Types of Sandstone Sealer

Because of the variety in colors and design performed by nature, sandstone is a popular building material used both for interior and exterior use as well as for domestic and commercial use. A sedimentary rock made up of sand-sized particles of quartz and other minerals, it is a natural occurring building material that has been a popular choice in building temples, cathedrals and monuments since ancient times. It is also considered an eco-friendly material since it can be source near the building site saving precious energy and excess materials from cutting and trimming are not wasted since these can be used in making concrete.

Considered the youngest of the stones, sandstone defers in its porosity, strength and permeability. Thus it has found many uses in gardens as an architectural ornament, as pavement, a fountain or a wall. Sandstone is a popular material as a countertop, tiles for floors, in showers or part of a wall as a vertical design. Although a stone, sandstone is very porous thus is susceptible to stains and damage. Water or any liquid such as oil will be absorbed by the sandstone very quickly and over time will cause damage to the surface thus sandstone sealer is applied to protect it. To further protect the beauty of sandstone, regular cleaning is required since dust may also cause scratches. Sandstone floors should also be cleaned with a cleaned with a dry untreated mop or wiped with warm water with a sponge or mop. Cleansers especially made for sandstone or stone should be used since regular cleaners that contain acid such as bleach or ammonia can damage surface of the sandstone.

There are generally two types of sandstone sealers in the market, the penetrating type and the topical type. The type of sealer usually depends on the location and the application of the sandstone. The penetrating type of sandstone sealers also known as impregnators are designed to penetrate the surface of the sandstone binding with the substrates of the stones. This will help block any liquids from penetrating the surface of the sandstone. Water may be colorless, but when left to penetrate sandstone, it may dry but a stain will result, more so with oils. This type of protection is usually applied in pavements, floors, or any exterior use since impregnators are UV resistant compared to the second type, the topical sealers.

Topical sealers which can either be permanent or strippable. Most are water based and are much cheaper than the penetrating type of sandstone sealer. Topical sealers will only coat the surface and will not penetrate the insides or substrates of the stone. A disadvantage of topical sandstone sealers is it is prone to show wear especially in high traffic areas such as floor. It is also not UV resistant and will yellow over time. Constant stripping and resealing may result in scratches and etch marks on the sandstone although topical sandstone sealers are more skid or slip resistant as compared to penetrating sealers.

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