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Sealers
Modern stone sealers are divided into 3 broad types:
Topical Sealers (NOT RECOMMENDED)
Generally made from urethanes or acrylics. These sealers are effective but, being exposed on the surface of the material, they tend to wear out relatively quickly, especially on high-traffic areas of flooring. This type of sealer will usually also change the look and slip resistance of the surface, especially when it is wet. These sealers are not breathable, do not allow the escape of water vapor and other gases, and are not effective against salt attack, such as efflorescence and spalling.
Penetrating Sealers
The most common of which use siliconates, fluoro-polymers (e.g. Teflon) and siloxanes, which repel liquids. These sealers penetrate the surface of the stone enough to anchor the material to the surface. They are generally longer lasting than topical sealers and often do not substantially alter the look of the stone, but still can change the slip characteristics of the surface and do wear relatively quickly. Penetrating sealers often require the use of special cleaners which both clean and top up the repellent ingredient left on the stone surface. These sealers are often breathable to a certain degree, but do not penetrate deeply enough (generally about 1mm) to be effective against salt attack, such as efflorescence and spalling.
Impregnating Sealers
Normally use silanes or modified silanes. These are a type of penetrating sealer, which penetrate deeply into the material, impregnating it with molecules which bond inside and repels water and / or oils from within the material. Some modified silane sealers impregnate deeply enough to protect against salt attack, such as efflorescence and spalling.
About Sealers
Water Repellents Silicone (synthetic oils)
Generic synthetic oils which tend to leach from surfaces and migrate. Of limited use due to the tendency of attracting dust and limited life expectancy .There are many types but you can generally rely upon the fact that you get what you pay for. This type also darkens many types of stone surfaces.
Siliconates
Water based silicone derivative useful for light colored, porous stone. Inexpensive.This type should not be used on dark colored stone or important surfaces. Any residues not absorbed will disfigure surface with a salt-like precipitate. May be useful for some limestone and concrete surfaces. Only water beads. Re-coating is not possible due to the fact that it repels itself.
Siloxane
These are state of the art today in long life and high vapor transmission. Moderate cost. Used primarily for exterior stone surfaces including marble, granite, limestone, slate and cement based building products as well. Suitable for clay pavers and roofing tiles. Highly recommended for most surfaces exposed to weather and/or high humidity. Does not darken most surfaces. Solvent based is normal. There are some new emulsions available which can comply with VOC restrictions.
Stearates
This is the cheap water repellent sold to consumers in chain stores and hardware stores for wood, concrete, masonry etc.. Performance is poor and short lived. Not recommended for most building stone.
Oil Repellents
These are proprietary products which repel oil as well as water and other liquids. There are a number of these specialized products designed for use on stone surfaces. Most are fluoroplymer-based but there are some other types (rather exotic)
Drying Oils
These are the original natural polymers. They include Tung, Linseed and Soy. These oils become solid as they dry and are of potential use for sealing stone surfaces. They are organic and hence they are relatively sensitive to aging and may (read: will) yellow with age but are useful in some situations.
Waxes
Waxes may be natural or synthetic and include Carnuaba, paraffin, montan, beeswax etc. They are typically formulated into paste waxes or emulsions for sealing purposes. Their effect is less than permanent and typically they are re-applied on a regular basis.
Silicates
These are mineral glasses which fill up pores and densify porous surfaces. Very useful for restoration of stone which is under chemical attack or exterior weathering as it can replace lost minerals (repair) and provide protection from further degeneration. They are specialized results.materials which require expertise to formulate and apply for predictable
Finishing or Topical Dressing (NOT RECOMMENDED ON EXTERIOR STONE)
Waxes
This category is primarily paste waxes composed of paraffin, beeswax, and some synthetics. They can be very effective for maintaining a shine and prevention of stains. Some professional products contain dyes or pigments which can be useful in bringing out or maintaining the color of red, black and green stones (primarily for furniture). Carnuaba based waxes may be suitable for some low abrasive surfaces and is used in specialty maintenance products.
Coatings
Coatings are usually acrylics, urethanes, epoxies, varnishes, lacquers etc. and have limited use on natural stone however there are some typical uses of these film forming polymers. The most common coating is the janitorial type floor finish that is applied to floors to maintain a physical barrier which isolates the stone surface from abrasion. These coatings are considered temporary or sacrificial and are used primarily because the coating is easier to restore when it gets damaged than the stone surface would be without the coating. In general, film-forming coating is avoided on natural stone if possible.