Impregnating Natural stone

When applied to natural stone or other materials (such as concrete, wood, plaster, terrazzo, terracotta...), impregnating agents prevent water, oil, grease and other dirt from penetrating the surface. The dirt remains on top of the surface and is easily removed afterwards.

An impregnating product does not seal the stone completely, but reduces the pores. This allows the stone to continue to breathe, but prevents it from absorbing dirt. So it is very important to impregnate natural stone. This makes maintenance easy and avoids the risk of permanent fouling.

WITH WHICH PRODUCT?

We distinguish between water-repellent and stain-repellent impregnation products:

• Water-repellent impregnating agents, also known as hydrofuges, only repel water and therefore find their application mainly for facades, garden paths, terraces,...
• Besides being water-repellent, stain-repellent impregnating agents are also oil- and grease-repellent. The treated surface is thus resistant to (kitchen) oils, dressings and soaps. They find their application mainly in interiors for kitchen worktops, floors and bathrooms. 

Do remain cautious when using acidic products on calciferous natural stones (e.g. marble, bluestone, travertine). An acidic product dissolves lime in the stone resulting in matt etching stains.

We distinguish between colourless and colour-depleting impregnation products:

• Colourless impregnation products are transparent and will not, or virtually not, darken the stone colour.
• Colour-deepening impregnation products are specially made to intensify the stone colour (to maintain a so called permanent wet effect of the stone). Matt surfaces stay matt, glossy ones stay glossy.
  
  

We distinguish between solvent-based and water-based impregnation products:

• Solvent-based impregnating agent:
• Penetrates deeper into the pores of the stone than a water-based product, resulting in a higher degree of protection.
• Substrate must be dry when applying the product, as solvents can react with water/moisture
• Packaged in metal bottles
  
  
• Water-based impregnating agent:
• Substrate may still be slightly moist
• Odourless
• Packed in plastic bottles

HOW TO PROCEED?

How do you go about impregnating (natural) stone?

1. Clean your (natural) stone thoroughly with an acid-free cleaner (such as Akemi Stone Cleaner or Akemi Cleaner I). Remove all dirt, dust, grease and soap residue.
   
   
2. Allow your (natural) stone to dry completely.
   For floors, switch off the underfloor heating and do not apply in direct sunlight.
   
   
3. Choose a suitable impregnating agent for your type of (natural) stone. Transparent (hydrophobic or oleophobic) and colour-enhancing agents are available. First test the agent on an inconspicuous place or a residual piece.
   
   
4. Apply the impregnating agent generously with an impregnating pad, brush, cloth, sprayer or flat mop. Work in one direction and in small sections.
   
   
5. Allow the impregnating agent to soak in according to the instructions on the packaging (10 to 30 minutes of exposure time).
   
   
6. Porous surfaces will require multiple layers during this exposure time.
   
   
7. Remove the excess impregnating agent with a dry, lint-free cloth. Ensure an even result without streaks.
   
   
8. Let the surface rest for 24 hours before using it again.

To keep your impregnated (natural) stone in optimum condition, we recommend that you maintain it regularly and repeat the impregnation after a while. The frequency depends on the intensity of use and the type of impregnating agent.

FAQ document with most frequently asked questions:  VIEW HERE

Can we help you with natural stone impregnation? 

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