Sealant Porosity, Longevity, NSF Rating

[chefwong]

Couple of Sealant Blurbs

For sealing Granite Countertops in a residential environment, are there certain ~sealers~ that are NSF rated ...


On topic of sealers, is there a measured spec of porosity of a sealant over sand vs. unsanded grout.

Are there any measured spec testing of the longevity of a sealant applied over grout with no wear (example, backsplash area that is nowhere near the stove, etc).

The same sealant question on longevity would apply to a floor in areas with traffic versus without.

My background/familiarity on sealants is more on car paint, and have watched the evolution of sealants in this world, siloxane based that offer greater longevity, etc.

[doitright]

Hi Alan

None that I'm aware of. Cleaning chemicals and maintenance has a lot to do with sealer longevity. Way too many variables for a grout scenario.

Comparing with paint sealants is like comparing grapes and grapefruits!

With the introduction of fluoropolymers, and nano technology just the products themselves vary drastically.

[chefwong]

Correct. But I guess the variable I am saying are area's where IF a sealant was applied, let's say even in a controlled environment with the surface Properly Prepped - what is the porosity rating of the grout Before and what is the porosity rating After.

And if we take it outside of the control environment, and let's say in a area where for example, the backsplash area that sees no grease or contamination, and maybe get's a wipedown from a ~regular~ homeowner every 4 weeks (I'm not sure what the cleaning cycle of a ~regular~ person would be), I'd be curious to see what the measurable statistics are.

Granted, variables like lemon juice on the countertop, harsh chemicals that are used changed it all.......just like the enviromental factors that affect sealant on paint. I just forgo the whole BuZzwords of nAno, but am interested in the measured testing if anyone has independently done any ;-)

This would be a lesser technical discussion if I just said let's compare epoxy vs. urethane, but that's another whole diatribe reserved for another day

[doitright]

Hi Alan

Good topic for conversation sake. I've got to run, but I'll return with additional input.

[doitright]

Hi Alan

I think you scared everyone away.

Tough questions, but I don't know of any independent testing of grout porosity before and after sealing. I do know that natural stone, and tile have been tested only for porosity (and rated accordingly).

I also know of sealer manufacturers that have also weighed stone prior to and after sealing. This is private or in house testing, and results are not publicly posted.

There are no industry standards to meet regarding sealer performance (that I'm aware of). The only important control is what's been established by the EPA for VOC compliance.

[MDS]

Alan,

Like John said, there are no industry standard tests for grout sealers, at least none that I am aware of that would have any value to an end user or specifier.

Porosity is important, no doubt, but by itself wouldn't tell much. A simple solution of wax in solvent, like the old Thompson's Water Seal would pass the porosity "test" with flying colors but would not mean it is a great grout sealer.

The paint industry is far more mature and diverse and as such has tons of standard test procedures like QUV/Weatherometer, salt fog, taber abrasion, and so forth. Certainly some of these methods could be adapted, but the industry itself would have to establish specifications. Until a group is established to head up that effort I'm afraid it remains the Wild West for the most part as far as performance testing.