Sealing Granite Tiles Cordeaux

Granite is essentially molten lava that never rose above the surface of the earth. Granite is a very hard natural stone denser than marble. A geologist will tell you that it is an igneous or metamorphic rock that is highly saturated with silica. Granite has a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale, which determines a materials' hardness. Diamond has a rating of 10. Suffice it to say there are not too many things that will easily scratch granite.

Granite delivers breathtaking beauty unmatched by synthetic materials and a very high level of durability. Granite is used in many roles around the house, from flooring, stair treads and countertops to wall coverings and beautiful sinks and basins. Granite is a preferred material, due to its extremely high quality, it's easiness to clean and its ability to add to the value of your home while adding depth and character to your surroundings.

To find out if your granite requires sealing try a simple water patch test. Leave a few drops of water on an inconspicuous part of the granite for 10-15 minutes then wipe with a clean cloth, if the water darkens the stone it means that you will need to have it sealed, making your granite stain resistant. You can complete the same test with mineral oil if you wish to really make sure stains wont be absorbed. If it does darken the granite don't worry, as mineral oil will completely evaporate returning the stone to its natural colour. What this will tell you is you may need a stronger sealer for your variety of granite.

This test will work for granite and all other stone. A honed or polished surface will tighten the pores in the tile and lower absorbency. In short, if granite darkens with any material water or oil then you require a premium sealer.

Tile Cleaners® technicians have years of experience in sealing granite with our advanced machinery and quality products

To schedule your appointment or to obtain a free estimate, call 1300 771 201 today or use the online enquiry form at the top of the page

Whether you have just had your granite laid or it has been down for years, Tile Cleaners® experienced technicians provide Australia's leading service in the sealing and protection of your stone. Not all granite is created equally, some will absorb liquids and some wont, hence wont require sealing. If a stone cannot absorb anything it wont absorb sealer. The good news with this situation is if the granite won't absorb sealer, stains wont penetrate it either. If you seal a stone that doesn't need sealing you will be left with a hazy, flaking finish.

Initially our specialists will assess whether your granite needs sealing and/or whether it needs stripping. Stripping may need to be done before a new sealer is applied. A thorough clean will be carried out before the sealing process begins as whatever is on the surface once sealed, will be sealed in.

For granite we would recommend 2- 3 coats with an impregnating penetrating sealer. A cheaper option is a topical sealer if you wish but it may create a slippery finish and can be dangerous especially in wet areas like around swimming pools.

Two main sealing options exist for granite tiles

• Deep Penetrating Impregnating Sealer

(Transparent Finish)

• Topical Sealer

(Gloss/Satin/Matte Finish)

A deep penetrating impregnating sealer will protect your granite from water and oil based stains by chemically bonding with the surface pores leaving a long lasting, breathable protective barrier. An impregnating sealer results in easier regular cleaning while protecting your granite surface and grout from absorbing stains for up to 15 years. Tile Cleaners® are proud to be accredited applicators of Australia's Deepshield&trade Gold based on the latest fluoro-bond technology and specifically engineered for denser surfaces. A penetrating impregnating transparent sealer enters the pore structure of your granite and once cured, will not alter the appearance of your granite tile or stone.

Tile Cleaners® technicians are experts at applying all types of sealer and will ensure your granite looks its absolute best. Our technicians can apply a topical sealer when especially required to create a high gloss, satin sheen or matte finish to your surfaces. Topical sealers can also helpful in situations where your old solvent based sealer can't be completely removed or when required to hide certain types of damage. Topical sealers usually have a life expectancy of around 3 years.

You can easily test how porous your granite is by applying a drop of water to the surface and watching how the water is absorbed. You can then see how any type of water based stain can be absorbed by your granite tile surface and grout.

If your granite does need sealing the question often asked is how often should I reseal it? The easiest answer is when your granite no longer repels liquids. When this starts to occur it means you need to re-apply the original sealer (not coat over the existing!). Any premium penetrating sealer should last between 5 - 15 years depending on maintenance. Many assume once granite is sealed then the work is done but a certain amount of up keep is necessary to make sure it continues to resist stains.

The need for sealing granite regularly is a myth, designed to prey on the insecurities of uninformed homeowners. Our quality products will only need stripping and resealing every 10-15 years.

Tile Cleaners® products provide eco-friendly solutions to by providing protection for your granite without harsh chemicals. We have two options when it comes to sealing, a topical sealer and a penetrating sealer.

Our Penetrating Impregnating Sealer is designed to absorb into the surface of the granite. There is no trace of the sealer as the tile is left with the natural finish it had originally. This below the surface filler has the primary function of reducing absorbency without affecting the slip resistance of the stone. This sealer doesn't show wear like other cheaper surface sealers and has a much longer lifetime. It will typically require 2 coats.

Our Topical based sealer provides a surface seal that leaves your granite with an altered appearance. It can be a dangerous option for wet areas as it can become slippery. This sealer requires more regular application as it has a shorter lifetime. You will physically see when it needs to be reapplied, as it will flake and peel. This will provide a more unnatural look for you granite.

It is common with stones such as bluestone and slate to use a solvent-based sealer which has been used to seal them previously. For newly laid bluestone this isn't recommended due to its harsh chemical compounds. But if a solvent sealer exists it will need more care and different types of products to strip and reseal. The new seal will also have to be solvent so it adheres to any left over solvent after stripping. If a water-based sealer is applied over a solvent, the finish may cause negative reactions and end in a poor result.

We provide specialised sealing solutions for Granite flooring in residential and commercial properties

To schedule your appointment or to obtain a free estimate, please Call 1300 771 201 or use the online enquiry form at the top of the page

We cover all suburbs

Your sealer will last you a long time if you take care of it properly. Maintenance doesn't need to be a chore. It is a simple process that will add years to the lifetime of your sealer and granite alike.

If you are having new granite laid always ask the manufacturer what they recommend as they will know best. Keep your mops and cloths clean and rinse them regularly in warm water throughout the cleaning process. Never leave any residue left on your granite as it will react with the sealer and reduce its effectiveness.

Granite doesn't need to cost you a fortune in upkeep if you take a bit of time to look after it regularly.