Sandstone is a clastic sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized minerals or rock grains. Most sandstone is composed of quartz and/or feldspar because these are the most common minerals in the Earth’s crust. Like sand, sandstone may be any color, but the most common colors are tan, brown, yellow, red, grey, pink, white and black. Since sandstone beds often form highly visible cliffs and other topographic features, certain colours of sandstone have been strongly identified with certain regions. Sealing Sandstone is highly recommended as stain removal can be limited due to its porosity and texture.
Cleaning & Sealing Sandstone
Type of Finishes
Tumbled Sandstone
A slightly rough texture that is achieved by tumbling small pieces of sandstone to achieve an old-world/worn appearance
Honed Sandstone
A flat matte to low sheen gloss
- Surface is very smooth, but very porous
- Medium density
- Commonly used in low traffic areas or for aesthetics
Sand Blasted Sandstone
Pressurized flow of sand and water that results in a matte finish
Sawn Sandstone
The sandstone is sawn from the quarry. This is a raw finish with slight grooves left in the surface.
Pre Sealing Sandstone
Pre sealing sandstone is recommended prior to installation. It is always best to consult with your stone supplier to verify whether your sandstone requires this treatment. For best results, sealing sandstone on all six sides using Aqua Mix® ProBlock a minimum of 24 hours prior to installation.
Aqua Mix® ProBlock is a water based penetrating sealer designed to resist staining caused by water soluble minerals (including picture framing effect) which are normally absorbed through the back of the stone during installation. It also helps resist efflorescence migration.
If applying an Enhancing Sealer as the final surface seal, DO NOT apply any ProBlock to the top surface as it will stop the penetration of enhancing sealers. Please contact Aqua Mix® prior to installation if an enhancer is specified for use.
Pre-Grout Sealing Sandstone
If the sandstone does not require to be pre-sealed, it is generally recommended to apply a coat of sealer on the surface prior to grouting. This is to act as a grout release and assist in the grout clean-up process.
If the surface is textured (sandblasted, bush-hammered, tumbled) applying a coat of Aqua Mix® Grout Release would work best.
If the surface is smooth (polished, honed) than applying a coat of the final sealer you select is recommended.
Grout Haze Removal
It is important that all of the grout haze is removed between 3-10 days. A minimum of 3 days for the grout to cure and harden, and no longer than 10 days or it may need to be mechanically removed.
Grout haze can be removed using Aqua Mix® Cement Grout Haze Remover. It is recommended whenever using acidic cleaners that you test Aqua Mix® Cement Grout Haze Remover on a spare piece first. If Aqua Mix® Grout Release was used, the grout and Grout Release can be removed using Aqua Mix® Heavy-Duty Tile & Grout Cleaner. If epoxy grout has been used you can remove using Aqua Mix® Sealer & Coating Remover.
Sealing Sandstone
Smooth surfaces (honed) should only be sealed using either a Natural Look Sealer or an Enhancing Sealer. The best sealer for Sandstone is Aqua Mix® Sealer’s Choice® Gold – Rapid Cure however, we have a range of sealers to suit your requirements:
Sealing Sandstone with a Natural Look Penetrating Sealer:
- Good: Aqua Mix® Penetrating Sealer
- Better: Aqua Mix® Pro-Solv®
- Best: Aqua Mix® Sealer’s Choice® Gold – Rapid Cure or Aqua Mix® Ultra-Solv®
Sealing Sandstone with an Enhanced Look Penetrating Sealer:
- Good: Aqua Mix® Stone Enhancer
- Best: Aqua Mix® Enrich’N’Seal™
Note: Sealing Sandstone with a penetrating sealer will not alter the slip resistance. For more information regarding slip resistance, click here
If the surface is an internal textured floor you also may use a Topical / Coating Sealer. However, we do not recommend Topical / Coating Sealer to be used in wet areas.
Maintaining Sandstone Surfaces
Countertops and Walls
Countertops/Bench-tops, vanities, and walls should be regularly cleaned using any of Aqua Mix® Routine Cleaners.
Regular use of Aqua Mix® Aqua Shield™ Cleaner & Resealer will ensure that your Sandstone always maintains maximum stain resistance.
Floors
Floors should be regularly cleaned using Aqua Mix® Concentrated Stone & Tile Cleaner. If the surface is allowed to build up, then scrub the surface using Aqua Mix® Stone Deep Clean, Aqua Mix® Heavy-Duty Tile & Grout Cleaner or Aqua Mix® NanoScrub® and an Aqua MIx® AquaScrub.
Stain Removal
If you have a stain that you wish to remove, Aqua Mix® Poultice Stain Remover should be used. This product is a blend of absorbent clays that can be mixed with water or an appropriate chemical to extract the stain from within the stone.
Require Technical Assistance?
Please contact us at 1300 AQUA MIX or info@aquamix.com.au