Some stone sealers provide a wet look.
Soapstone, sandstone, slate, concrete, marble and granite are favorite choices for bathroom countertops. Although common, all of these types of countertops need extra care to keep them looking like they did when they were new. Depending on the type of countertop you choose, you will need to follow specified directions as they pertain to sealing and cleaning the stone.
Concrete
Stone and concrete sealers, also called "impregnators," are composed of resin dissolved either in water or a petroleum-based solvent that helps to protect concrete countertops from acids and oils.
Water-based sealants are penetrating sealants and are applied before being wiped away. Examples of sealants used to seal concrete are densifiers like sodium silicates or potassium silicates, repellents like silanes or siloxanes, wax, solvent-based or water-based acrylic, solvent-based or water-based epoxy and urethane. Silicone, fluoropolymers and siloxane are commonly used in penetrating sealants. Densifiers, repellants and urethane are all scratch-resistant sealants.
Concrete countertop sealers can be segregated into three primary categories: penetrating, hybrid and topical sealers. Concrete are different than outdoor concrete sealers. One tip is to allow sufficient dry time after any treatment involving water before applying the sealer.
Granite
Granite sealers must be applied to granite countertops to prevent deep stains within the stone. Solvent or water-based Granite sealers can penetrate deep into the granite and close off its pores so that stain causing materials can't get in. Granite countertop care begins with using products intended for natural stone, such as catalyzing polymers. Sealers made for natural stone with semi-porous qualities will decrease the uneven nooks and crevices but will not fill them in, preserving the natural look. You may want to look for a sealer that protects the countertop surface from bacteria, mold, and other toxins.
Slate
Sealers for slate countertops in kitchens and bathrooms are generally water based. Water-based sealers work best for extra porous surfaces, such as grained granites, flamed granite, tumbled marble, limestone, slate, concrete, sandstone, flagstone and grout. A reactive silicone polymer found in odorless mineral spirits impregnates slate and limestone to form a "wet look" protective barrier.
Soapstone
Soapstone is a type of metamorphic rock that consists mainly of an unrefined form of talc. Mineral oil enhances the natural veining characteristics and crystallization detail of the soapstone and can be applied to the surface to darken the stone and enhance soapstone's natural beauty. This type of oil also inhibits the growth of bacteria or other organisms. Mineral oil can be found in the laxative aisle at the drug store. Another choice for sealing a soapstone countertop is wax. Soapstone wax contains walnut oil and is not petroleum based as is mineral oil.
Marble
Marble is softer and more porous than granite, which makes it more susceptible to stains and etching. Stone sealers & cleaners designed for marble as well as some other natural stones are a fluoropolymer emulsion in water which bonds with all types of stone surfaces to produce a natural finish while providing stain resistance and increased wear abrasion. You can also choose a citrus-based solvent which is biodegradable and occurs naturally in nature as the main component of orange peel oil.
Tags: Concrete countertop, Concrete countertop sealers, concrete sealers, countertop sealers, , natural stone, penetrating sealants