The Use of Color Enhancers on Stone Surfaces

By Frederick M. Hueston StoneForensics.com

 

Natural or artificial stone surfaces are renowned for their sturdiness, adaptability, and beauty. Unfortunately, the hue of the stone may fade or become dull with time due to exposure to the environment and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, there are color enhancers that may bring out the stone's natural tones and patterns, giving it a lively and alluring appearance. We'll go through how to apply color enhancers to stone surfaces in this article.

 

Recognize the kind of stone surface you have:

The initial stage is to determine the kind of stone surface you have. On various types of stones, color enhancers function in various ways. For instance, some stones, like marble or quartzite, may take more time and effort to get the desired results than others, such as granite, slate, and sandstone, which are very porous and quickly absorb the enhancer. The best color enhancer for the job will be easier to select if you are aware of the sort of stone surface you have.

 

Choose the proper color enhancer:

Several color enhancer kinds, including penetrating, topical, and wet-look enhancers, are available. The natural colors and patterns of the stone are enhanced with penetrating enhancers, which are absorbed into the stone's pores. Comparatively, topically applied boosters give the stone a layer of defense against stains and abrasions. Wet-look enhancers give the surface of the stone a glossy, polished appearance.

Color enhancers are also available in a solvent or water based carrier. It is best to test both for desired results.

 

 

 

Prepare the stone surface:

 It's critical to properly clean the stone surface before applying the color enhancer. To clean any dirt, debris, or stains from the surface, use a pH-neutral cleanser. Clean the surface with water, then allow it to thoroughly dry. Before applying the enhancer, treat any areas with a stone-specific stain remover if there are any serious stains.

Apply the color enhancer:

 After the surface has been well cleaned and dried, the color enhancer should be used. Pay close attention to the directions on the product label. Most of the time, you'll need to use a brush or a spray bottle to apply the enhancer. Be sure to uniformly cover the entire surface. To get the desired effect while using a penetrating enhancer, you might need to apply more than one coat. Before touching the surface, let the enhancer entirely dry.

 

Maintain the stone surface:

 It's critical to maintain the stone surface properly to ensure that the color enhancer lasts for a long period. On the surface, stay away from applying strong chemicals or acidic cleaners. For routine cleaning, use a pH-neutral cleaner made especially for stone surfaces. If something spills on the surface, clean it up right once to avoid stains. Moreover, stay away from setting hot pans or pots directly on stone surfaces as this can harm the color enhancer.

 

Applying color enhancers to stone surfaces can accentuate the stone's inherent beauty and safeguard it from normal wear and strain. To get the desired results, you must select the suitable enhancer and thoroughly prepare the surface. These techniques can help you maintain the attractiveness and vibrancy of your stone surfaces for many years to come.