Preparing Natural Stone

Natural stone must be clean, dry, sound, and free of waxes, oils, grease, topical coatings, and contaminants.

Existing penetrating sealers may not be completely removable. Previously sealed surfaces should be evaluated with a test area to verify adhesion before proceeding. It’s quite likely that if the sealer impregnated and cannot be removed, it will not be a problem. Topical sealers are easier to remove and that’s the point: you only want to bond to something that isn’t going to come off.

Clean the surface using a heavy-duty degreaser or TSP substitute. Thoroughly remove all cleaning residue and allow the surface to dry completely.

Wipe with clean acetone-dampened rags, replacing rags frequently.

Water should uniformly wet the surface without excessive beading. Persistent beading may indicate contamination, wax, or sealer residue requiring additional cleaning or evaluation.

Test areas are strongly recommended on all previously sealed stone surfaces.