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.

STONETECH® Salt Water Resistant Sealer

 

STONETECH® Salt Water Resistant Sealer is a penetrating sealer formulated to protect surfaces exposed to salt degradation. 

Features & Benefits

• High-performance protection against salt water damage and de-icing salts
• Weather and UV-resistant
• Water-based formula
• Exterior use

STONETECH Salt Water Resistant Sealer is best suited for porous substrates such as natural stone, porous tile, concrete pavers, terracotta, and grout. Click here for more product information. 

View/download:

STONETECH Surface Care Product Selection Guide

STONETECH Stone & Tile Care Guide

Contact LATICRETE regarding the use, installation, or maintenance of STONETECH by calling 1800 331 012 or email: sales@laticrete.com.au.

Avoiding Water Based Sealer Residue

 

There may be times that water-based sealers can cause a white haze residue to develop on the surface of stone, and there are various reasons why this can happen. The residue can appear due to over application of the sealer, not enough of the product being applied, and/or not wiping off excess sealer in the stated time.

The hazy white residue that can appear after applying a water-based sealer often looks like hard water deposits on the surface of the stone. This residue may make a polished stone surface look dull because the residue is on top of the original finish of the substrate. Simply stated, this is referred to as sealer residue.

If the residue is noticed within the first several hours after application, simply reapply the sealer. Allow the sealer to dwell for 2-3 minutes then agitate the surface with a nylon brush or white nylon scrub pad. Wipe thoroughly dry. For stubborn residues, or if more than 24 hours have passed, STONETECH® KlenzAll™ Cleaner can be used.

For more information click here to read Technical Data Sheet TDS-1260.

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

STONETECH® BulletProof® Sealer

 

STONETECH® BulletProof® Sealer is an advanced sealer, designed to provide maximum protection on natural stone against the toughest oil and water-based stains. 

Key Features

• Maximum protection against most stains

• Advanced penetrating microbond protection

• Preserves natural look of stone

• Water-based formula

• Interior and exterior 

STONETECH BulletProof Sealer is suitable for a range of natural stone and masonry surfaces such as limestone, honed or textured marble, bluestone, travertine, sandstone, textured or veined granite, flagstone, quartzite, and saltillo tile.

Great for use in high traffic areas such as countertops, backsplashes, entryways, floor and walls. ⁣

View/download:

STONETECH Surface Care Product Selection Guide

STONETECH Stone & Tile Care Guide

Have questions regarding the use, installation or maintenance of STONETECH or sealed stone?  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.

How to Protect Natural Stone from Stains Using a Stone Sealer

STONETECH® BulletProof® Sealer is an advanced sealer, designed to provide maximum protection on natural stone against the toughest oil and water-based stains. 

Key Features

• Maximum protection against most stains

• Advanced penetrating microbond protection

• Preserves natural look of stone

• Water-based formula

• Interior and exterior 

STONETECH BulletProof Sealer is suitable for a range of natural stone and masonry surfaces such as limestone, honed or textured marble, bluestone, travertine, sandstone, textured or veined granite, flagstone, quartzite, and saltillo tile.

Great for use in high traffic areas such as countertops, backsplashes, entryways, floor and walls. ⁣

View/download:

STONETECH Surface Care Product Selection Guide

STONETECH Stone & Tile Care Guide

Have questions regarding the use, installation or maintenance of STONETECH or sealed stone?  Contact LATICRETE Technical Services on 1800 331 012.

STONETECH® Heavy Duty Exterior Sealer

STONETECH® Heavy Duty Exterior Sealer is a solvent-based, natural look sealer that offers heavy-duty protection, water repellency, and weather resistance to natural stone and masonry surfaces.

Features & Benefits

• Heavy duty protection against water-based stains
• Minimises efflorescence
• Exterior use
• Solvent-based

Click here for more product information. 

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.

BulletProof® Project!

Tile Art in NSW have completed this great installation at a private residence in Sydney, NSW. The project features stone flagging and sealed with STONETECH® BulletProof® Sealer. 

STONETECH BulletProof Sealer delivers maximum protection against the toughest stains while preserving the natural look of natural stone surfaces. A water-based formula for interior and exterior use.

• Advanced penetrating micro-bond protection
• Natural-looking - does not alter the look of stone or tile
• Maximum protection against oil and water-based stains
• Water-based, low VOC, low odour, environmentally friendly

STONETECH BulletProof Sealer is suitable for natural stone surfaces such as granite, limestone, travertine, sandstone, basalt/bluestone, as well as concrete and masonry. Click here for more info.

If you have any questions regarding the use, installation, or maintenance of STONETECH  contact LATICRETE 1800 331 012 or email: sales@laticrete.com.au.

STONETECH® Salt Water Resistant Sealer

STONETECH® Salt Water Resistant Sealer is a penetrating sealer formulated to protect exterior surfaces exposed to salt water from salt degradation. 

Features & Benefits

• High-performance protection against salt water damage
• Weather and UV-resistant
• Water-based formula
• Exterior use

STONETECH Salt Water Resistant Sealer is best suited for porous substrates such as natural stone, porous tile, concrete pavers, terracotta, and grout. Click here for more product information. 

View/download:

STONETECH Surface Care Product Selection Guide

STONETECH Stone & Tile Care Guide

Contact LATICRETE regarding the use, installation, or maintenance of STONETECH by calling 1800 331 012 or email: sales@laticrete.com.au

STONETECH® BulletProof® Sealer

STONETECH® BulletProof® Sealer is an advanced sealer, designed to provide maximum protection on natural stone against the toughest oil and water-based stains. 

Key Features

• Maximum protection against most stains

• Advanced penetrating microbond protection

• Preserves natural look of stone

• Water-based formula

• Interior and exterior 

STONETECH BulletProof Sealer is suitable for a range of natural stone and masonry surfaces such as limestone, honed or textured marble, bluestone, travertine, sandstone, textured or veined granite, flagstone, quartzite, and saltillo tile.

Great for use in high traffic areas such as countertops, backsplashes, entryways, floor and walls. ⁣

View/download:

STONETECH Surface Care Product Selection Guide

STONETECH Stone & Tile Care Guide

Have questions regarding the use, installation or maintenance of STONETECH or sealed stone?  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.

Avoiding Water Based Sealer Residue

There may be times that water-based sealers can cause a white haze residue to develop on the surface of stone, and there are various reasons why this can happen. The residue can appear due to over-application of the sealer, not enough of product being applied, and/or not wiping off excess sealer in the stated time.

The hazy white residue that can appear after applying a water-based sealer often looks like hard water deposits on the surface of the stone. This residue may make a polished stone surface look dull because the residue is on top of the original finish of the substrate. Simply stated, this is referred to as sealer residue.

If the residue is noticed within the first several hours after application, simply reapply the sealer. Allow the sealer to dwell for 2-3 minutes then agitate the surface with a nylon brush or white nylon scrub pad. Wipe thoroughly dry. For stubborn residues, or if more than 24 hours have passed, STONETECH® KlenzAll™ can be used.

For more information click here to read Technical Data Sheet TDS-1260.

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

Wollongong Historic Court House

Wow! What a great streetscape currently being installed by the Wollongong Council at the Wollongong Historic Court House, NSW. The project features 120m2 of 600x300x75mm Australian Sandstone, installed with LATICRETE materials. 

Products used: 

• 211 Crete Filler Powder is a factory prepared blend of carefully selected raw materials, Portland cement and graded aggregates.
• 4237 Latex Additive a specially designed latex additive for use with 211 Crete Filler Powder to make a high strength latex thin and medium bed adhesive up to 15 mm, for installing all types of tile, stone and agglomerates.
• STONETECH® BulletProof® Sealer delivers maximum protection against the toughest stains while preserving the natural look of natural stone surfaces. A water-based formula for interior and exterior use.

View/download the LATICRETE "Extra Heavy Duty" Streetscape Installation System brochure.

Contact us to discuss your next project, arrange a demo, FREE samples or a trade event by calling 1800 331 012 or email us here.

BulletProof® Project!

Tile Art in NSW have carried out this great installation with the builders at Bellevarde Constructions. The project in Point Piper features 2000m2 of granite, which has been sealed with LATICRETE STONETECH® BulletProof® Sealer. 

STONETECH BulletProof Sealer delivers maximum protection against the toughest stains while preserving the natural look of natural stone surfaces. A water-based formula for interior and exterior use.

• Advanced penetrating micro-bond protection
• Natural looking - does not alter the look of stone or tile
• Maximum protection against oil and water-based stains
• Interior and exterior applications
• Water-based, low VOC, low odour, environmentally friendly

STONETECH BulletProof Sealer is suitable for natural stone surfaces such as granite, limestone, travertine, sandstone, basalt/bluestone, as well as concrete and masonry. Click here for more info.

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  contact  LATICRETE 1800 331 012 or email: sales@laticrete.com.au

Product Feature: STONETECH® Salt Water Resistant Sealer

LATICRETE STONETECH® Salt Water Resistant Sealer is a penetrating sealer formulated to protect exterior surfaces exposed to salt water from salt degradation. 

Features & Benefits

• High performance protection against salt water damage
• Weather and UV-resistant
• Water-based formula
• Exterior Use

STONETECH Salt Water Resistant Sealer is best suited for porous substrates such as natural stone, porous tile, concrete pavers, terracotta, and grout.

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.

Product Feature: STONETECH® Enhancer Pro™ Sealer

STONETECH® Enhancer Pro™ Sealer is a heavy duty sealer that seals and enhances surfaces to a deep rich colour. STONETECH Enhancer Pro Sealer is suitable for interior and exterior use on surfaces such as bluestone, slate, travertine, sandstone, limestone, flagstone, textured stone, flamed stone and tumbled stone.  

Advantages 

• Deepens colour 
• Heavy duty protection against most stains 
• Weather and UV-resistant 
• Interior and exterior use 
• Solvent based formula

STONETECH Enhancer Pro Sealer can be used on countertops, splashbacks, floors, and walls. Click here for more information. 

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.

STONETECH® Heavy Duty Exterior Sealer

LATICRETE STONETECH® Heavy Duty Exterior Sealer is a solvent based, natural look sealer which offers heavy duty protection, water repellency and weather resistance to natural stone and masonry surfaces. 

Features & Benefits

• Heavy duty protection against water-based stains
• Minimizes efflorescence
• Solvent-based formula
• Exterior use

STONETECH Heavy Duty Exterior Sealer is suitable for substrates such as granite, slate, travertine, sandstone, tumbled stone and concrete. 

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.

STONETECH® BulletProof® Sealer

LATICRETE STONETECH® BulletProof® Sealer is an advanced sealer, designed to provide maximum protection on natural stone against the toughest oil and water-based stains. 

Key Features

• Maximum protection against most stains
• Advanced penetrating microbond protection
• Preserves natural look of stone
• Water-based formula
• Interior and exterior 

STONETECH BulletProof Sealer is suitable for a range of natural stone and masonry surfaces such as limestone, honed or textured marble, bluestone, travertine, sandstone, textured  or veined granite, flagstone, quartzite, and saltillo tile.

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.