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There is no need for confusion or problems brought about by misidentification of a surface type, yet it happens all too often. If you would like to see why this is the case and how to properly identify a surfacing material .....
Click here
If you are concerned about doing it yourself - consider that the satisfaction of a project is directly related to your knowledge of what needs to be done and how. Who actually does the work is less important. We estimate that 25% of the usage of Aldon products is by "do it yourself" homeowners and we know they are happy because we hear from them.
| MATERIAL DESCRIPTION - With Identifying Characteristics
- Bluestone is a type of sandstone
- Bluestone is denser and less absorbent than Flagstone
- Shapes: random or rectangular
- Colors: blue - rose/purple - green - variegated
- Some batches of this surfacing can be very absorbent and will tend to soak up a lot of sealer if you just keep pouring it on. Too decrease the amount of sealer required - click
here
- Renewal of a glossy finish: sealer applications can be made hours or years later, but do not apply thin layer upon thin layer. Apply a sufficient quantity to insure below surface penetration & bonding. Or, test spray on of lacquer thinner as an alternative to slightly melt and reform the surface and not build too much gloss or sealer "layering". Sealer layering can result in poor bonding between layers and that can cause graying (peeling).
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ADVANTAGES TO THIS MATERIAL
- Dense, tough paving
- Colors can be deep and rich depending on sealer
- Many choices for finishing gloss - from none to high gloss
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CONSIDERATIONS (All Are Preventable!)
(Click links for Aldon's solutions to these issues!)
- Do not use a sealer as a grout barrier
(pre-seal). Prevent grout smears, surface scratching and keep grout residue out of surface texture by coating with Aldon "Grout Easy" before grouting. "Grout Easy" is a water soluble coating that comes off easily while grout is being cleaned up with water and a sponge.
- Efflorescence (subsurface originating white powdery stains) can occur. This can appear even before installation. However, it is
easily cleaned.
- Colors can "fade". The appearance of fading is actually from light efflorescence and
can be stopped by sealing with the appropriate Aldon sealer.
- Can scratch during installation, however, one of the "solvent-penetrating" sealers tends to make the scratches disappear.
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Following are recommendations for products you may need (in sequence of use ) for whichever of the categories applies to you. Please review each and mark your printed
worksheet accordingly.
Layed, But Not Grouted
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 Grout Easy
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 Efflorescence Treatment
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 Grout Residue
Remover
(should not be needed after using Grout Easy)
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Grouted, But Not Sealed
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Grout Residue
Remover
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Efflorescence Treatment
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.............Sealer ( see below )
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 Lifeguard
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Care ...........
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Sealer Has Been Applied
Important! - First -
Click here!
 Premium Stripper- ...........Cleaners ?
- ...........Sealer ( see below )
- Lifeguard
- Care ..........
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Regarding The Sealer Results Shown Below - these pictures are using the same piece of stone to eliminate the variations between stone pieces.
An Aldon sealer does far more than just bead water and look pretty! To see what that is
click here.
Your results may vary somewhat from these pictures due to variations in computer display and the surface materials themselves. Nevertheless, you will be able to see the differences well enough to make good choices.
Different areas of the same piece are used as much as possible to minimize raw material variations.
Of all the sealers Aldon manufactures, the ones shown are recommended as best suited to this surface type.
(Important: If your project has had any sealer applied in the past, it must be evaluated differently. To see why,
Click here!)
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"Same Day Sealer"
Water Based - Penetrating Type
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"Crystal Glaze Sealer"
Water Based - Coating Type
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One Application
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High Gloss
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Some color enhancement.
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"S-B-S Sealer"
Solvent Based - Penetrating Type
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"Porous Stone Sealer"
Solvent Based - Penetrating Type
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One Application
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High Gloss
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Color Enhanced
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* Note: will add another level of gloss to any of the above sealed surfaces.
It also prevents traffic wear to the sealers finish.
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