Sealing stone is a surface treatment application for products made of natural stone to inhibit staining and corrosion. All bulk natural stones are filled with interconnected capillary channels that permit penetration by liquids and gases. This is true for frozen rock types such as granite and basalt, metamorphic rocks such as marble and slate, and sedimentary rocks such as limestone, travertine, and sandstone. This porous channel acts like a sponge, and capillary action draws fluid from time to time, along with dissolved salts and other solutes. Stones that are highly porous, such as sandstone permeate relatively quickly, while solid rocks such as granite are significantly less porous; they absorb smaller volumes, and are slower, especially when absorbing viscous fluid.
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Why seal?
Natural stone is used in kitchen, floor, wall, bathroom, dining room, swimming pool, building foyer, common area and facade. Since ancient times, stone has been popular for building and decorative purposes. It has been appreciated for its strength, durability, and insulation properties. Can be cut, split, or shaped as needed, and variations of natural stone, texture, and color types provide a variety of highly versatile building materials. Porosity and composition of most stones, however, make it vulnerable to certain types of damage if not closed.
Coloring is the most common form of damage. This is the result of oil or other liquids that penetrate deep into the capillary channel and deposit material that is effectively impossible to remove without destroying the stone.
The Salt Attack occurs when the salt dissolved in water is brought into the rock. The two most common effects are crystallization and spalling. The widespread salt of crystallization in the capillary crack can cause surface spalling. For example, various magnesium and calcium salts in seawater are highly developed at drying by taking crystallisation water. However, even sodium chloride, which does not include water crystallization, can use considerable expansionary force when the crystal grows.
Efflorescence is the formation of a pile of sand, usually white, on the surface. Proliferation is usually the result of mineral solutions in capillary channels being pulled to the surface. If water evaporates, the minerals remain as so-called crystallisations. It can also be the product of a chemical reaction; if very hard made cement mortar is used to maintain the position of the rock, soluble free calcium hydroxide. In the open air the lime reacts with carbon dioxide to form a water insoluble calcium carbonate which may take the form of a foamy powder or crust like dripstone.
Acid Attack . Insoluble stone materials such as calcite in marble, limestone and travertine, as well as internal cement binding resistant granules in sandstone, react with acidic solutions at contact, or at absorbing acid-producing gases in contaminated air, such as sulfur or nitrogen oxides. Acid eroded stones, leaving dull marks on polished surfaces. In time can cause deep pitting, ultimately totally removing the forms of sculptures, memorials and other sculptures. Even mild home acids, including cola, wine, vinegar, lemon juice, and milk, can damage vulnerable rock types. The lighter the acid, the longer it takes to form calcite-based rocks; stronger acids can cause irreparable damage in seconds.
Framing a Picture occurs when water or grout moves to the edge of a rock to create unpleasant effects or "frames". Such damage is usually irreversible.
Freeze-thaw Spalling occurs when water freezes on the surface of the pores. The general term is Frost weathering. Water expands at freezing, causing it to fall, crumble, or even crack.
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Protect stones
The longevity and usefulness of the stone can be extended by effectively sealing the surface, so it does not include harmful liquids and gases. The ancient Romans often used olive oil to seal their stones. Such treatments provide protection by removing water and other weathering materials, but stain the stones permanently.
During the European Renaissance experimenting with the use of topical varnishes and sealants made from materials such as egg whites, natural resins and silica, which are crystal clear, can be applied wet and hardened to form a protective skin. Most of these actions did not last long, and some proved dangerous in the long run.
Modern Sealer
Modern sealer stone is divided into 3 broad types:
- Topical sealer
- Generally made of polyurethane, acrylic, or natural wax. This sealer may be effective to stop stains but, exposed to the surface of the material, they tend to wear out relatively quickly, especially in areas with high traffic. This type of sealer will significantly change the look and resistance of the slip surface, especially when wet. This sealer can not breathe, ie does not allow the release of water vapor and other gases, and is not effective against salt attacks, such as blooming and spalling.
- Penetrating the sealer
- The sharpest sealer uses silicon, fluoro polymers and siloxanes, which resist liquids. This sealer penetrates the surface of the stone sufficient to anchor material to the surface. They are generally more durable than a topical sealer and often do not substantially change the look of the stone, but can still change the slip characteristics of the surface and perform relatively rapid wear. Penetrating sealers often require the use of special cleaners that either cleanse and add the remaining repellent on the stone surface. This sealer often breathes to some degree, but does not penetrate deep enough (generally less than 1mm) to be effective against salt attacks, such as blooming and spalling.
- Cradle sealer
- Use silane or modify silane. It is a kind of penetrating sealer, which penetrates deep into matter, impregnates it with molecules that bind to the capillary pores and repel water and/or oil from within the material. Some modified silane sealers impregnate deep enough to protect against salt attacks, such as crystallization, spalling, framing images, and freeze-thaw spalling. Some silane sealers based on nanotechnology claims are resistant to UV light and higher pH levels are found in new brick pairs and pointers. Good depth penetration is also important for protection from weathering and traffic.
See also
- Dimensional stone
- Tips and Tricks for applying a rock sealer
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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