Preserving the look of natural stone is critical to ensuring a successful stone application. With this in mind, numerous companies have specialized in providing sealers and cleaning products that prevent damage to natural stone surfaces and can restore them after harm has occurred. These new products may be improvements on existing items, or they may be new formulas altogether. The following is a look at some of the natural stone cleaners and sealers that are now available in the marketplace. For more infor-mation on these products, circle the indicated number on the Reader Service Card enclosed in this issue.

Akemi North America of Holbrook, NY, offers its pH Neutral Stone Cleaner Spray in a ready-to-use pump spray - eliminating the need for measuring or rinsing. Stone Cleaner is safe on all natural stone and any finish. Its powerful action deep cleans stones by gently lifting dirt and grease from within the pores of the stone, leaving the surface clean and fresh.
Akemi pH Neutral Stone Cleaner Spray
Circle No. 215

Akemi's Triple Effect is formulated to clean, seal and polish in one application. Triple Effect has a deep cleaning action that lifts dirt embedded within the pores of the stone, leaving the surface clean. Triple Effect's impregnating action prevents the dirt from reabsorbing into the stone and keeps things such as wine stains, fruit juice stains, make-up, oils and cooking grease on the surface for easy removal.
Akemi Triple Effect
Circle No. 214

Aqua Mix Inc. of Santa Fe Springs, CA, has put together two kits for cleaning and sealing natural stone and protecting, preventing and maintaining the stone's natural appearance. The Stone Care Kit is used on natural stone floors, walls or countertops, and protects the surface from stain for up to 15 years by preventing damage from mold, mildew and bacteria. These elements keep the surface looking new while also maintaining the stone. The kit includes Stone Sealer's Choice, Antibacterial Cleaner, Stone Clean and Shine and Stone Cleaner. The Stone Sealer's Choice is a water-based substance that provides protection for polished and unpolished natural stone. The Antibacterial Cleaner prevents growth of mildew and mold as well as acting as a cleaner, disinfectant and deodorant.
Aqua Mix Stone Care Kit
Circle No. 213

Aqua Mix's second of the two kits is the Countertop Kit. This conglom-eration of Pro-Solv 10 Stone Sealer, Antibacterial Cleaner and Brilliance & Renew is designed to protect the surfaces of natural stone kitchen and bath countertops. This solvent-based product is also intended to prevent staining of mold, mildew, bacteria, oil contaminants and water for up to 10 years along with the ability to remove light scratches on marble and travertine.
Aqua Mix Countertop Kit
Circle No. 212

Bellinzoni/Maverick offers a variety of cleaners and sealers, including the Stone Care Kit, which includes MultiClean, SuperSeal and Stone Polish. MultiClean is a heavy duty, pH-neutral soap designed for disinfecting and deep cleaning all stone surfaces. Dirt is safely and gently removed from the pores and surface of the stone without damaging the color and the finish. This product is ideal for clean up after new installation and for heavily soiled count-ertops, vanities, fireplaces, tabletops, ceramic tile and grout. SuperSeal provides an invisible barrier by filling all of the pores in the stone, pro-tecting natural stone from permanent damage while leaving the appearance of the stone unchanged. Stone Polish is a spray-on product that can be used on countertops, vanities, tabletops, window-sills, fireplaces and all other stone surfaces. Stone Polish keeps stone surfaces looking as brilliant as the day they were installed.
Bellinzoni Stone Care Kit
Circle No. 211

UB58 from Bellinzoni is an acid-based building cleaner for building service contractors that cleans all organic and inorganic stains on building facades. This cleaner is a strong and effective rust remover.
Bellinzoni UB58 building cleaner
Circle No. 210

Bellinzoni's K3 detergent is a heavy duty alkaline cleaner for building service contractors that cleans building facades. It is safe on most natural stones and lifts dirt from within the pores of the stone.
Bellinzoni K3 detergent
Circle No. 209

Bellinzoni SuperSeal CE stain repellent penetrates deeply into the stone. It enhances the color while repelling oil, water, dirt and efflorescence, and allowing the stone to breath. It works well on unpolished stone such as antique marble and flamed granite as well as polished stones. SuperSeal CE can be used for facades, tabletops, bathroom vanities and mantles. The natural color of the stone will be enhanced and the stone will have a wet look. SuperSeal is also non-flammable and odorless. Bellinzoni products are available from Braxton-Bragg of Knoxville, TN.
Bellinzoni SuperSeal stain repellent
Circle No. 208

Braxton-Bragg's Stone Brite Stone Care returns stone surfaces to a “like new” shine, and its formula is for marble, granite and all solid surface applications except painted wood. This product is available in 30-count, pop-up, resealable containers in cleaner formula and polishing formula.
Braxton-Bragg Stone Brite Stone Care
Circle No. 207

Stone Shield 611, also from Braxton-Bragg, is a clear, modified, cross-linking, polymerized silicone sealer designed for the protection of natural stone and tile. Good for both interior and exterior use, Stone Shield 611 protects against water, oil, corrosive fluids and many other common stains, while allowing the stone to breath properly. Stone Shield 611 does not alter the color of the stone and is ideal for polished granite and marble, sanded grout, slate, concrete and ceramic tile.
Braxton-Bragg Stone Shield 611
Circle No. 206

Custom Building Products of Seal Beach, CA, offers many professional products that help protect stone and tile installations. SurfaceGard® Penetrating Sealer with Teflon® surface protector, of the TileLab® line of stone and tile care products, helps maintains a tile or stone installation by protecting it from stains for the future. This stain barrier repels grease, dirt and other contaminates as well as repelling against oil- and water-based stains. The sealer can be used on all types of natural stone, including marble, limestone and granite, as well as Saltillo pavers, concrete, unglazed tile, grout, brick and masonry. It is suitable for both interior and exterior areas, especially in high-traffic or food-preparation areas that require protection.
Custom Building Products SurfaceGard penetrating sealer
Circle No. 205

OneStep™ Cleaner and Resealer is the newest addition to Custom Building Products' TileLab line of professional stone and tile care products. This spray and wipe cleaner has a unique formula that contains SurfaceGard® Penetrating Sealer, adding additional protection to stone, tile and grout with each use. Its non-abrasive, non-acidic formula kills mold and mildew, and is suitable for everyday use.
Custom Building Products OneStep Cleaner and Resealer
Circle No. 204

Stone Enhancer from Custom Building Products is a color enhancer and penetrating sealer for all types of natural stone and grout. This product enriches and highlights the color and texture of a wide variety of stone. It rejuvenates the color and appearance of worn, faded stone, tumbled marble and other rustic-looking stones. It can also be used to darken the color of grout, giving it a wet look. Providing protection against oil, grease and stains, Stone Enhancer is formulated with a water-based, non-yellowing, low-odor formula that can be used indoors and outdoors.
Custom Building Products Stone Enhancer
Circle No. 203

Safe n' Easy® Oil/Grease Remover, new from Dumond Chemicals, Inc., is formulated to remove deeply embedded motor oil and grease stains. Unlike some conventional cleaners that pool on the surface, Safe n' Easy Oil/Grease Remover penetrates beneath the porous surfaces of stone materials to lift oil and grease particles up and out. Safe n' Easy Oil/Grease Remover is non-toxic, non-abrasive, non-flammable and biodegradable.
The clear liquid product cleans without scrubbing and is available in one- and five-gallon containers. Once brushed or sprayed onto the grease-stained surface, it is left to dwell for upwards of three hours (determine dwell time by patch testing) while it penetrates and lifts grease, motor oil and heavy dirt. Hose or pressure-wash when cleaning is complete.
Dumond Chemicals Safe n' Easy
Circle No. 202

Fila Industria Chimica SpA of Padua, Italy, offers a line of water-based products that includes Filasprint 2000, Fila W 68, Fila HP 98 and Fila AC 99. It is a low environmental impact line designed to simplify the process by cutting down on labor. It also has an extra weapon to enhance the beauty of the material.
Filasprint 2000 is a formula created to provide protection against dirt and traffic for the base sealing of interior floors in terra-cotta and natural stone. It can even be laid when the floor is still wet.
Filasprint 2000
Circle No. 201

Fila W 68 is an oil-repellent waterproofing agent for the base protection of floors in terra-cotta and natural stone. It protects against water and oil, and is perfect for absorbing materials both inside and out. It may also be applied when the floor is still damp.
Fila W68
Circle No. 200

Fila HP 98 is a waterproofing agent for protecting terra-cotta and natural stone. It protects exterior surfaces from atmospheric agents and is intended for traditional wax treatments. It also stops chewing gum from sticking and may also be applied when the floor is still damp, according to the company.
Fila HP 98
Circle No. 199

Fila AC 99 is a waterproofing agent for protecting natural stone. It protects against stains and is suited for interior and exterior projects. It also can be applied when the floor is still damp.
Fila AC 99
Circle No. 198

HMK® Stone Care System of San Francisco, CA, offers S42, a ready-to-use and solvent-based color-enhancing impregnator, mainly for exterior applications. By reducing water and dirt penetration, regular maintenance is facilitated. Algae, fungus and other problems occurring with exterior installations are reduced. Color enhancement will bring out the grain and structure of the stone, and vapor permeation is only slightly diminished. HMK S42 is especially suited for wall and floor surfaces.
HMK S42
Circle No. 197

The HMK P6 Home Care Kit consists of R55 Intensive Cleaner, S34 Silicone Impregnator and P21 Polishing Paste. This Home Care Kit has been specially developed for use on polished and honed mineral surfaces, such as kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, table and bar tops, window sills, fireplaces, shower areas and small entry ways. The first step in the kit is R55 for installation cleanup and surface preparation. This step cleans the stone surface and opens the pores to allow for an easy and thorough penetration of S34. R55 is also perfect for periodic thorough cleaning. The next step is protecting with S34 Silicone Impregnator, which helps to prevent dirt, water and oil from penetrating into the stone and leaving permanent stains. The use of the impregnators protects the deep capillaries of the stone from staining, but the top millimeters of the stone surface may still stain. Regular maintenance and protection is done with the last step, P21 Polishing Paste. P21 is a maintenance cleaner, polisher and protector, containing silicone. It protects against water, dirt and alkali, and creates a high luster. It completely penetrates and does not smear or leave a surface build-up.
HMK P6 Home Care Kit
Circle No. 196

511 Impregnator by Miracle Sealants and Abrasives Co. in Arcadia, CA, provides water, stain and slip protection for many types of material. Sanded grout, quarry, ceramic, glaze and porcelain tile, polished granite and marble, terrazzo, concrete, brick, stucco, slate, quartz, travertine and agglomerate are all materials that this impregnator is intended for. The 511 Impregnator is a penetrating sealer designed for the protection of all medium to dense porous surfaces. 511 Impregnator forms an invisible barrier that is resistant to moisture and stains, while allowing vapor to escape.
Miracle Sealants 511 Impregnator
Circle No. 195

511 Porous Plus is another water-, stain- and slip-protection product by Miracle Sealants. It is intended for sanded grout, terra-cotta, cantera/adoquin, brick; limestone, sandstone, cement and slate; saltillo tile, flagstone, concrete tile and pre-cast concrete; flamed and honed granite, honed/textured marble and other porous surfaces. 511 Porous Plus forms an invisible barrier that is resistant to moisture and stains, while allowing vapor to escape. It is a water-resistant product that can be used for interior and exterior applications.
Miracle Sealants 511 Porous Plus
Circle No. 194

Counter Kleen, also by Miracle Sealants, is a maintenance cleaner for marble, granite, travertine, limestone and ceramic tile. Counter Kleen is a formula designed to remove dirt, dust and light stains from polished natural stone and ceramic tile counters, vanities and furniture.
Miracle Sealants Counter Kleen
Circle No. 193

Miracle Disinfectant by Miracle Sealants, is a one-step disinfectant for countertops, basins and bowls, shower curtains and doors and fixtures. Miracle Disinfectant is a non-rinse cleaner that is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, is virucial, fungicidal, and inhibits the growth of mold and mildew and their odors.
Miracle Sealants Miracle Disinfectant
Circle No. 192

ProSoCo, of Lawrence, KS, offers three separate products to aid in preserving the beauty of natural stone. Enviro Klean® 2010 All Surface Cleaner is a multi-use cleaner and degreaser. It was designed to remove the worst soiling and staining from sensitive stone, including marble, travertine and limestone. Its environmentally responsible blend of surfactants, detergents and chelating agents do more than just dissolve surface grease and grime. The surface cleaner actually reaches into stone pores to pull out embedded contaminants. 2010 All Surface Cleaner is a low-odor product that uses no harsh acids, caustics or solvents and works equally well on interior or exterior stone.
ProSoCo Enviro Klean 2010 All Surface Cleaner
Circle No. 191

ProSoCo's Sure Klean® Vana Trol® sensitive brick and stone cleaner cleans away new construction staining and soiling while controlling vanadium and other kinds of metallic stains. Vana Trol's small acid component is strong enough to dissolve mortar and grout smears on new stone installations, but combined with wetting agents, inhibitors and buffers, will not react with the stone's metallic elements. Diluting the cleaner with fresh water will tailor its strength to the specific requirements of a job.
ProSoCo Sure Klean Vana Trol brick and stone cleaner
Circle No. 190

Sure Klean® Weather Seal SLX100 water, oil and stain repellent by ProSoCo is a sealer for natural stones such as granite, sandstone or slate that saves the appearance and the stone's value by locking out water, oil and grease and the contaminants they carry. SLX100 is a modified silane system. The silanes in SLX100 are water-repellent molecules that penetrate the stone surface so there is no appearance change or slip hazard. The product can be used for interiors or exteriors on countertops, floors or walls.
ProSoCo Sure Klean Weather Seal SLX100
Circle No. 189

Tenax U.S.A., LLC of Charlotte, NC, has a full line of sealers for all the different needs of stone. The first of many in Tenax's sealers line is Protex, a sealer for very porous stone such as limestone, sandstone and honed granite that will not change the color of the stone because it is petroleum-based.
Hydrex is a petroleum-based sealer, excellent for mass production fabrication and is suitable for marble and granites.
Skudo is a water- and fluropolymer-based sealer. It is odorless and provides an excellent stain and water repellent, the company reports.
Ager is a color enhancer sealer that works on every kind of stone, bringing up the real color of the material and giving a wet look to the surface. It is also used to color match the edge of the countertop with the darker flat surface of the slab.
Kelt is a less expensive version of Ager, which is alcohol based and easier to use with a shade lighter of enhancing. Gear is a color enhancer that is similar to Ager, and Drexy is a petroleum-based sealer similar to Hydrex.
Tenax sealers
Circle No. 188

TouchstoneTM Sealer 15 from Bonstone Materials Corp. is a no-sheen, natural-looking and water-based penetrating sealer for natural stone, formulated to provide maximum stain protection. It is effective for interior or exterior applications and may be used as a pre-grout sealer.
Touchstone Sealer 15
Circle No. 187

VIC International Corp., of Knoxville, TN, offers various StoneMedic® products. For instance Stone Sealer is a solvent-based, UV-resistant formula that provides stain resistance and long life for all natural stone surfaces. It can be used on marble, granite, slate, engineered stone, grout, absorbent ceramics, terrazzo and concrete for maximum protection.
VIC StoneMedic Stone Sealer
Circle No. 186

VIC also offers StoneMedic's Heavy Duty Stone and Ceramic Cleaner. It can be used on all natural stone and ceramic surfaces. The maximum strength formula rapidly breaks up stubborn soils.
VIC StoneMedic Heavy Duty Stone and Ceramic Cleaner
Circle No. 185

Also from VIC, StoneMedic's Multi-Surface Polish is a VOC-compliant cleaner and polish for all polished natural stone and agglomerate countertops, tables, vanities and vertical surfaces. It contains natural citrus oil to provide a fresh fragrance with surface brilliance.
VIC StoneMedic Multi-Surface Polish
Circle No. 184

VIC's StoneMedic Stone Surface Protectant provides maximum anti-stain protection on all polished stone surfaces. This water-based, VOC-compliant formula can be used on polished marble and granite, slate, soapstone and polished concrete countertops.
VIC StoneMedic Stone Surface Protectant
Circle No. 183

VMC Technical Assistance Corp. of Dallas, TX, offers Anti-Drop stone impregnator, a silicone-free impregnator that is water repellent, oil repellent, stain resistant and mildew resistant. This non-toxic, anti-stick and anti-static application does not affect the quality of the finish of the stone, the company reports. Polished, honed, and flamed finishes retain their aesthetic qualities even after treatment with Anti-Drop. The product is intended for natural stone applications such as walls, floors, statues and water fountains. The product may be applied with a cloth, brush, sprayer, roller, sponge mop, terry cloth applicator or atomizer.
VMC Anti-Drop
Circle No. 182

VMC's Kleerseal water-based stone impregnator is a sealer that works on stone with a formulation of a co-floropolymer, which protects against both water- and oil-based stains. Just like the Anit-Drop stone impregnator, this product is environmentally safe, non-toxic, non-flammable and silicone free. It also protects against mildew, water staining or oil staining. Additionally, it is an anti-stick and anti-static application that does not affect the quality of finish. Kleerseal can be used for walls, floors and three-dimensional applications and can be applied by cloth, brushing, spraying, rolling or flooding.
VMC Kleerseal
Circle No. 181

Plus 10 spray protector, also by VMC, is a spray-and-wipe polish for marble and granite. It is composed of a silicone emulsion, a wax and an odorless solvent, which not only dries quickly, but also cleans as it polishes. Plus 10 is designed specifically for all polished vertical and horizontal surfaces other than floors.
VMC Plus 10
Circle No. 180

VMC 30 is a cleaning conditioner solution for natural stone and terrazzo floors. It is an organic non-flammable detergent formulated for deep cleaning marble, granite and other natural and engineered stone surfaces. At the proper dilution, this product is a non-rinsing, non-streaking conditioner for natural stone. VMC 30 is composed of penetrating agents that lift the dirt from porous surfaces without harming polished finishes, while adding conditioning agents to keep the stone surface looking new. It can be used as a spray and wipe for marble and granite vanity tops in hotels, a mopping solution on marble and granite floors and a scrubbing solution in automatic scrubbers.
VMC 30
Circle No. 179