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Slatestone Sealer Melbourne

While regular cleaning and the use of barrier matting can offer some protection for your Slatestone surfaces, the most effective method to prevent early deterioration is by applying a deep impregnating sealer.

Similar to other forms of natural stone, Slatestone wall and floor tiles exhibit varying degrees of absorbency. Pouring a teaspoon of water on an unsealed Slatestone tile demonstrates its porous nature, with small pinholes and open fissures, highlighting its ability to absorb potential stains.

For Slatestone tiles used in flooring and wall applications in Melbourne, meticulous preparation, sealing, and ongoing maintenance are essential.

 Melbourne Slatestone Penetrating Impregnating Sealers

Unsealed slatestone in Melbourne quickly absorbs moisture.

Slatestone is porous, which means that without a sealer, dirt can easily become trapped in the pores of the stone, as well as in the grout.

Slatestone benefits from being sealed in several ways in Melbourne:

  • Stain prevention
  • Surface enhancement
  • Discoloration prevention
  • Protection for the slatestone
  • Easier regular maintenance
Natural stone like slatestone in Melbourne requires the ability to breathe, rather than being covered by synthetic sealers or urethane coatings that trap vapor, potentially causing damage to your slatestone.

In an impregnating sealer the "active component" is typically a natural or synthetic resin.

This resin is combined with a liquid solution (carrier), often water.

Properties of Impregnating Sealer in Melbourne:
  • Penetrates into the stone and attaches its protective layer to the walls within the micro-pore structure, allowing for total vapor transmission through the stone.
  • Does not alter the color or sheen of the stone.
  • Does not require reapplication after each cleaning.
  • Because the sealer does not remain on the surface, it will not scratch or scuff. Without a surface coating to wear off, the sealer does not need to be reapplied as frequently as topical sealers.
  • Does not cause surfaces to become slippery when wet.
 Melbourne Slatestone after doing the sealing process
Selecting a slatestone sealer in Melbourne

With numerous sealers available in the market today, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is the right choice for your tiles. Which sealer will be effective, which won't, which one suits your specific situation, and how they vary?

Penetrating Impregnating Sealers

Impregnating sealers are typically suspended in a liquid carrier (either water or solvent-based) that penetrates into the small pinholes and open fissures just below the surface of the slatestone. Once absorbed, the carrier evaporates, leaving the sealer behind, which chemically reacts with the surface pores to create a breathable protective barrier.

 Melbourne Slatestone Matt White Hall Floor Tile

An impregnating sealer shields your slatestone surface and grout from absorbing stains, making cleaning and maintenance much easier. Australia offers a range of impregnating water-based sealers that can last for up to 15 years.

Penetrating impregnating transparent sealers seep into the pores of your slatestone and, once cured, do not alter the appearance of the tile or stone.

The GOLD sealer incorporates fluoro-chemical technology in Melbourne, the most advanced slatestone sealing technology available, offering long-term protection against water and oil-based stains. Its micro-molecular formula chemically reacts with the pore structure of your slatestone, creating a bond stronger than any conventional sealer.

Sealing prevents moisture carrying stains from absorbing into your slatestone in Melbourne.

Solvent-based sealers are typically reserved for extreme cases and are generally not recommended in Melbourne. Water-based sealers utilize modern technologies such as nanotechnology and fluoro-polymer technology, rendering most old solvent-based products obsolete.

Solvent-based products often emit toxic fumes, posing health risks. When applied, they require properties to be vacated for up to 48 hours and can cause damage to adjacent areas.

  • For optimal protection against oil and water-based stains, to maintain the appearance and slip resistance of your slatestone, and to prevent moisture damage, it is advisable to seal your slatestone in Melbourne with a high-quality, invisible, fully breathable impregnating sealer.

Impregnating sealers are suitable for both interior and exterior use, including wet areas like kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, patios, and around swimming pools.

Colour-Enhancing Penetrating Sealer:
  • A colour-enhancing penetrating sealer is crafted to enrich and accentuate the natural appearance of slatestone surfaces.
  • Penetrating Colour Enhancer is an ideal sealer for slatestone for two main reasons. Firstly, it is an impregnating sealer meaning it penetrates deep into the pores of slatestone in Melbourne, providing long-lasting robust protection against ingrained dirt. Secondly, it contains color-intensifying properties which enhance the natural colors in the slatestone.
 Melbourne Slatestone Matt White Room Floor Tile

Pre-Sealing Preparation in Melbourne

      Ensure that the surface intended for sealing is thoroughly clean and in the desired condition before application in Melbourne. Stains may become difficult to remove after sealing, necessitating the stripping of the sealer. Avoid using acidic cleaners on slatestone as they can cause damage.
      Remove any existing coatings such as wax or topical sealers from the slatestone surface before applying the new sealer.
      Ensure that the floor is completely dry before applying the sealer.

The number of coats required will vary depending on the porosity of the stone in Melbourne, with a second or third coat sometimes necessary. Once sealed, the slatestone will resist staining, and timely removal of stains should leave no evidence of marks on the surface.

Sealing with a long-lasting penetrating sealer not only prevents staining but also prolongs the lifespan of slatestone while making maintenance easier.

Impregnating penetrating sealants penetrate the slatestone substrate, filling the microscopic pinholes and open fissures inherent in its natural texture. A clear impregnating sealer does not alter the appearance or texture of the sealed slatestone in Melbourne, preserves its ability to release vapor, and offers greater longevity compared to film-forming sealers.

  • Longer lifespan as the protection is contained within the substrate, rather than simply on the surface
  • Resistant to UV light
  • Allows the stone to 'breathe', enabling retained moisture to escape
  • Surface remains non-slippery
  • Enhances the life expectancy of slatestone

Unsealed slatestone surfaces in Melbourne are highly porous and vulnerable to permanent staining from spills. Sealing is essential to safeguard slatestone against unwanted staining and degradation, especially for tiled floors that quickly absorb liquids carrying potential stains.

If you have a slatestone tiled floor, you will know that it absorbs liquids and therefore any potential liquid-carrying stains very quickly.

Topical sealers in Melbourne

Topical sealers are applied to create a glossy protective layer on the surface of slatestone and masonry surfaces in Melbourne. In contrast, penetrating sealers are designed to infiltrate the surface of slatestone, safeguarding the walls of each tiny pore within its structure.

 Melbourne  Slatestone Topical sealers

Some drawbacks of topical sealers for slatestone in Melbourne include:

  • Requires frequent reapplication
  • Must be completely removed before reapplication
  • Hinders the stone's ability to breathe, trapping moisture within
  • Creates a shiny film that is susceptible to scratches and scuffs
  • May alter the natural color of the slatestone

The primary purpose of a stone sealer is to provide stain resistance to porous stones like slatestone in Melbourne. Substances like red wine, oil, and grease can cause irreparable damage if left unsealed. While sealing slatestone won't completely prevent liquid absorption, it allows time to wipe spills away before permanent damage occurs.

Red wine, oil, and grease, in particular, can cause damage to slatestone in Melbourne that may be difficult to remove without the use of heavy resurfacing machinery. While sealing slatestone won't completely prevent liquids from absorbing into it, it will give you time to wipe spills away before permanent damage occurs.

Cleaning and maintaining slatestone flooring can also be more challenging when left unsealed in Melbourne, as surface contaminants will quickly absorb into the porous slatestone structure, making them difficult to remove.

It is strongly recommended to apply a deep-penetrating impregnating sealer to slatestone floors after installation in Melbourne to provide long-lasting protection and stain resistance.

The best available penetrating sealer in Melbourne. They produce advanced non-toxic sealers that are easy to apply using a brush, roller, or sprayer and will dry within a few hours. These deep penetrating slatestone sealers are available in a dry, invisible finish or in a slightly wet, color-enhancing effect and have a lifetime of 10 or up to 15 years.

  • Choose a quality, long-lasting deep penetrating, impregnating sealer for slatestone.
  • Thoroughly clean your slatestone prior to application to prevent dust and debris from being trapped once sealed.
  • Ensure correct application and the appropriate number of coats.
  • Remember, with stone sealers, you truly get what you pay for.
 Melbourne Slatestone sealing with topical sealer

Slatestone will vary in hardness and is inherently porous - if you apply a small amount of water to an unsealed slatestone surface in Melbourne, it will be absorbed in seconds. The porosity of slatestone is also affected by the finish - for example, a highly polished slatestone is less porous compared to slatestone with a honed (matte) finish.

Fluoro-chemical technology integrated into GOLD is the most advanced technology available for slatestone, offering ultimate long-term protection against water and oil-based stains. The micro-molecular formula chemically reacts with the slatestone surface to create a bond stronger than any other conventional sealer.

makes caring for your slatestone in Melbourne much easier!

provides durable protection against stains, superior oil and water repellency, no change to the natural surface appearance, is non-film forming, breathable, and easy to clean and maintain, preserving the beauty of your slatestone.

 Melbourne man cleaning and sealing black Slatestone

How can I get my Slatestone sealed in Melbourne?

Choose an experienced company with specialized equipment and expertise to correctly seal and maintain your slatestone once installed.

It is also important to keep your sealed slatestone clean, wipe up spills quickly, and clean periodically.

Professional cleaning will not only remove surface dirt but also draw out dirt deeply embedded within the pores of slatestone.

Contact a professional stone floor maintenance company in Melbourne with the equipment and knowledge to ensure your valuable slatestone surfaces look just how you want them.

Tile Cleaners Australia and StoneMaster are members of the network of independent Accredited Applicators who have been fully trained in the proper application of slatestone care products. They offer a full service by thoroughly cleaning the slatestone area to be treated, product application, and providing after-sales care.

  • Tile Cleaners Melbourne is Melbourne's leading tile care provider of all tile & grout cleaning, tile sealing, tile stripping & sealing, tile regrouting, grout colour sealing, and minor tile repairs. If you require any slatestone cleaning, restoration or have any questions regarding your slatestone, their friendly customer service team is very helpful.
  • StoneMaster provide a diagnostic approach to each unique situation, including a full analysis, selection of the best-required method of restoration and follow up maintenance procedures always ensuring outstanding results.

Ensuring your slatestone is thoroughly cleaned before sealing is important as you may seal in old stains or dust and debris embedded in the stone, resulting in the sealer needing to be stripped and resealed.

Applying a sealer that is not suitable or of sufficient quality will result in slatestone surfaces you aren't completely satisfied with.

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