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.
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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.
