Sandstone is a porous, durable sedimentary rock composed of cemented sand-sized grains, predominantly quartz with silica, iron oxide or calcium carbonate. Used for countertops, flooring, showers, porches, stepping stones, pavers and vertical surfaces. Like sand, sandstone may be any color, but the most common colors are tan, brown, yellow, red, gray and white. Sandstone ranges from 6 to 7 on the MOH scale (a scale for determining the relative hardness of a mineral according to its resistance to scratching). The hardest mineral, at 10, is diamond. The softest mineral, at 1, is talc. Pennsylvania Bluestone, a type of sandstone, is denser and less absorbent than Flagstone and is a gray blue with medium to high absorption Shenandoah Valley Bluestone is limestone, not sandstone! The stone eventually fades from a deep blue to a light grey after prolonged exposure to the sun and rain. Remember, limestone is acid sensitive while sandstone is not. Bottom line: TEST first! Sandstone requires care to ensure that sandstone lasts for years and generations and imparts natural beauty to the surroundings.

Keep stone free of dust, which may otherwise produce scratches. Hence, dust interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Use warm water to clear sandstone regularly using a mop or sponge. Natural stone is very porous. The best way to prevent stains is to treat the surface with a protective sealer. The sealer fills in the pores and repels spills on the surface, allowing you time to completely wipe it away. We recommend that you use care and maintenance products from StoneTech™ Professional, a DuPont company, that are specially formulated to protect and enhance the beauty of your sandstone. Seal with ImpregnatorPro™ or BulletProof™ to maintain a natural color. To deepen color, seal with EnhancerPro™. Use Revitalizer™ cleaner/sealer for regular maintenance. It should never be cleaned at pressures above 800 PSI and then only if the grout is in good condition. Although we usually think of stone as "hard," it is a porous material. Natural stone has varying degrees of porosity depending on the type of stone.

If left unsealed, spills and everyday messes can easily penetrate the surface. The liquid eventually evaporates but the stain is left behind. Removal of oily stains is easily accomplished with StoneTech™ Professional Oil and Stain Remover. Fluorochemical technology, incorporated into StoneTech™ Professional BulletProof™, EnhancerPro™ and Impregnator Pro, is the most advanced technology available, providing the ultimate shield against both water and oil-base stains. The micro-molecular formula actually bonds with the stone surface to deliver unsurpassed wear resistance and durability. And because the sealer reacts with the stone, you no longer have to worry about its porosity. Depending on the type of soil, stain or other foreign matter present, select one or more of the following options: For stripping off any existing topical acrylic, urethane, epoxy, heavy wax coatings and epoxy grout haze: For cleaning of grease, oil, dirt, dry soil and soap scum from Sandstone & Flagstone:

For removal of efflorescence, grout haze, salts, mineral deposits and all other calcium-based stains (acidic cleaning):best steam mop deals Natural stone surfaces must be sealed to prevent or minimize staining. best steam mop dealsLeaving natural stone untreated may greatly hinder the complete removal of stains in the future. carpet cleaning business templateThe following suggestions are for impregnating the stone and will allow the stone to breathe. best pool cleaner with booster pumpAllow new installations to cure for 72 hours prior to applying sealer.vacuum cleaner ratings 2012 consumer reports

For a natural looking protector on interior surfaces (heavy duty protection, water and oil repellency): For a natural looking protector on EXTERIOR surfaces (heavy duty protection, water repellency only):small pool cleaning robot StoneTech Professional� Heavy Duty Exterior Stone and Masonry Sealer is a water repellent specially designed for exterior projects such as facades, cladding, pool decks, parking areas and driveways. It is very resistant to chemicals (i.e., chlorine) and to the effects of weather (i.e., ultraviolet light/sunlight, driving water/rain). For a color enhancing, impregnating (non-topical) protector on interior and exterior surfaces (heavy duty protection, water and oil repellency): Highly alkaline, acidic, ammoniated, abrasive cleaners and/or bleach may break down the sealer, adversely affecting repellency and may not be good for the stone. Use a neutral cleaner specially formulated for natural stone.

For routine cleaning with protection (not recommended for lacquered surfaces):Unsealed interlocking pavers & brick are subject to staining, fading, sand loss, and can sometimes develop weeds and mildew growth. With proper sealing and maintenance your pavers will be more likely to have a long lasting, beautiful and durable life and appearance. The sealer selection for Interlocking Pavers, brick and other types of sand set pavement material is generally based on the desired “finished” look and the degree of stain-resistance required as well as the need for joint sand stabilization. MOst paver installations will benefit from a sealer that has joint sand stabilization properties. Use of Glaze ‘N Seal’s Paver & Joint Stabilizer will protect from stains, oil, and fading as well as sand erosion. Newly manufactured concrete pavers should cure 14 days or more before sealing. Follow paver manufacturer’s recommendations. Prior to the application of Glaze ‘N Seal’s sealer products, surface must be thoroughly clean.

Remove all dirt, oil, grease, paint, efflorescence and any previous sealers that may not be compatible with the new sealer. General cleaning may be done using Glaze ‘N Seal’s alkaline base Heavy Duty Cleaner. Mix the concentrated detergent according to label instruction depending on severity of surface soils. For Efflorescence stains or hard water deposits, use Glaze ‘N Seal’s mild acidic cleaner Efflorescence Remover. (When acid has been used for any reason, surface must be neutralized). For neutralizing, we recommend Glaze ‘N Seal’s Neutralizing Rinse. Always read cleaning product instructions and cautions with any cleaner. After tamping down joint sand and sweeping the sanded areas for new installations, be sure the sand is at least 1/8 inch below the surface of the pavers. Make sure all sand residue and fine powder is removed with broom & blower before application of any film forming sealers. Allow any moisture in or on the surface of the pavers to dry at least 24 hours.

Allow 48 hours or more if temperatures are cool or a pressure washer has been used. For best results the sand should be dry to its full depth before sealing. It is always recommended to test the sealer of choice in a small area first. Always read product label and directions carefully before beginning to use any sealer products. Apply Glaze ‘N Seal’s Paver Sealer & Joint Stabilizer to a clean dry surface using a compressed air hand pump garden-type sprayer. Apply a heavy saturating coat of sealer. Ensure that all joints are flooded to maximize sealer soaking into the dry sand. Immediately squeegee any excess product down into the sand joints using a large foam or rubber squeegee. Avoid puddling on the surface. An optional second thin coat may be applied to the surface of the pavers after two hours if desired to increase protection & gloss. Ideal surface temperatures should be above 55° and below 85°. After final coat, allow sealer to dry 2 hrs before foot traffic. Keep vehicular traffic and moisture off for 72 hours while sealer cure

Maintain your pavers with periodic cleaning of grease, dirt, loose soil and hard-water stains with Glaze N Seal’s Heavy Duty Cleaner. For stubborn grease spots use Heavy Duty Cleaner in a more concentrated formulation. Rinse surface well with water. Reapply maintenance coats of sealer as needed. All Glaze N Seal sealers are recoatable. Make sure surface is clean and dry at time of reapplication. If Considering Other Glaze ‘N Seal Sealers For Concrete Interlocking Pavers & Brick, See Options Recommended From Chart BelowIf a natural look with oil resistance is needed, use Concrete and Masonry Impregnator. If a deeper wet look appearance is desired, Glaze ‘N Seal’s “Wet Look” Lacquer can be applied to an unsealed surface, When applying film-forming sealers as “Wet Look” Lacquer or Multi Purpose sealer, use 2-3 thin even coats. A solvent resistant spray applicator is recommend when applying “Wet Look” Lacquer. Glaze N Seal’s Natural Look Penetrating Sealer may be used to provide a long lasting water protection that looks natural on the paver surface.