Stone Conservation and Restoration: Reviving the Beauty and Durability of Your Outdoor Space

Why Stone Needs Special Sealers

Stone, despite its robust appearance, is naturally porous. This means it can absorb water, oils, and other contaminants, leading to staining, deterioration, and structural damage. Unique and specialised sealers are designed to penetrate the stone’s surface, providing a protective barrier against these elements. Using a suitable sealer can enhance the stone’s resistance to weathering, prevent unsightly stains, and extend its lifespan.

How Each Stone is Different

Not all stones are created equal. Different types of stone have unique properties and vulnerabilities:

• Granite: Known for its durability, granite is less porous but still benefits from sealing to prevent staining and surface damage.
• Marble: Softer and more porous than granite, marble is prone to etching and staining, requiring more frequent sealing.
• Limestone: Highly porous and softer, limestone can absorb water and stain easily, necessitating regular sealing.
• Sandstone: Its high porosity can quickly deteriorate without proper sealing and maintenance.
• Slate: Though less porous, slate can still benefit from sealing to protect its surface and enhance its natural colours.

Understanding these differences is crucial in selecting the suitable sealer and maintenance routine for each type of stone.

Stone Protection VS Restoration

Protection involves applying sealers to prevent damage, while restoration consists of repairing and rejuvenating already damaged stone. Protecting your stone from the outset with a high-quality sealer can minimise the need for extensive restoration down the line. However, if your stone already shows signs of wear, restoration processes like cleaning, repairing cracks, and re-sealing can revive its original beauty.

Where to Buy Premium Sealers in Australia

When it comes to purchasing premium stone sealers in Australia, it’s important to choose the right product for your specific needs. While more generic sealers might be found at stores like Bunnings, specialised and premium sealers for particular types of stones are better sourced from a specialised supplier like us or one of our Premium Coatings Stockists.

 

Which Sealer is Right for Your Application?

Choosing the right sealer depends on the specific needs of your stone and the environment in which it is located.

Sealing Stone Around Swimming Pools

Stone around swimming pools is consistently exposed to water and chemicals. A high-quality penetrating sealer is essential to protect against water absorption, chlorine damage, and mould and mildew growth. For the best protection, especially against the corrosive effects of saltwater pools, use a stone protection sealer against saltwater. Additionally, look for sealers that provide a slip-resistant finish to ensure safety around wet areas.

Restoring Deteriorating Stone

For stones that have already begun to deteriorate, a stone-strengthening sealer can help. These products not only seal the stone but also strengthen it by filling in micro-cracks and binding loose particles. This can rejuvenate the stone’s appearance and improve its structural integrity.

Hardening and Densifying Concrete

Concrete surfaces can benefit from a commercial-grade concrete hardener, which penetrates the surface and reacts chemically to create a more complex, more durable layer. This is particularly useful for high-traffic areas where increased resistance to wear and tear is needed.

 

Application Guide

Proper application is critical to achieving the best results from your stone sealer.

How to Apply Conserve & Seal

1. Ensure the surface is clean and dry
2. Surface sealer and repellents must be removed prior to application.
3. Cover surfaces not intended to be treated.
4. Saturate an even first coat using a low-pressure sprayer, lambswool applicator, paintbrush or dipping. A pump sprayer is recommended for rough surfaces.
5. Allow sealer to penetrate the surface for 5 – 15 minutes.
6. Typical treatments involve 2 – 3 cycles (6-9 separation applications)
7. Please allow 20 – 60-minute curing time between each cycle.
8. After the final application, thoroughly wipe all excess sealer with clean and absorbent towels.
9. If a second treatment is required, allow 2 – 3 weeks of curing time following the initial treatment.
10. It is important that no water comes into contact with newly treated surfaces for at least 2-3 days after application.
11. Clean tools used during application with methylated/ white spirits or solvents.

How to Apply Consolidate & Seal™

1. Ensure the surface is clean and dry.
2. Cover surfaces not intended to be treated.
3. Saturate an even first coat using a sprayer, lambswool applicator or paintbrush, including under the pool coping. A pump sprayer is recommended for rough surfaces.
4. Allow sealer to penetrate the surface for 10 – 15 minutes.
5. The following coats should be applied evenly before the first coat is fully dry.
6. After the final application, thoroughly wipe all excess sealer with clean and absorbent towels.
7. A full cure is achieved in 28 days, however, can be put into service in 14 days. It is important that no water comes into contact with newly sealed surfaces for at least 2-3 days after application.
8. Clean tools used during application with solvent.

How to Apply RockHard™

1. Ensure the surface is clean and dry.
2. Cover surfaces not intended to be treated.
3. Apply an even first coat using a low-pressure sprayer or a lambswool applicator.
4. Allow the product to penetrate the surface for 15 – 20 minutes, and thoroughly wipe off all excess with clean and absorbent towels.
5. The second coat should be applied evenly after the initial application as directed in steps 3 – 4.
6. After the final application, thoroughly wipe all excess with clean and absorbent towels.
7. Should a product residue appear (white), agitate the surface with a white nylon scrubbing pad to loosen the residue.
8. A full cure is achieved in 24 – 72 hours. Foot traffic can resume in 8 hours, driving in 24 hours.
9. It is important that no water comes into contact with newly sealed surfaces for at least 24 hours after application.
10. If polishing is required after treatment, continue the process of grinding, honing and polishing progressively with a finer diamond pads until high gloss finish is achieved.
11. Clean tools used during application with water.

By following these guidelines and choosing the right products, you can preserve the beauty and durability of your outdoor stone features for years to come. Explore a range of penetrating sealers here.