Stone sealer

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Sealing is the application of a surface treatment to retard staining [1]. All natural stone is porous
since it is made up of countless interconnected capillary pores through which liquids and gases
can move. Natural stone includes; granite, basalt, marble, limestone, travertine, sandstone and
slate. These porous materials act like a "hard sponge" and actually suck in liquids over time,
along with any dissolved salts and other minerals. Very porous stone, such as sandstone will
absorb liquids relatively quickly, while denser igneous stones such as granite are significantly
less porous and may take an hour or more to absorb oils and water-based liquids.

Contents
[hide]

 1 Why seal?
 2 Protecting stone
 3 Modern sealers
 4 See also
 5 References

[edit] Why seal?

Natural stone is used in kitchens, floors, walls, bathrooms, dining rooms, around swimming
pools, building foyers, public areas and facades. Since ancient times, stone has been popular as a
building and decorating material. Its strength, durability, excellent insulation properties, ability
to be shaped, and the variety of stone types and colours make it an exceptionally versatile
building material. The porosity and makeup of most stone does, however, leave it prone to
certain types of damage if unsealed.

Staining is the most commonly occurring damage, which occurs when oils and other liquids are
sucked deeply into the material through its system of capillaries, where it can be almost
impossible to remove.
Salt Attack occurs when salts dissolved in water are carried into the stone. The two most
common types of salt attack are efflorescence and spalling. Salts drying i.e. crystallizing on the
surface can cause surface spalling. For example, the salt magnesium sulfate found in sea water
when it dries will expand to three times its volume by taking on seven water molecules.

Efflorescence is the formation of a white deposit on the surface. Its is usually the result of water
containing water-bourne salts reaching the surface and the water evaporating. In the case of
cement based mortar being used to fix the stone in place free calcium hydroxide is leached out
onto the surface. Here it reacts with carbon dioxide in the air to form water insoluble calcium
carbonate.

Acid Attack. calcite-based stone such as marble, limestone and travertine react with acidic
substances on contact, breaking down the surface and leaving dull marks or even deep pits over
time. This is known as acid etching. Even mild household acids, including cola, wine, vinegar,
lemon juice and milk, can damage these types of stone. The milder the acid, the longer it takes to
etch calcite-based stone; stronger acids can damage the stone in seconds.

Picture Framing occurs when water or grout moves into the edges of the stone to create an
unsightly darkening or "frame" affect. The result is usually irreversible.

Freeze-thaw Spalling results when water is able to freeze in the surface pores. The water
expands by 9% of its volume causing the surface to rupture or spall.

[edit] Protecting stone

The longevity and usefulness of stone can be extended if it is effectively sealed against the
ingress of damaging liquids and minerals such as salts. The ancient Romans often used olive oil
to seal their stone, which provides some protection against the ingress of water and against
general weathering by the elements, but stains the stone permanently.

During the renaissance Europeans experimented with the use of topical varnishes and sealers
made from ingredients such as egg white, naturally occurring resins and silica, which were clear,
could be applied wet and harden to form a protective skin.

[edit] Modern sealers

Modern stone sealers are divided into 3 broad types:

Topical sealers
Generally made from polyurethanes or acrylics. These sealers may be effective at
stopping stains 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
significantly change the look and slip resistance of the surface, especially when it is wet.
These sealers are not breathable i.e. do not allow the escape of water vapour and other
gases, and are not effective against salt attack, such as efflorescence and spalling.
Penetrating sealers
The most penetrating sealers use siliconates, fluoro-polymers 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 less than 1mm) to be effective against salt attack, such as efflorescence and
spalling.
Impregnating sealers
Uses silanes or modified silanes. These are a type of penetrating sealer, which penetrate
deeply into the material, impregnating it with molecules which bond to the cappillary
pores 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,
spalling, picture framing and freeze-thaw spalling. A good depth of penetration is also
essential for protection from weathering and traffic.

Sealants & Cement Additives

Miriseal (MS-A101)
MiriSeal is a ready to use impregnation Sealer which is applied to new and existing brick, stone, masonry, block, concrete
and plastered. Miriseal acts as a water repellant by penetrating the surface and creating a waterproof barrier. Spray on
application provides an excellent barrier against the absorption of water, salts and carbon contamination, penetrating up to
10mm it enhances the thermal properties of the material being sealed and does not change treated surfaces appearance.

MiriSeal is quartz based providing long term durability. At the Coast, due to the high humidity, fungi is a major problem. The
maji-ya-chumvi or coral surface quickly turns green and slippery with the growth. Application with the MiriSeal MS101
sealant prevents the surface from retaining moisture and therefore fungal growth is prevented.On existing maji-ya-chumvi
finishes, a simple cleaning with a mild acid or detergent (like JIK) and subsequent application of the sealant provides a 5-10
years stain free surface.

On floors that need a glossy finish, it is strongly recommended that MiriSeal MS-A101 is applied prior to wax application, as
this will prevent the wax from disappearing into the surface and will reduce the amount of wax needed to achieve gloss
finish.

PRODUCT INFORMATION
Colour: clear, transparent liquid
Type: water based chemical substrate
PH Value 8,2
Specific weight 1 kg/lt
Spreading Rate 4 -6 m2 /lt depending of the surface porosity
SPECIFICATIONS
Density Approx 1 g/cm3 at 20 degrees C
PH Approx 12 at 10 g/lt
Viscosity Approx 1 mm2/s at 20 degrees C
PACKAGING 5lt, 20lt
MiriGuard (MG-B101)
Highly efficient plaster Waterproofer and damp proofer, ready mixed and ready to use liquid. Miriguard penetrates 5 to 8 mm
on plaster work and 2 to 3 mm on previously painted surfaces. Creates a waterproof single skin walling system. When
sprayed provides an excellent barrier against water absorption.
FEATURES
Water based, UV resistant, compatible with all type of cement based surfaces, Excellent Sealer
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Colour Clear, transparent liquid
Type Water based chemical substrate
PH Value 8,2
Specific weight 1.05Kg / Lt
Spreading Rate 4 m2 per Liter of solution. Depend of the surface Porosity
SPECIFICATIONS
Form Liquid
Density Approx 1,25 g/cm3 at 20 degrees
PH Approx 12 at 10 g/litre
Viscosity Approx 1,1mm2/s at 20 degrees
PACKAGING 5lt, 20lt
SuperSeal
A Miriseal based formulation especially designed porous coral stone.
FEATURES
Water based, UV resistant, excellent sealer
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Colour Clear, transparent liquid
Type Water based chemical substrate
Spreading Rate 3 m2 per Liter of solution. Depend of the surface Porosity
Slurryseal
High efficiency construction waterproofer. Intended uses for Slurryseal include flat roofs, balconies with falls, retaining walls,
lining and tanking, Shower cubicles and as an additive into the plaster mix to repair cracks.
Slurryseal is water-based and UV resistant and compatible with all types of cement based surfaces. It has very strong
bonding component and roof tiles can be laid direct on Slurryseal
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Color Milky white liquid
Type Water-based chemical
PH Value 8,7
Specific weight 1 kg/lt
Spreading Rate 1 - 2 m2 /lt Slurryseal
DURABILITY
Unlimited life when protected externally with plaster mortar or other finishes
5 to 7 years when exposed directly to weather conditions
PACKAGING 1lt, 5lt, 10lt, 20lt
Miribond
A fast-acting cement additive designed to increase the strength of mortar (sand and cement mix) used to bond stone tiles,
quarry tiles and ceramic tiles to screeds. It is also ideal for use in plaster of arches, corners, sills. Miribond can also be used
for strengthening grouting of tiles.

Sealing Stone & Grout

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:

 Floor surface must be dust mopped to remove all grit and debris.

 All topical coatings should be stripped off with STONE STRIPPER (Solvent based coatings

should be removed with a solvent based stripper.)

 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.

 Surface must be rinsed with MARBALEX cleaner to reduce any alkali or acidic residue and to

remove any surface soils.

 Be sure that the surface is dry for at least twelve hours.

 Apply the sealer using a new dust mop in a figure eight motion.

 If excess remains on the surface after five minutes, buff off with an all white bonnet pad.

 Always use a new bucket and wringer.

 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:

 Apply STONE SPRAY-N-SEAL®.

 Sweep off all of the grit and debris with a push broom.

 Remove all topical coatings with STONE STRIPPER.

  Deep clean using STONE QUEST with a soft bristled brush after stripping.

 Rinse the surface with MARBALEX.

 Be sure that the surface is dry for twelve hours.

 Apply STONE SPRAY-N-SEAL® with a pump sprayer.

 Let application dry completely.

Vanity Tops or Wall Surfaces:

 Clean surface from any grit or debris.

 Remove all topical coatings with STONE STRIPPER.

 Rinse the surface with MARBAMIST.

 The surface must be dry for twelve hours before application.

 Apply the STONE SPRAY-N-SEAL® using a clean terry cloth towel.

 After five minutes, wipe off the excess with a soft, white terry towel.
Grout:

 Remove all grit and debris from the surface.

 Remove all topical coatings with STONE STRIPPER.

 Deep clean the pores using STONE QUEST with a a soft bristled brush.

 Lightly rinse the surface with MARBALEX.

 Grout must be dry for twelve hours before application.

 Dab or brush STONE SPRAY-N-SEAL® onto the grout and let it dry.

 After five minutes, remove any excess that remains on the surrounding surface.
Grout Release:

 Install the stone with the proper setting materials.

 Remove all grit and debris from the surface.

 Remove all topical coatings with STONE STRIPPER.

 Lightly rinse the surface with MARBALEX.

 Apply STONE SPRAY-N-SEAL to the stone following the SCI application procedures.

 Apply grout to the joints.

 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