Aquamix Enrich'N'Seal Advice

[ob1kanobee]

I have been asked to seal and enhance some 16 x 16 tumbled stone. It is a new installation and it is outside exposed to the elements (Florida). It has already been grouted.
I have used the regular "Stone Enhancer" product before by Aquamix but very limeted with the Enrich'N'Seal. I have heard of several horror stories applying it wrong. I also have some concerns about the grout absorbing or taking the sealer differently and getting blotchy. Any input or suggestions would be welcome.
Thanks

[Davestone]

I've found most enhancers will tend to darken parts of joints differently, i think because the texture of the joint is different, maybe they didn't wipe the are enough to close the surface up,it may be a little rougher.I use Enrich-n-seal quite a bit and have no trouble.

[ob1kanobee]

How would you apply it to 16 x 16 tumbled travertine outside? It has already been grouted. Would you aply it to the grout first, then go back over the stone with it? Would you use a rag or paint pad aplicator?

[ccarlisle]

A lot of the horror stories you've heard most probably relate to the method of application in terms of how much or how little to use as opposed to did they use a mop and rag or a paint roller...and the horror stories probably came from the thinking that goes something like: "ah-ha! I'm asked to seal a stone. One coat is good, two coats better, three coats best" and "What's the best sealer out there for my stone?"...see, neither takes the actual stone's identity and capacity into account and are what I call linear thinking. Stone is anything but linear...

Sealing depends on the stone. You'll have to test the stone you have to see how much sealer it takes.

The horror stories you heard are often a case of ignoring those two facts i.e. they applied too much sealer to an unknown stone. If done properly, you would not be able to tell the difference between where you sealed and where you didn't...but if done incorrectly, you'll have problems you wouldn't believe. See an earlier thread about a lady whose tiles were full of puddles because the installer ignored those facts - and has now skipped town.

Good luck!

[ob1kanobee]

Well in this particular case I will be able to see where i have sealed and where i have not since I'm using an Enhancing sealer. I'm going to go with thin coats. I just hope the grout does not get splotchy on me.

[Mike2]

Ben, I can relate to your enhancing concerns. The slightest amount of latex film or efflorescence sitting on the surface of those grout lines will likely show up as shading/blotches after the enhancer is applied. Been there, done that.

I've found that wiping the grout joints down with a wet sponge first helps to identify any problem (shaded) areas you may have. Doing that gives you a chance to identify and clean them up before applying the enhancer.