SEALING THE STONE

PRODUCTS:

• Stone Spray-N-Seal® (Stone & Grout Sealer, Water-based)
• Grout Lock™ (Aerosol Grout Sealer)
• Dust Mop

Reason: Penetrating sealers, also know as impregnators, protect the interior of the stone by penetrating through the surface and bonding to the inside of the stone. They act as a repellent to prevent contaminants from absorbing into the stone.

Summary: The most important part of stone is the interior. A penetrating sealer should be applied to protect the interior of the stone. Mineral surfaces are very porous and act like a sponge in the presence of moisture and fluids. Without it, liquids can be absorbed into the stone thus causing corrosion, staining, and discoloring.

ADVANTAGES:

• Penetrating Sealer will increase the coefficient of friction thus creating a more slip resistant surface.
• Allows the stone to breath and release water vapor transmission which prevents erosion.
• Does not yellow.
• Prevents the growth of organic staining (mold, mildew).
• Stone Spray-N-Seal® is an excellent grout release because it prevents adhesion and penetration to the stone.

PROCEDURES:

Polished or Honed Surface:

1. Floor surface must be dust mopped to remove all grit and debris.
2. All topical coatings should be stripped off with STONE STRIPPER (Solvent based coatings should be removed with a solvent based stripper.)
3. Follow stripping with a deep cleaning with STONE QUEST to clean out the pores of the stone. Use a soft bristled brush with this procedure.
4. Surface must be rinsed with MARBALEX cleaner to reduce any alkali or acidic residue and to remove any surface soils.
5. Be sure that the surface is dry for at least twelve hours.
6. Apply the sealer using a new dust mop in a figure eight motion.
7. If excess remains on the surface after five minutes, buff off with an all white bonnet pad.
8. Always use a new bucket and wringer.
9. Apply yearly in high traffic areas.
   *If there are no coatings on the surface, begin the procedures with a thorough dust mopping and a rinse with MARBALEX.

Rough or Textured Surface:

1. Apply STONE SPRAY-N-SEAL®.
2. Sweep off all of the grit and debris with a push broom.
3. Remove all topical coatings with STONE STRIPPER.
4. Deep clean using STONE QUEST with a soft bristled brush after stripping.
5. Rinse the surface with MARBALEX.
6. Be sure that the surface is dry for twelve hours.
7. Apply STONE SPRAY-N-SEAL® with a pump sprayer.
8. Let application dry completely.

Vanity Tops or Wall Surfaces:

1. Clean surface from any grit or debris.
2. Remove all topical coatings with STONE STRIPPER.
3. Rinse the surface with MARBAMIST.
4. The surface must be dry for twelve hours before application.
5. Apply the STONE SPRAY-N-SEAL® using a clean terry cloth towel.
6. After five minutes, wipe off the excess with a soft, white terry towel.

Grout:

1. Remove all grit and debris from the surface.
2. Remove all topical coatings with STONE STRIPPER.
3. Deep clean the pores using STONE QUEST with a a soft bristled brush.
4. Lightly rinse the surface with MARBALEX.
5. Grout must be dry for twelve hours before application.
6. Dab or brush STONE SPRAY-N-SEAL® onto the grout and let it dry.
7. After five minutes, remove any excess that remains on the surrounding surface.

Grout Release:

1. Install the stone with the proper setting materials.
2. Remove all grit and debris from the surface.
3. Remove all topical coatings with STONE STRIPPER.
4. Lightly rinse the surface with MARBALEX.
5. Apply STONE SPRAY-N-SEAL to the stone following the SCI application procedures.
6. Apply grout to the joints.
7. Wipe off remaining residue with MARBALEX using a mop or sponge application.

OBSERVATIONS:

• If the sealer is absorbed within five minutes apply a second coat at least one hour later.
• If the sealer is not completely absorbed after five minutes, wipe off excess with a clean dry terry cloth towel or an all