Setting Material Guide

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Sealants and Cleaners are an important part of maintaining the overall beauty and
durability of tile and natural stone installations. More importantly, they protect the
investment of time and money spent on any tile or stone project. There are a variety
of Sealers and Cleaners and several factors to consider when choosing which product
to use. It is recommended that all natural stone and most tile installations receive some
sort of sealing after installation and periodic reapplication moving forward. The
frequency of reapplication depends on the product and tile or stone in which it is applied
Depending on the desired look of the job would determine a penetrating sealer or
enhancing sealer which are offered in both water based and solvent based. As an
overall rule, natural stone products require sealant on both the tile and grout. While
ceramic and porcelain products generally only require sealants on the grout only.
Sealants
Water based sealers:
o Typically less toxic than solvent based sealers and are best used in
environments where low chemical exposure is preferred.
Solvent Based sealers:
o These are chemically based products used in areas that need a stronger and
longer lasting sealing such as food prep areas, restrooms, or high traffic areas.
Penetrating sealers
o Not a topical sealer, but rather a sealant that penetrates underneath the tile
or grout surface, but typically does not alter the natural look of the product.
The number of sealant coats to be applied during the initial process will
depend on the porosity of the tile product used.
Enhancing sealers
o Designed to enhance or altar the look of the natural stone tile to bring out the
vibrate colors of the different minerals found the stone. Again, the number
of sealant coats to be applied during the initial process will depend on the
porosity of the tile product used.
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