 Protect your investment while keeping your surfaces looking great.
The majority of natural and man-made surfaces have some degree of porosity which exposes them to unsightly stains ranging from water–borne salts, grease, oils, vegetable dyes, lipsticks, red wines, graffiti, efflorescence and many more. By using a high quality sealer you not only protect your investment, you keep your tiles and surfaces looking great for many years to come.
Below are the answers to some of the most common questions asked about sealing surfaces.
What type of sealer should I use? There are two main types of sealers:
A Surface Sealer: will provide a physical barrier over the surface which darkens the surface. These coatings usually wear relatively quickly and become more slippery when wet. Salts may also build-up under the surface, causing the coating to appear cloudy.
Impregnating Sealers: can be classified as those that repel water and those that repel both water and oil based stains. Impregnating sealers usually have little effect on the frictional properties and appearance of the surface but will not completely stop dirt getting into the open pores of the surface.
Is it normal to still get marks on a surface that has been treated with an impregnating sealer?
Since impregnating sealers do not fill the pores, marks from contaminating agents can still discolour the surface. The positive feedback is that the sealer holds the agents close to the surface. Normally, a diluted acid free bleach and light rubbing will remove most marks caused by organic contaminating agents such as oil etc Impregnating sealers are bleach tolerant.
 Should the sealer be water-based or solvent-based?
Sealers need a “carrier” to take the active ingredients onto or into the surface. This carrier is either water or an organic solvent. There is no doubt that water is a safer and more environmentally suitable solvent. However, as a general rule, water-based sealers are less effective than solvent based sealers. They do not penetrate well into the surface, cannot be easily recoated, and do not perform as effectively.
Do I need to pre-seal my tiles?
Pre-sealing i.e. sealing a tile before it is installed ; helps to protect the tile from installation water damage such as that caused by grouting. Pre-sealing also helps reduce the amount of impregnating sealer required once the tile is installed; it also reduces that amount of sealer penetrating too deeply into the tile. Another important benefit of pre-sealing is to reduce the effects of grout migrating into the side of the tile causing an unsightly discolouration. Your tiles may already be pre-sealed, often with a relatively weak sealer. To check if this is the case, place a tablespoon of water on the surface of the tile for about 30 seconds, if the water is absorbed or leaves a water mark on the tile, the tile is not pre-sealed and we advise to pre-seal prior to laying.
What is ‘picture framing'?
This term is used to describe a discolouration that may occur to the outer rim of the surface of the tile. The source is normally either the seepage of grout into the tile or, for cement based materials, an uneven curing of the cement in the tile. Picture framing is usually irreversible and it is best to prevent it from occurring. Preventive measures include pre-sealing the upper-surface of the sides of the tile.
I think I have an efflorescence problem?
Efflorescence is a problem affecting all cement based building materials. This includes paving, brickwork, block work, concrete, render, grout and tiles. In every kilogram of cement-based material there are also many grams of water-soluble salts. Efflorescence begins when unused lime compounds from the cement are dissolved in mixing water, ground water or rain water; evaporation of the water brings these lime compounds to the surface where they can react with the carbon dioxide in the air to form insoluble crystalline calcium carbonate. If efflorescence has already occurred, don't worry we can permanently restore the surface for you and keep it looking great.
Can I get a ‘resistant' surface?
Even an impregnating sealed surface may still mark. To obtain a “resistant” surface you may need to use an epoxy or polyurethane surface coating or use a vitreous tile. Australian Stone Seal can also apply epoxy or polyurethane coatings.
How do I organize a free quote for sealing my tiles?
To obtain a free quote contact Australian StoneSeal or call us on 1300 720 699
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