You have likely heard about the necessity of sealing a natural stone floor. You may extend the life of your stone floor by using a stone sealer, along with various additional advantages. See why sealing your stone floor is so important, what are the types of stone sealers and how they work in our article:
When searching for the most delicate stone sealer for your stone floor it might be tough to understand what sealers are and which one to choose. Depending on the kind of stone, the amount of protection desired, and your budget, a variety of stone sealers are available. Even though stone sealers come in wide varieties, only two kinds of sealers are on the market. Coaters and impregnators are the names given to these sealers.
Water and grime will be temporarily repelled by a thin layer of coating applied to the stone’s surface. To protect the stone, impregnators penetrate the stone’s surface and fill in the pores, keeping liquid from entering and preserving its natural beauty.
Impregnators, also known as Penetrating Stone Sealers
Penetrating stone sealers, also known as impregnators or penetrants, penetrate the stone’s porous surface and prevent liquids and debris from getting within. Most effective stone sealers keep the stone’s pores open so that it may escape any trapped moisture after sealing. This is what it means to keep the stone “breathable.”
Solvent-based sealers Vs. Water-based Sealers: Which Is Better?
Solvent- or water-based formulas are the most common choices for penetrating stone sealers. This refers to the solution in which the active chemicals are dissolved. Afterward, the solvent or water evaporates, leaving behind the active compounds that preserve the stone.
As a rule, solvent-based stone sealers are more effective than water-based ones because of their higher efficacy and long-term durability. Using these sealers is not always viable since they are solvent-based (especially in specific business contexts) or because they have potent scents that aren’t always suitable in the house.
Stone Sealers That Are Oleophobic and Hydrophobic
The next thing to consider is the hydrophobic or oleophobic qualities of your penetrating stone sealer. Oleophobic stone sealers resist water and oil-based liquid pollutants, whereas hydrophobic stone sealers only repel water. We usually advocate using an oleophobic stone sealer since it protects the stone from any liquid pollutant that might cause a stain. A high-quality water repellent impregnator may last up to 15 years, but most sealers only last a few years.
When choosing an impregnator for your floor, there are several factors to consider, such as the kind of room it is in & the chemicals it is likely to come into touch with. In the kitchen, we recommend an oil-repellent sealer and a water-based sealer in other areas.
A water-based impregnator would be great if you seal outdoor stone, such as a patio or a stone sculpture. Due to the stone’s capacity to breathe, stagnant water like puddles may pierce the surface but will be dissipated. If the water becomes trapped due to the application of an oil repellent outdoors, this might lead to the stone being molded.
Encapsulants or Coaters for Sealing Stone
Stone sealers on top of the stone’s surface are known as “topical stone sealers.” Stone sealers applied to the stone’s surface may either be removed or left in place. Most topical stone sealers are water-based and made from polymers, making it possible to remove them using a floor stripper if necessary. Compared to a penetrating stone sealer, topical stone sealers are far less expensive.