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Guide-Product Selection & Care

Sealing products, application suggestions, and durability assurances.

Here is a handy reference sheet about the different sealers we offer.

Feel free to use the guide to help you decide which product is right for you!

Product Comparison guide(pdf).

Grout Release

Apply ECONO™ 72 hours after the tile installation and 24 hours before grout is applied. The application of ECONO™ will:

  • Keep the grout out of surface indentations (pits and clefts).
  • Result in a noticeably easier to clean surface.

Penetrating Sealers

When an adequate amount of an oleophobic penetrating sealer is applied to a hard porous surface †he result is a surface that is easy to maintain because oil and water based stains are repelled!

Some stones do turn darker or look wet after the penetrating sealer is applied. This means two things.

  • First, the surface is very absorbent and will require more sealer.
  • Second, The very absorbent surface will take longer to return to the original color.


Penetrating Sealer characteristics are:

  • Stain protection that is invisible.
  • Safe because all solids are placed in the surface.
  • Revives older surfaces that have become harder to clean.

ENHANCE™

ENHANCE™ offers the same oleophobic protection that our penetrating sealers offer.

ENHANCE™ enriches a material's color or said another way, imbues the look when the material is wet.

ENHANCE™ is manageable. 

The wetting effect ENHANCE™ imparts can be adjusted.

For full enrichment, simply apply ENHANCE™ until an even sheen of ENHANCE™ covers the surface. Once an even sheen is achieved, leave the surface to dry without wiping.

To reduce the enrichment, wipe the sheen off the surface within 30 minutes.

Do you want more enrichment? Wait longer before wiping the sheen off the surface.


Experimenting with when to wipe or where to wipe, allows you to manipulate the color enhanced surface and achieve effects. The artistic options ENHANCE™ offers allows you to differentiate the material and show your artistic verve. We would love to hear from you and post pictures of your finished surface.


ENHANCE™ characteristics listed:

  • Adds color without adding a sheen.
  • ENHANCE™ is safe for use on food preparation surfaces.
  • ENHANCE™ is NOT a coating because all solids are placed in the surface and not on the surface.
  • ENHANCE™ revives or renews older surfaces.


Reapplication later is easy to determine. If or when, the surface looks dull or is harder to maintain, it is time to reapply ENHANCE™.

Remember to clean the surface thoroughly before reapplying ENHANCE™.


Wipe and Go™

Our collection of products known as Wipe and Go, have all the great features of our penetrating sealers and color enhancer, plus, the added value of:

  • Not having to wait around to wipe the surface.
  • A decrease in rag and paper towel expense. That is "green" both environmentally and in your wallet.
  • Reduced labor costs. Your most skilled artisan does not have to manage the sealing process and more jobs can be sealed in day.
  • No special sealer removal chemicals need to be purchased. Green again both ways.
  • Increased profit.


Wipe and Go™ requires work achieving an even sheen because most porous hard surfaces display inconsistent absorption even within a square foot. So, during the application of the sealer, you may find the surface starting to dry unevenly. Apply more sealer to the areas absorbing the most. Soon, you will have a light even sheen to leave to dry.

When you return to inspect the surface and test it's ability to repel, you may notice a haze on the surface. If you do, simply wipe the surface with a dry microfiber cloth before you test. The haze will disappear without needing to use any cleaning solutions.


Clean before Sealing

Before treating any surface with a penetrating sealer, the stone must be thoroughly clean and dry. The pits and crevices on or in the surface is where dirt and any previously applied care product collect. The entire surface including the crevices must be clean and dry before applying a penetrating sealer.

Always start cleaning with the mildest cleaning solutions. Alkalinity is used to define mild. Mild is Neutral pH which, is 7 on an alkaline scale.

*TIP* When cleaning stubborn to remove dirt, use hot water or steam to loosen.


Horizontal Cleaning/Floors


  • Wet the surface to be cleaned using a neutral pH cleaning concentrate like EZCLeaN™ or ALLCLeaN™ concentrate at full strength.
  • Apply the neutral concentrate, (with a spray bottle, or sponge coarse pump sprayer) scrubbing while applying.
  • Agitate the wet surface with a pre-moistened, soft bristle brush or micro-fiber rag for 5 minutes, then allow the solution to "dwell" or sit on the surface for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Restart scrubbing while adding water, dirt and debris should be releasing from the surface by now.
  • Remove dirt, cleaner and water mixture from the surface with a micro fiber cloth or a wet-dry vacuum.
  • Rinse thoroughly with clear water to remove all product and released dirt residue. Inspect and repeat if still dirty.


Vertical Cleaning/walls

The instructions for vertical is similar to horizontal instructions with one exception, Work from the bottom to the top.

  • Wet the surface to be cleaned using a neutral pH cleaning concentrate like EZCLeaN™ or ALLCLeaN™ concentrate at full strength.
  • Apply the neutral concentrate, (with a spray bottle, sponge, or coarse pump sprayer) scrubbing while applying.
  • Agitate the wet surface with a pre-moistened, soft bristle brush or micro-fiber rag for 5 minutes, then allow the solution to "dwell" or sit on the surface for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Restart scrubbing while adding water, dirt and debris should be releasing from the surface by now.
  • Remove dirt, cleaner and water mixture from the surface with a micro fiber cloth or a wet-dry vacuum.
  • Rinse thoroughly with clear water to remove all product and released dirt residue. Inspect and repeat if still dirty.


Pressure Washing

A pressure washer is tool just like a cleaning solution is. We say a cleaning solution needs to be neutral pH for sealed and soon to be sealed, hard surfaces to protect the surface from unintended consequences. We give the same recommendation about pressure washers. A pressure washer for sealed hard surfaces should draw 6-8 gpm and generate 400 to 1000 PSI. The wand tip should be a fan tip with a 15° to 45° nozzle end.


Solvent Cleaners

There are times when it makes sense to use solvent cleaners. We have a linear solvent cleaner called SICLeaN™ that can be used right before the sealing process. Dirt is broken up by agitating the surface with a brush and SICLeaN™. SICLeaN™ "lifts" hard to remove dirt from the surface and crevices. If the area is very dirty, dirt can be released for a while, so continue cleaning until no more dirt is being released.

Remember, all dirt must be removed before sealing begins so don't use dirty rags, water, or mops to just push dirt around. Remove the dirt!

For some stubborn types of residue/dirt, using a solvent spot cleaning agent is necessary. We have SCCLeaN™. Pre-moisten a microfiber rag or brush with SCCLeaN™ and agitate the surface.

The types of dirt usually needing to be spot treated are:

  • Oil, grease, care product residues
  • Tar wax, varnish, paint
  • Deeply entrenched oil stains
  • Calcium and gray-matter deposits


*Please note that this information is informal and non-binding. Products must be used according to local conditions and situations. Instructions must be read carefully and followed closely. Where no previous experience is available, or in cases of doubt, test the product in an inconspicuous area.

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FAQ

This is a common question about stone found on the Internet and in forums.

Marble is beautiful. Why shouldn't I use marble in my kitchen?

This is how we would answer the question.

It isn't about whether you should use it or not, it is more about preparing you to take care of the surface after you decide to use marble.

The calcium carbonate content makes the surfaces susceptible to acid damage, scratching, and traffic wear damage.

Cement pavers, grout, masonry (concrete) surfaces, and some natural stones surfaces (examples are limestone, marble, and travertine.) have calcium carbonate in their composition.

To avoid damage described in the answer above, avoid the items described in the list below.

    Acids contained in:
  • Beverages (like coffee, cola, juice, tea, and wine to name a few.)
  • Cleaners with acid as an ingredient (toilet bowl cleaner and liquid scrubbers are a couple.) and many others not mentioned.
  • Abrasive cleaners, abrasive powders and scouring pads.
  • Pressure washers with a 0° nozzle or tip.
  • Leaching solutions.
  • Strong degreasing (high alkaline) products.
  • Coatings that build up layers like wax and acrylics.

Wear patterns can be avoided by redirecting heavy traffic from time to time. Double checking maintenance plans for effectiveness and consistently monitoring cleaning practice results will result in beautiful surfaces.

Damage to the material is characterized by deeper or new pits, scratches, low or worn areas, and dull spots.

 

How are STT sealers different than all the others?

STT is proud to say we charted our own path when developing cleaners and sealers. Our products save you time and money.

  • Applying the sealer is simple. Using a paint tray or something to put the product into, apply enough product with light thin coats until you have an even sheen that is evaporating evenly. Once an even sheen that evaporates evenly is achieved, you are done. Usually there isn't a film or haze, but if there is, wipe with a clean dry rag and any haze is gone.
  • Please remember the sealers are consistent but the material the sealers are applied to are different. One important feature about naural materal is it's "absorption by weight". Absorption by weight is percentage difference between the dry weight of the material versus the wet rate of the material.
  • What is harder to explain is the fact the material can vary foot to foot and the absorption by weight can masked for a while with the use of resins when the material is processed. This means "rules of thumb" for stones can be developed but as the material will change from block to block so will will the sealing rules. That is wonderful feature of natural material but hard to explain sometimes. If you need more information, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  • The CE color enhancer can have the depth of color adjusted from darkest to lighter during the first application of CE color enhancer.To get the darkest effect don't wipe the color enhancer off. If you want to adjust the color enhancer, wipe and add until you are satisfied.
  • Our FE Treatment is the one product that has different instructions. Wipe while applying iand until the stone is dry.

What type of research and development is applied to the products, procedures and programs STT offers?

STT believes in being sure, checking facts, listening carefully, and bringing solutions that are correct. STT is about never resting on past accolades, STT feels an organization must constantly adapt to be fresh. This is why we will always do research and development. It is our strength and it brings us a great sense of satisfaction.

What attributes came from research?

  1. We made sure our products could easily be described as nanotechnology. 
  2. We made sure the finest solvents that do not smell nor create VOCs are used.
  3.  We constantly make sure the tools we provide are relevant, useful, and bring value.
  4.  We have found ways to save you money as measured by time, material and consumables without sacrificing quality.

What is CE-Color Enhancing Sealer? What is the optimal application?

  • STT's CE Color Enhancing Penetrating Sealer enriches the natural colors of granite, marble, slate and other stones.
  •  This product is low odor, VOC compliant and easy to use.
  •  CE Color Enhncer contains the oleophobic nanotechnology that forms the basis of our SB penetrating sealers.
  •  CE Color Enhancer has several useful applications characteristics:
  1.  Do not wipe for maximum color depth.
  •  Wiping the color enhancer will allow you to customize how much enhancement is applied.
  • CE color enhancer repelling characteristics aren't affected when adjusting color enhancement.

What is FE-Treatment?

FE-Treatment is a unique high performance color clarifying impregnating sealer.

This fast evaporative forms an impermeable layer that is resistant to staining and discoloration; (this does not include etching or oxidation).

For more information download the product data sheet for FE-Treatment.

Can SB-Deluxe and FE-Treatment be used inside? Outside?

The product line is primarily designed for interior applications. They can be used outdoors.

Our high performance exterior product line is called the ELEMENTS series.

Will STT products allow the surface to breathe?

Yes. This is known as transpiration or moisture vapor release.This process is important to consider when sealing floors and showers.

What kind of cleaners do I use on the stone?

Neutral cleaners and wiping the surface until clean is the best solution.

The STT line offers complete solutions for cleaning, sealing, deodorizing, and sanitizing.

We emphasize is there are no short cuts or quick fixes.

Should I seal my grout? How long will it last?

It is always advisable to seal grout. Grout is very porous and the environments grout is used is harsh (climate, water, foot traffic, etc.); we recommend re-sealing when your cleaning regimen doesn't seem as effective.

Will SB-Deluxe or FE-Treatment change the color of my stone? Will the SB-Deluxe, FE-Treatment, CE-Color Enhancing Sealer buildup, crack, or peel?

SB-Deluxe is designed to penetrate porous stone to provide a barrier of protection from staining. The product is virtually colorless. There have been cases of super absorbent materials that required several applications getting a slight enhanced effect. This is not common though. STT makes no claims against “no difference” but in most situations once the entire surface has been treated any change will be difficult to detect. STT's products will not buildup, crack, or peel when used according to STT's instructions.

Can I apply STT sealers over existing sealers?

Yes, but before applying make sure all surfaces needing sealing are to be clean and free from debris.

Can I buy STT products online?

Yes, all STT products can be purchased online.

What if the stain cannot be removed?

If STT sealers are used according to STT instructions then we will help all we can and replace the product that didn't function.

Do I have to use stone specific cleaners after sealing with STT Sealers?

No, you don't have to. STT does advocate for the use of stone specific products to avoid unintended consequences. Strong acids, alkalines, foot traffic, and maintenance plans effect the sealers efficacy.

Are SB-Deluxe, FE-Treatment and CE-Color Enhancing Sealer VOC compliant and green?

Yes, all STT products meet CARB and VOC standards.

We can help with your green building project. We embrace environmental stewardship programs.

What is Premium Sealing and is it safe for my food preparation area?

The Premium Seal for granite counters is a procedure where two types of penetrating sealers are applied to your granite counter and work from within. Nothing is left on the surface to interact with your food.

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Contact STT

Contact STT

Thank you for visiting our website!

We love answering questions, listening to comments or writing down suggestions about our product offering.

We want to help stone become a sealed, clean, and safe surface. We emphasize a balanced approach of products, procedures, and ongoing maintenance programs. If we can help implement any or all of our ideas, please know we are ready and happy to help.

Contact us below!

STT by SAH Industries
5 Space Drive
Taylors , SC
29687
Tel: 864-322-2860
Fax: 864-322-2861
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Testimonials

"SB-Sealer is the best damn sealer, Period!"

Eddie Blanco, Gemini Tile Services

 

"Over the last 30 years our company has used almost every major brand impregnating sealer, color enhancer and cleaning product available. We find Surface Treatment Technologies current product line to be one of the best to date. Some of its attributes are low VOC's, ease of use, coverage, and last but not least, its end results are second to none!"

John Koessler, Koessler Enterprises

 

"As a small business dedicated to providing outstanding quality, we expect our products to be held to the same standards and we are proud to use and offer to our customers the STT Sealer Product line. We sell the SB-Sealer and FE-Treatment as the best money can buy."

Jean Marie Schneider, Custom Marble and Granite

 

"We have found STT to be of the highest quality sealing/cleaning products we have used in our 117 years in the granite business. The customer service is second to none with great support. The warranty process is simple and straight forward and they stand behind it 100%, not like a lot of warranties in our industry."
Dan Riccolo, Morris Granite Co. Inc.

"Peace of Mind. Confidence, STT used exclusively by Albermarle Glass Company Inc."
Joshua Hopkins, Albermarle Glass Company

"STT rocks!!"
Antonio Almonte, River City Stone Inc.

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About STT

about_stt

 

RESEARCH and Happy Clients.

By focusing on these two points, STT has emerged as one of the leading firms in the field of stone care.

We are committed to the highest standards for product quality and customer satisfaction. We are always looking for ways to improve and extend our capabilities.

if you would like to share your perspective, contact us today. We appreciate hearing your thoughts and ideas!

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STT INVITES YOU IN!

STT-1

STT is excited to report on our beta program release of the "Wipe and Go" collection, so far, it is successful and achieving results for the professionals and consumers alike.

 

    Here are a few important points about the sealing program.

  • Wipe and Go means $Green$! Strong savings in labor costs and expenses
  • APPLICATION Guildelines:
    • Apply enough sealer to be able to leave an even sheen to dry on the material.
  • Leave. Seriously, don't fiddle with the product as it dries.
  • Return later to judge desired repellency effect.
  • Make note whether there is a haze to clean.
  • If no haze and repellency is adequate, sealing is complete.
  • If no haze and repellency is not adequate, Reapply the sealer.
  • If you see a haze on the surface, simply wipe it off with a dry micro-fiber rag.
    •

 

The savings reported so far are more than we projected. We have reports of up to 2/3 of what you are currently spending on labor and expenses. The yield of the sealer is increasing, and finally there are some interesting uses being reported with the color enhancer.

 

Contact us for more details.

______________________________________________

STT's mission: Provide products and solutions to keep public and private environments clean, sealed, and safe.

The mission statement is formally called CSS-PRODUCTS AND PROCEDURES PERFECTED™.

CSS SUITE™ manifests itself by:

  • Producing quality products.
  • Formatting best practice procedures.
  • Developing systems and programs to maintain the hard surfaces you desire.

Thank you for visiting!

 

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