Penetrating Sealers vs. Etch Marks

Hi there.. Thought I'd write this article and clear the air about sealed surfaces in regards to it's acid tolerance namely on acid sensitive substrates such as marble, limestone, travertine, etc.. As mentioned above, we refer to surfaces that has been treated with Lithofin MN Stain-Stop as a reference. Lithofin MN Stain-Stop represents a 5 star premium product when compared to many other inferior sealers readily available in the market. Click here for Technical Information on Lithofin MN Stain-Stop. Now.. It is to be made clear that penetrating sealer's will make the surface impervious thus not allowing penetration of water and oil based contaminants from potentially penetrating and staining it. A few examples of stain would be coffee, cooking oil, biro, soy sauce, dyes, grease, nicotine, etc.. However, acid sensitive substrates will get acid etched / damaged when it comes in contact with anything acidic i.e. vinegar, alcohol, coffee, black tea, fruits, etc.. and also all cleaning products containing acid or bleach. This will continue to happen whether the surface is sealed or not. Its just a natural chemical reaction between Calcium Carbonate which represents the main composition of marble, limestone and travertine against anything acidic. Put a tiny piece of marble in a strong acid like HCL (Hydrochloric Acid) and the Calcium Carbonate will dissolve in effervescence and there will be no marble left. All this may frighten you but the good news is that these surfaces can always be restored by a professional stone care service company like Stone Doctor. Surfaces can be re-hone and re-polish back to its original look at any time. It is therefore important to choose the right stone type for each and every surface you wish to have in stone. Simon Gabriel