The Science Behind Stone Impregnating Sealer

A continuing stone and tile science series by Fred Hueston

Stone impregnating sealers are a type of penetrating sealer that is applied to natural stone surfaces. These sealers are designed to penetrate the pores of the stone and create a protective barrier that prevents liquids and other substances from staining or damaging the stone. While stone impregnating sealers are commonly used in the stone and tile industry, many people are unaware of the science behind how they work.

The science behind stone impregnating sealers is based on the principles of surface tension and capillary action. Natural stone surfaces are porous, meaning that they contain small openings or pores that can absorb liquids and other substances. When a liquid comes into contact with a porous surface, it can seep into the pores and become trapped. This is what causes staining and other types of damage to natural stone surfaces.

Stone impregnating sealers work by reducing the surface tension of the stone and creating a hydrophobic barrier. Surface tension is the force that holds the surface of a liquid together. By reducing the surface tension of the stone, liquids are less likely to seep into the pores and become trapped. This is because the liquid will tend to bead up and roll off the surface of the stone, rather than seeping into the pores.

Capillary action is another important principle that is involved in the science of stone impregnating sealers. Capillary action is the ability of a liquid to flow through narrow spaces, such as the pores of natural stone surfaces. When a liquid comes into contact with a porous surface, it will tend to flow through the narrow spaces between the particles of the surface material. This is what causes liquids to be absorbed by natural stone surfaces.

Stone impregnating sealers work by creating a barrier that blocks capillary action. This is done by filling the pores of the stone with a hydrophobic material, such as silicone or fluoropolymer. When the pores are filled with this material, liquids are unable to flow through them and become trapped. This creates a protective barrier that prevents staining and other types of damage to natural stone surfaces.

There are many different types of stone impregnating sealers available on the market today. Some of the most common materials used in these sealers include silicone, fluoropolymer, and acrylic. Each of these materials has its own unique properties and benefits, and the choice of sealer will depend on the type of natural stone surface being treated and the specific requirements of the project.

The science behind stone impregnating sealers is based on the principles of surface tension and capillary action. By reducing the surface tension of the stone and blocking capillary action, these sealers create a protective barrier that prevents staining and other types of damage to natural stone surfaces. With a wide range of materials and formulations available, stone impregnating sealers are an effective and versatile solution for protecting natural stone surfaces in a variety of applications.