Protect, protect, protect.  I keep hearing this in both my business and in the culture. What is true protection? How is it defined? How is it tested? And when should we put our confidence in it?   After sealing stone for over 30 years, I KNOW some manufactures, retail and applicators of sealers are fudging the truth. That means they are exaggerating the facts in order to sale the product or service. Why? Simply, because like all of us, they need to make a sale, pay the bills, and buy shiny stuff.  But maybe in their minds, it’s a doggy-dog world and a little lie here and there is just life and we will all get through it, until there’s damaging consequences from it.

 

Webster Dictionary definition of Protection:

The act of protecting or the state of being protected; preservation from injury or harm. 

  

Is Your Stone Protected?

 

People are spending thousands of dollars on their marble, granite and other natural stones. They really don’t want it to get damaged, so they heard that it needs to be sealed.  That makes perfect sense….or does it?  

 

Fabulous questions (AND MY ANSWERS) to ask yourself about NATURAL STONE

 

1. What does stone need protection from?  Liquids and oily stains

2. Doesn't it NATURALLY protect itself from those stains?  Most do! Many stones are dense (non-porous) and do not stain easily. If not cared for properly it can become more susceptible to damage.

3 What if the stone does not naturally protect itself from staining?  There are products called sealers, that can be applied to help minimize the staining, but its not full proof and proper care and prevention is still required.

4. Do all sealers made, actually work?  No! Most sealers on the market do not work. Many work  for some stones but not for all. 5. Is there a way to know if the sealers actually work?  Yes.  Those in the stone industry who actually test and apply the sealers are the best to ask.  They personally have used and tested the results for years, and are the most reliable people to determine if the sealer should or should not be used for your particular stone. Get 2 or more opinions from experienced companies.

6. Is there a consequence for using the wrong sealer?  Sometimes. The wrong sealer may be completely ineffective and give the owner a false sense of protection.  They expose it to liquids believing it will work and it doesn’t.  There can also be a long term consequence. The sealer may appear to work in the beginning but after many years, it causes the stone to deteriorate at a rate faster then leaving it to age naturally.

7. How do I do my own test if I don’t have a trusted professional?  Great question.  If you have had the stone for a long period of time, ask yourself, “How is it doing? Do I notice any issues that are not common for the stone, such as excessive staining or discoloration? What caused my concern for sealing? Was it something I read, or my neighbor told me, or some long winded newsletter saying, I must seal it?” 

 

The At Home Test:  Apply a cooking oil or water on a very small inconspicuous area and leave on for 10 minutes. Wipe it up.  Did it stain? If it did, then you need a proven, quality, tested sealer.  If it did not stain, repeat the same test and now leave it on for an hour. Wipe it up. Did it stain? If it did not, then you don’t need sealer. If it did, then I recommend sealing. 

 

You can always contact me if you have questions and as a professional stone care expert, I will be able to steer you in a reliable direction without compromising your stone.