Sealing Granite over Existing Sealer

[Cindla]

Our granite countertops were installed last week. The fabricator used one coat of 511 Impregnator sealer. I've read that you should not change sealers. Is this correct? Can I use Stone Armor Impregnating Sealer over the 511 Impregnator?

[John Bridge]

Hi Cindla, Welcome.

To be safe, I would use the 511. It's a good product. No need to change. And depending on the stone, one application may be enough.

Someone more knowledgeable than I might or might not be along.

P.S. When I lived in Phoenix, Chandler wasn't even on the map.

[Steven Hauser]

Hi Cindla,

What you have heard is true. It is a good idea to use the same type of sealer. That said, it may be wise to purchase the sealer from your supplier rather than a Home Depot or Lowes as there are reports of different formulations.

What is happening with the stone to make you think it needs more sealer?

What type of stone is it?

We are happy to help.

Steven

[kemguru]

Originally posted by Steven Hauser
it may be wise to purchase the sealer from your supplier rather than a Home Depot or Lowes as there are reports of different formulations.

Hi Cindla

It is best to stick with the same product. Unfortunately, we usually don’t know what was used, so the rule is water-based over solvent-based. Do not use a solvent over water. So when in doubt…always use a water-based.

Since you are in the know, use the 511. Just keep applying until it’s sealed.

[Cindla]

The stone is Juperana Lapidus, which I've heard is a very porous stone. It is beautiful and I want to make sure it stays that way.

Did I understand that you can use water-based over solvent-based but not vice-versa? Does this mean that I can switch to Stone Armor? I heard that 511 is silicone based.

[Steven Hauser]

Hi Cindla,

511 is also a water based sealer as well. Water versus solvent just refers to the carrier of the different types of solids used to seal the stone.

So keep going with the 511.

Steven

[kemguru]

According to the MSDS in my Miracle product info book, the primary carrier in 511 Impregnator is Mineral Spirits. It’s been a few years since I cracked open a jug of that juice, but it was solvent back then.

It was pretty good, back then at least. I imagine it is, still, but I haven’t a clue about different formulations of the same product being sold at different stores.

[Steven Hauser]

Hey Tim,

Me either.

Lat time was three years ago,

511 solvent based

511 porous plus water based.

I was dead wrong.

Steven

Hi, everybody:
I already answered to Cindy in another forum and, before then, through my web-mail system where she originally inquired.
I do like it when people seek a second opinion (especially when it turns out to coincide with mine! ), and I'm glad to see that we all concur. I did not advise Cindy to buy my MB-4 on the grounds that it may just not be effective combined together with the existing 511. In Cindy's case, the fabricotr used the wrong sealer in relation to the high degree of absorbency of the stone in question. That's why Cindy has problem finishing the sealing job.
511 Porous Plus is also solvent-carried. (Then they have a version which is water-carried, but is yet a totally different animal.) A reliable colleague of mine indicated to me not long ago that 511 and its sibling Porous Plus are not compatible to each other, despite the fact that they're both silicon-based: different strand of silicon, apparently.
Ciao and good luck,