I just had light gray slab counters installed in a kitchen remodel. I have not sealed the stone yet.
The client likes the color of the stone when it is rubbed down with water, which darkens the surface. Of course, the color lightens back once the water evaporates.
My question is: Can anyone recommend a good sealer which will darken the surface when applied and remain that way once dry? I’m trying to find a sealer which will not leave a high gloss finish, just darken and seal.
I have some scrap pieces of stone leftover to test on. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Replies
Mineral oil?
paint....
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Dark blue?
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that'll work...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Dunno about granite, but mineral oil is the traditional stuff used to darken soapstone. You need to apply it about every month for a year or so, and then anually for a while after that to keep it dark.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Had the same problem with slate. Used a water based varnish to seal/finish the tiles. Its on the floor in the main entrance to the house and its holding up very well but only been down 2 years. Try it on a scrap for color.
Look into one of the stone enhancers on this page. http://www.tecspecialty.com/content/products.aspx?sub_category_id=108
I haven't use the enhancer, but I've use other products by Tec and have been very pleased.
Don't mess with it. Seal and be done.
Jeff
I Found the solution: a product from Aqua Mix called "enrich and seal". the stuff works great on my stone scraps. However, now I have a new problem.
The corner area where the stone counter meets the stone backsplash had a bead of clear silcone caulk from the stone installers. I removed the caulk w/ a razor.
I applied water to this area to see how the sealer will look. The stone does not absorb the water here. The result is a light stripe in the backsplah/counter intersection which is very noticable. The silicone caulk sealed the stone here.
I've tried scrubbing the area w/ various stone cleaners, paint thinner, and torched it down w/ mapp gas. Nothing works, the stripe remains!!!!
Any ideas on how to remove the silicone from the corner would be appreciated. THianks!
I would try some Liftoff Silicon Caulk and Foam remover. If you can find it try some acetone or goof off.Let some set on the area for a couple of minutes and then wipe off.You might need to repeat it several times.And might need to make a poltice and use it to drawn out the last bits..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Acetone. But it may take off what you just put down ... that's why I suggested 'let it be'
Jeff
This is what you want:
http://www.defusco.com/p2794/TENAX-UNIBLACK-STAIN-STEP-1/product_info.html
Kowboy
Thnks all. I'm gonna try the acetone and goof-off. If those dont work I think i'll just "let it be" and apply some regular stone sealer.
a kid with a glass of kool aid will do it