FAQ’S Stone & Pave Sealing
What is the advantage of Sealing Stone?
• Protection against Staining is the number one reason. Stone is porous and will draw in any small stain or spill. Depending on the type of stone you have, cleaning with chemicals can be harmful to most natural stone and cause irreparable damage. Limestone for example is very sensitive to cleaning and some cleaners will attack the limestone before enabling removal of a stain.
• By sealing the stone, you help prevent against staining and moisture absorption.
What is Efflorescence?
• Prevent against Efflorescence. This is what can happen when moisture penetrates the stone and other compounds in your paving. Salts are pushed to the surface which not only deteriorate the stone but cause white marks to appear around the perimeter. By sealing the stone, you stop moisture absorption and prevent this corrosive action by occurring.
Difference between Sealers.
Solvent based Sealer will permanently seal what is called a ‘topcoat’ over the stone, locking in any moisture that is present in the surface. This can be harmful to stone as the moisture cannot escape and may cause damage to the stone. These sealers can be hard to remove and can cause a cloudiness appearance to the stone over time. They may also make the surface slippery and reduce the original texture of the stone.
At Crystal Surface Protection, we use only water based penetrating sealers that promote longevity of the stone, restrict moisture absorption and staining while allowing existing moisture to exit the stone as vapour. As our sealers penetrate and seal individual pores of the stone. Our 2-coat application means the first coating enters the pores and cures in the bottom or the pores. The second coat simply fills the microscopic voids to the top and protect the stone whilst maintaining the original texture, colour and appearance.