Products for the improvement of the physical properties of the stone

Currently, there are many chemicals on the market that applied in fine films to natural stone can improve its characteristics and performance.
Products of this type may be those which reduce the water absorption capacity of the stone or those that improve the slipperiness of the pavements.
We explain below some of them which can be very interesting when dealing with a project or even witha pathology.

• Water repellents: These types of products are applied to the surface of the stone in contact with water, normally functioning as water repellents. They can be taken into account for applications in very abundant rainfall zones, or for certain types of more porous and/or absorbent stones.
• Surface hardeners: If we are dealing with granites, they are used in a residual way and in rehabilitations, to give solution to certain pathologies, as can be the wear of some granites more porous which, in zones of humidity, can be degraded over many years.
• Anti-slip: products which, applied to the surface of tiles, can improve the sliding ability to the pedestrian crossing of some smoother finishes, such as polished or bush-hammered.
• Colorants: They are used to enhance the colour for some type of stones. Examples of these are those that can be used on dark granites, of African origin, to emphasize the absolute black tone.
• Resin coated in factory: used to consolidate the structure of some materials or as a reinforcement of its surface. They are applied after the polishing of the boards, during the manufacturing process.

In addition to the above, there are products to accelerate the aging of the stone, descaling products, remove-oxides and an endless number of options that the chemical industry for stone has improved with time and experience, thus also optimizing the performance that the granite has in the construction by itself.

EVA PORTAS FERNANDEZ
Technical Consulting Area
FCTGG