AQUA MIX SEALERS

SEALANTS FOR NATURAL STONE SURFACES

AQUA MIX SEALERS FOR NATURAL STONE

Bellstone distributes AquaMix products. AquaMix has been manufacturing natural stone products for 25 years and distributes products to over 40 countries. AquaMix sealers are of extremely high quality and available at competitive prices with good back-up advice and exceptional technical support. AquaMix offer outstanding technical advice on appropriate sealant use for every different type of stone - it is why we chose them! It might look a bit confusing at first but we can help explain what each sealer does and show you stone samples that have had each sealer applied so that you can see the differences. Ask to see our sealer display wall when you visit us.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BY AQUA MIX

Bellstone customers are encouraged to read the excellent articles written by Scott Worthington below: 

Cement Grout Sealer Performance

Moisture Sensitive Stone - Classifications Explained

Microban Addition to Sealers Choice Gold

Stain Removal Procedures

Cleaning with Vinegar - An Old Idea Gone Wrong

TECHNICAL SEALING ADVICE

Bellstone customers are encouraged to downlaod the beautifully written technical data sheets and problem solving guides that are available on this page for each product.  If you have a problem or wish to get some in-depth technical advice contact Steve Derkacz, Aqua Mix Technical Adviser, 0410 336933. Alternatively, go to www.aquamix.com.au/products

DELIVERY

We deliver to the eastern states via warehouses in Sydney, Brisbane & Melbourne; expect delivery in 48-72 hours in the metro areas and 7 days in regional areas.

SEALANT COST GUIDE: INDICATIVE COVERAGE AND COSTS 

The information in the table below are estimates for each stone type and surface finish. They are based on 2 coats. Costs (GST included) are based on our current sale price of a 3.785 litre container, images of which appear above. Coverage depends on the density and porosity of the stone; it may also vary with the surface finish as you will see from the data below. Visit the Aquamix website for more information on sealing costs. 

Updated January, 2016

THE BENEFITS OF SEALING

LESS RISK, FEWER STAINS & LOWER MAINTENANCE

Sealants have made huge technological advances in recent years and are widely used because they reduce risk of staining and lower maintenance costs by:

• Preventing water and oil-based absorption

• Making sealed areas quicker and easier to clean.

• Protecting stone from surface salt attack

• Minimising damage from freeze thaw in very cold areas

• Providing a UV stable protective layer

Warning - sealants certainly help reduce the risk of staining but they can't do the impossible! If a stain agent is left on a stone surface long enough without being thoroughly cleaned, a stain mark or residue is likely. If you are conscientious and clean spills up straightaway the appropriate sealer will be your friend. 

THINGS TO UNDERSTAND BEFORE APPLYING SEALANTS

• Sealers are modern marvels of technology that help protect stone but they won't prevent damage arising from physical (scratches) or chemical abuse (acids). Choose stone wisely to suit the intended purpose – this is the best protection of all.

• Before applying any product on natural stone (or other surfaces), conduct tests on sample pieces or a small area of the surface that is hidden from view, to see if you are happy with the result.

• The level of protection offered by a sealant is directly proportional to the amount of sealant applied and absorbed – don't be a scrooge!

• Before applying a sealer, thoroughly clean the surface. If the surface is marked and stained (e.g. fat, food, leaves, moss) apply a stone cleaner first then wash off to prevent existing stains and marks being encased forever.

• Don't apply sealants to poorly drained outdoor surfaces where there is rising damp, water rising under hydrostatic pressure or water carrying dissolved salts that somehow gets under the stone surface – you will lock the salt laden moisture under the protective barrier. The water evaporates and escapes but the salt cannot. The trapped salt once crystalised can cause incredible damage.

• Don't apply sealants if the stone or grout is damp

• Don't apply sealants in the heat of the day when the stone is hot - apply it in the early hours of the day.

• If re-sealing stone make certain that the sealer being applied is compatible with the previously used product

• Two thin coats of evenly spread sealant is far more effective than one thick coat - the finish will be better as well.

• If sealing stone near salt water pools where frequent inundation or splashing occurs , seal all 6 sides. Do not use surface sealers around pools - rising salt may cause delamination

• There are lots of sealants on the market and their cost vary - so does the concentration of their contents. Don't compare prices on the basis of volume. Instead compare them on the area covered - because they vary enormously! 

SEALER EFFECTIVENESS TEST

A few drops of water on a piece of bluestone that had just one coat of sealant (Sealer's Choice Gold) illustrates "beading" - a characteristic of fluids that have come in contact with an impermeable surface. Water placed on unsealed stone will eventually be absorbed. The speed of absorption will be determined by the the porosity and density of the stone. We are often asked "how can you tell whether a sealer is still working on a floor"? A few drops of water is a quick and easy test!