Penetrating Sealers Penetrating sealers penetrate the pore structure of particular surface and reduce its porosity. They are designed to resist staining by water and oil borne stains and prevent stains from penetrating deeply into the stone, tile or other masonry surface while maintaining a "natural" appearance. Remember, sealers, whether penetrating or film coating, are designed to provide a "window of opportunity" to clean up potential stains before they become a problem.
Penetrating sealers can incur surface stains, which can, in most cases, be removed with normal maintenance procedures. Some can darken (or enhance) the surface appearance. Silicone sealers are good for water repellency but offer poor oil resistance. The silanes, siloxanes and the recently developed fluropolymers will repel oil very well but offer less water repellency. It the end a mix and match of products may prove to be most useful.
Porous tiles and stones will require multiple coats to obtain optimal level of resistance. Remember that penetrating sealers will not change the inherent reflective quality of the surface and will last from three to ten years (depending on whether the surfaces is horizontal or vertical). Maintenance is done with standard pH neutral products and procedures.
Copyright © 1998 Kemper York Company. CA. License #737867.
All rights reserved. Published June 5, 1998 by Destiny Design.