Stone suppliers factory - apply sealer

[GazTech]

Stone sealers are in two categories,those that coat the stone,and alter its appearance...and those that impregnate the stone,filling in the micropores,rendering it impenetrable to liquids & oils.The former are wax,acrylic or plastic based products,which wear away with traffic or cleaning,they then have to be stripped and re-applied which is time consuming and very costly.The impregnator sealants however,are solvent or water based,will if properly applied,last indefinitely.Impregnators are formulated to keep out contaminents,but allow the stone to breathe...Since impregnator sealants tend to be a bit expensive at the moment,it's tempting to skimp on the application.This renders it useless as liquids would still penetrate and damage the visible surface.Generally sealer should be applied until the stone is visibly saturated,and excess removed prior to pointing or grouting.I read with delight that already,because of such a problem with poorly sealed stone and complaints..that stone suppliers are factory applying impregnator sealants before distribution....dh ceramics will be happy...as it will save lots of site time ........Gaz

[Dave]

now wouldn't that be great..pre-sealed stones.....yee haa.....

[GazTech]

Select your suppliers
Some companies choose to factory treat their stone with resin,designed to camouflage imperfections.If these are subsequently treated with impregnator sealers,the resinous materials can cloud discolour or fade.A colour enhancer will solve the problem.Stone sealers are little understood by the general public,so it is our responsibility as retailers,to ensure that they provided with the correct information and the product that will suit their stone best.....all Topps staff are trained to the highest level on Fila products.....Gaz


FILA COLOUR INTENSIFIER
Enhancer for unpolished stone.

[pjc]

I sometimes grout some limestones before i seal them as the moisture from the grout can leave a damp line around the joint which can take a awful long time to dry

[frogeye]

Hi Gaz

up until now ( and I see no reason for it to change) I have only had good dealings with Topps. Before my course we were looking to tile the kitchen, just a splashback, stone was in (still is) and we picked a tile - travertine - unknown to us before, but it looked nice. We asked one of the assistants, expecting to be pushed tiles, adhesive etc, but no, he asked about where we planned on using it, my skill levels, equipment, knowledge of travertine and gently pushed us into a more suitable product for a diy'er. Well done Kings Heath branch. I considered the job I did at the time to be top jolly for a diy'er. It still stands up in terms of setting out, but my wife now wants a different 'look'.
So that's the bathroom and kitchen to practice on.
Keep up the good work
frogeye

[Dave]

I sometimes grout some limestones before i seal them as the moisture from the grout can leave a damp line around the joint which can take a awful long time to dry

hi pete..a good way of avoiding this is to use a rapid setting grout....hope this is some use to you.

ardex do one..

ARDEX MG
Rapid Drying Marble and
Natural Stone Grout
What is the
Rapidry Formula?
It is the ability of the mortar to totally bind the water used
for mixing, virtually eliminating the risk of water staining.
Features
ARDEX Rapidry Formula technology binds the mix water within the
grout virtually eliminating the risk of water staining of the tile edges
Walkable after 11/2 hours
For tile joints up to 8mm
Easy to apply and clean off
For use on floors and walls
For internal applications including heated sub-floors

Available in white, light grey, dark grey, limestone and sandstone

[pjc]

Yes Dave thats correct wasnt always avalable 15 years ago in a fine grout arnt things changing i am a little behind on domestics been seven years since i worked in somones house

[marbleman]

Ardex is number one when it comes to grouts for me, the rapid setting grouts they have and the range of colours ,