

STONETECH Stone & Tile Care Guide

If you have any questions regarding the use, installation or maintenance of STONETECH or sealed stone, please contact LATICRETE Technical Services on 1800 331 012.

The Importance of Sealed Stone

Determining if a stone is sealed is an important question that must be answered prior to considering the application of a new sealer treatment. Realizing if an unsealed stone surface will be able to accept a sealer is also important in determining how to move forward. 

There is a very simple and inexpensive test to determine if the stone, Saltillo tile or cement-based grout is currently sealed, or if it even requires a sealer.

Water Test: 
A quick and easy test is performed with water and can provide valuable information about the current state of the stone or grout surface. 

1. Apply water in a few different areas of the stone and/or grout 
2. Make each application of water approximately 25mm wide 
3. Roughly measure the size of the circle of water without making contact with the water. Make a notation as to the size of each application of water 
4. Place a drinking glass over each application of water to protect from evaporation 
5. Let sit undisturbed for 20 min 
6. After 20 minutes remove the glass(es) and observe the results: 

No change - If the water appears the same as when it was applied and the water measures the same diameter, then a sealer is already present or the stone is very dense and does not need a sealer. 

Slight change - If the water is still present in a bead but appears to be absorbing into the surface then a sealer may already be present but requires resealing, or, the stone is not sealed and is dense enough to allow for the slow absorption of water 

Complete change - If the water is completely absorbed into the surface and the spot appears to have grown in size then the stone is not sealed and the use of a high-quality sealer (e.g. STONETECH® BulletProof® Sealer, STONETECH Heavy Duty Sealer, STONETECH Impregnator Pro® Sealer, etc) is strongly recommended. Continue reading Technical Data Sheet TDS-1261.

View/download:

STONETECH Surface Care Product Selection Guide

STONETECH Stone & Tile Care Guide

If you have any questions regarding the use, installation or maintenance of STONETECH or sealed stone, please contact LATICRETE Technical Services on 1800 331 012.

Is Your Stone Sealed?

Determining if a stone is sealed is an important question that must be answered prior to considering the application of a new sealer treatment. Realizing if an unsealed stone surface will be able to accept a sealer is also important in determining how to move forward. 

There is a very simple and inexpensive test to determine if the stone, Saltillo tile or cement-based grout is currently sealed, or if it even requires a sealer.

Water Test: 
A quick and easy test is performed with water and can provide valuable information about the current state of the stone or grout surface. 

1. Apply water in a few different areas of the stone and/or grout 
2. Make each application of water approximately 25mm wide 
3. Roughly measure the size of the circle of water without making contact with the water. Make a notation as to the size of each application of water 
4. Place a drinking glass over each application of water to protect from evaporation 
5. Let sit undisturbed for 20 min 
6. After 20 minutes remove the glass(es) and observe the results: 

No change - If the water appears the same as when it was applied and the water measures the same diameter, then a sealer is already present or the stone is very dense and does not need a sealer. 

Slight change - If the water is still present in a bead but appears to be absorbing into the surface then a sealer may already be present but requires resealing, or, the stone is not sealed and is dense enough to allow for the slow absorption of water 

Complete change - If the water is completely absorbed into the surface and the spot appears to have grown in size then the stone is not sealed and the use of a high-quality sealer (e.g. STONETECH® BulletProof® Sealer, STONETECH Heavy Duty Sealer, STONETECH Impregnator Pro® Sealer, etc) is strongly recommended. Continue reading Technical Data Sheet TDS-1261.

View/download:

STONETECH Surface Care Product Selection Guide

STONETECH Stone & Tile Care Guide

If you have any questions regarding the use, installation or maintenance of STONETECH or sealed stone, please contact LATICRETE Technical Services on 1800 331 012.

Sealed Stone Testing and Treatment

Determining if a stone is sealed is an important question which must be answered prior to considering the application of a new sealer treatment. Realizing if an unsealed stone surface will be able to accept a sealer is also important in determining how to move forward. There is a very simple and inexpensive test to determine if the stone, Saltillo tile or cement-based grout is currently sealed, or if it even requires a sealer.

Water Test: The quick and easy test is performed with water and can provide valuable information about the current state of the stone or grout surface. 

1. Apply water in a few different areas of the stone and/or grout 

2. Make each application of water approximately 25mm wide 

3. Roughly measure the size of the circle of water without making contact with the water. Make a notation as to the size of each application of water 

4. Place a drinking glass over each application of water to protect from evaporation 

5. Let sit undisturbed for 20 min 

6. After 20 minutes remove the glass(es) and observe the results: 

• No change - If the water appears the same as when it was applied and the water measures the same diameter, then a sealer is already present or the stone is very dense and does not need a sealer. 
• Slight change - If the water is still present in a bead but appears to be absorbing into the surface then a sealer may already be present but requires resealing, or, the stone is not sealed and is dense enough to allow for the slow absorption of water 
• Complete change - If the water is completely absorbed into the surface and the spot appears to have grown in size then the stone is not sealed and the use of a high quality sealer (e.g. STONETECH® BulletProof® Sealer, STONETECH Heavy Duty Sealer, STONETECH Impregnator Pro® Sealer, etc) is strongly recommended. 

For more information click here to read Technical Data Sheet TDS-1261.

View/download:

STONETECH Surface Care Product Selection Guide

STONETECH Stone & Tile Care Guide

If you have any questions regarding the use, installation or maintenance of STONETECH or sealed stone then please contact LATICRETE Technical Services on 1800 331 012.