Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use your products designed for stone on my other surfaces?
We do not recommend our products to be used on anything other than their intended use.
2. How can I tell if my stone has already been sealed?
Apply a drop of water 1/2-inch in diameter to the top of the stone and let stand for at least 15 minutes. Cover with a glass to inhibit evaporation. If the stone did not darken then your stone is probably sealed against water-based stains. Testing for oil repellency is not as simple because if your stone is not sealed, you will have an oil stain.
3. How do I keep my stone clean?
We recommend using a cleaner specifically formulated for natural stone. General purpose cleaning products can damage natural stone or the sealer applied to it, so don't just pick anything off the shelf at the grocery store. Improperly formulated cleaners or those with acids (such as porcelain of tile cleaners) may etch the surface of the stone. Make sure that you select a cleaner specifically formulated for natural stone care.
4. How often do I need to seal my stone?
If you sealed your stone with StoneTech Professional sealers and have maintained it with StoneTech Professional daily cleaners, your sealer should last up to 3-5 years. Use and ongoing maintenance greatly affects your sealer durability.
5. What is a sealer?
A sealer is like a coat of armor for your stone, tile, or grout. Our sealer will decrease the opportunity that anything can stain or harm your surface. We believe that you should always use an impregnation sealer, allowing you to retain the natural beauty of the surface.
6. What is an impregnating sealer?
A sealer is like a coat of armor for your stone, tile, or grout. Our sealer will decrease the opportunity that anything can stain or harm your stone. We promote the use of impregnating sealers, allowing you to retain the natural beauty of the surface.
7. Where does stone come from?
Stone comes from quarries which are located all over the world. A quarry is a type of open-pit mine from which rock or minerals are extracted. Quarries are generally used for extracting building materials such as dimensional stone. Quarries are usually more shallow that other types of open-pit mines. Quarries can be located in flat plains or on the side of a mountain.
8. Why does my granite stain?
Granite is like any other natural stone; it can be dense or porous and is absorbent to some degree. Stones that have more swirls or veins tend to be more porous and absorbent. These swirls and veins show the movement of the stones active molten history. Generally, stone with smaller crystals are more absorbent than stone that has large crystals.
9. Why does stone porosity differ by stone?
Stones have different porosity because of their mineral composition and geological formation. Depending on the process in which the stones were formed and where in the world they were formed, both affect the porosity of the stone.
10. Why does the name of the stone change from one store to the next, although the stone looks identical?
Stone could sometimes be from the same quarry but from different sections and different owners. Some stones look identical but originate from different parts of the world, making the appearance look the same but possibly with different mineral composition.
11. Why should I seal my natural stone?
A protected stone, tile, or grout will be easier to clean, resist staining, and provide a safer and healthier environment. Considering the investment, why wouldn't you provide the surface with the maximum protection possible.
12. Will my natural stone look glossy after sealing and enhancing?
No, unless you selected a topical, high gloss sealer such as a lacquer. If properly applied, impregnating sealers will leave your surface looking natural. Enhancing sealers are designed to darken the stone while reclaiming the original polished, matte, or honed look.
13. How can I give my stone fireplace a wet, high gloss look while being safe around the fireplace?
One product is the StoneTech Professional High Gloss Lacquer, which is a coating as well as a sealer. The lacquer will give you the wet look you are looking for plus the gloss. If you are just in search for a wet look and not such a high gloss, we do have our StoneTech Professional Enhancer Pro. The enhancer is a sealer as well as an enhancer. It will give your stone the wet look with out the shine. Both products are safe around your fireplace once they have cured.
14. How do I clean my just installed, sealed stone countertops?
Congratulations on your new countertops. Our suggestion for your ongoing care would be to use our Revitalizer Daily Use Cleaner with Protector. Not only is this consumer care kit an excellent cleaner for removing everyday soils and spills, but every time you clean, you are reinforcing the protection of the inital sealing.
15. Is it really necessary to seal stone outdoors? What do I need to protect against?
Outdoors can be very harsh on your stone. There are things that can affect your stone that are visible such as pollen and dirt, and there are also things that are not as easy to see such as UV rays. You make an investmetn to your home by putting natural stone in your yard, so it would be worth it to seal the stone and preserve its natural beauty. Sealing with our products will give you maximum protection against rain, other chemicals, oils from trees and plants, and all of those wonderful and fun-filled outside barbeques. We have a variety of sealers to choose from. We have sealers that will preserve your natural look, sealers that will enhance the natural look, and high gloss lacquers to give it that immaculate shine. As the homeowner, you need to decide what look you would like to achieve and purchase accordingly.
16. What type of sealers protect against stains on outdoor stone and can withstand constant exposure to the sun?
If your stone is going to be under constant UV ray exposure, or dealing with different weather conditions, we suggest the Heavy Duty Exterior Stone & Masonry Sealer, which has excellent weather repellency. If there will be an area that needs more oil repellency in addition to water repellency, you could wait 24 hours after your first coat of Heavy Duty Exterior Stone & Masonry Sealer and apply one coat of Heavy Duty Stone Sealer or Impregnator Pro.
If you have any further questions, please contact or visit one of your local showrooms to speak with one of our selection coordinators.