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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.

Some of our most popular products include:

allclean-con ezclean_con

Stone Floors Treated with STT Sealers:

  • Floors and surfaces conditioned with STT Sealer.
  • Floors and surfaces conditioned with STT Sealer.
  • Floors and surfaces conditioned with STT Sealer.
  • Floors and surfaces conditioned with STT Sealer.
  • Floors and surfaces conditioned with STT Sealer.
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The Premium Sealer Kit

premium_seal_kit

Offers the strongest and most comprehensive stain resistance performance guarantee for granite counters. Counters sealed with the Premium Sealing Kit are guaranteed to perform for as long as you own your granite counters.

 

ENHANCE color enriching sealer

  1. Whether you want a lot or a little enhancement, Enhance does the job!
  2. Customizable!
  3. Easy to use!
  4. Safe for food preparation areas!

 

Neutral cleaners safe for sealed stone!

EZClean(tm) Neutral Cleaner Concentrate.

ALLClean(tm) deodorizing Concentrate.

E-mail us for job specific technical bulletins when using them on sealed stone.