Sealing

"I highly recommend Tim Lee for stone restoration in Northern California. ... Tim is personable and has the experience and proper equipment to do his work meticulously!" ~ Chuck Davis

Initial protection via the application of a high-quality sealant is highly beneficial. If concrete, tile, natural stone, and grout are not properly treated with protective agents, liquids, even water, can easily penetrate the materials, leaving unsightly stains and mineral deposits. The best solution is the application of an appropriate, long-lasting sealant to all hard surfaces, which will significantly help to guard against even the toughest stains.

Our selections of premium impregnator sealants provide deep, durable protection against hard water, acid, alkaline, and oil-based stains. We frequently recommend color-enhance formulas, which enrich the natural luster of stone, concrete, and tile while providing a penetrating barrier to help preserve its radiant beauty.

All our recommendations for premium sealants range from superior to ultimate protection for transparent and color-enhanced formulas. We can usually offer property owners and contractors several high-tech sealant options.

The sealant application process is simple. NBR will deeply clean your hard surface and rinse thoroughly, neutralizing it in preparation for sealant. Allow sufficient drying time, usually a couple of hours, with the aid of fans. Then, apply several coats of a premium, solvent, or water-based impregnator sealant. After complete absorption, the surface will be buffed to remove any remaining residue. It’s best not to resume regular activity for 3-4 hours, and no water nor heavy use is introduced for 24 hours to ensure a full sealant cure.

A bathroom with two sinks and a large tub.

Applying a high-performance sealant to all surfaces prone to regular water use is essential. Especially for polished marble, limestone, & travertine, which are especially sensitive to hard water mineral deposits & personal care products.

Exterior bluestone tile sealed with premium, solvent-based, impregnator revealing its superior performance in the rain. Notice how water beads up on the surface like a newly waxed car. When dry, the tile presents no visual alternation.

All sealed surfaces will require routine cleanings. Property owners will be advised of appropriate maintenance programs with products that may be purchased at local tile stores. (Please see “Maintenance”).

Sealant Expectations—Sealant is NOT Bulletproof. NBR’s premium sealants will help protect against damage from regular use and improve maintenance for easier removal of surface contaminants. Be sure to wipe up spills ASAP and use a “neutral cleaner,” as most commercial cleaners will break down premium sealants over time.To date, no product on the market will entirely prevent damage due to acids, such as lemon juice, wine, vinegar, or alkalines, such as baking soda, etc. Our premium sealants will help prevent deep etching as long as these damaging materials are quickly removed. Some stones, such as marble and limestone, are softer (less dense) and notoriously prone to etching.

"We feel much safer knowing that our beautiful natural-stone investment is protected with superior products. By having Mr. Lee seal our stone professionally, we know the job is done right.” ~ LB Matthews

A couple of pictures of the same area with different colors.

Slate Restoration

Before (left): The exterior slate patio (15-year-old) had never been sealed. NBR power washed and chemically deep-cleaned it to remove organic surface contaminants.

After (right): The second image portrays the work in progress, showing the contrast between color-enhanced and clean, natural slate tile... The finished product is stunning!

Cobblestone Driveway Restoration

Before (left): This cobblestone driveway was dirty and dull-looking. The homeowner had two professional companies apply costly penetrating color enhancers, but neither held up for over a few months.

After (right): NBR was power washed and allowed sufficient drying time. Then, two coats of high-performance, industrial-strength urethane were applied. This highly durable material holds up well in intense ultraviolet conditions and is excellent for residential surfaces. It helps control efflorescence, blocks oil and protects against tire markings. It also deepens and enriches the color of natural stone and concrete, leaving a high-end, well-finished appearance.

A before and after picture of a driveway.

A before and after picture of the floor in a bathroom.

Shower Pan & Curb Restoration

Before (left): This travertine/marble shower was damaged by hard-water mineral buildup and chemical etching.

After (right): NBR was deeply cleaned to remove surface buildup, mechanically honed/polished to remove etching and restore luster, and then sealed with a premium, solvent-based color enhancer. The stone came alive with beautiful, vivid colors! NBR discussed proper maintenance and shower products with the homeowner. (See the Maintenance Page on this website.)

Granite Counter Top Restoration

Before (top): Black-leathered granite countertops show heavy wax buildup from inappropriate cleaning products. Wax cleaners should not be used for daily maintenance.

After (bottom): NBR tried chemical deep cleaning to remove buildup. Unfortunately, the wax had hardened so intensely that mechanical diamond grinding was required to restore its factory sheen. Then, NBR applied premium, solvent-based impregnator sealant for additional protection and advised the homeowner of appropriate maintenance procedures with products that won’t produce buildup.

A before and after picture of the kitchen.

A before and after picture of the patio.

Exterior Flagstone Patio Restoration

Before (left): Exterior flagstone presents much organic buildup, including heavy tree tannins, due to minimal maintenance.

After (right): The surface was deeply cleaned via steam power wash with chemical treatment to remove mold stains and tannins. Once thoroughly dried out, NBR applied two coats of premium, solvent-based, high-gloss urethane. Our premium urethanes protect against ultraviolet light damage and hydrostatic pressure caused by moisture, temperature changes, damaging stains, and prolonged water contact. They also help with loss-of-bond issues and improve maintenance for easier removal of surface contaminants.

Exterior Quartz-Flagstone Walkway Restoration

Before: (top) Flagstone presents significant algae and organic stains. Surface will be deeply strip cleaned via a high-heat power washer to remove buildup.

After: (bottom) Once thoroughly cleaned, the surface is allowed sufficient drying time (approximately 2-3 days) in preparation for premium sealant application. As mentioned in previous illustrations, NBR sealant does not change the appearance, but helps protect against ultraviolet light damage & hydrostatic pressure caused by moisture, temperature changes, damaging stains, & prolonged water contact. Our premium sealants also help stone bonding and improve maintenance for easier removal of surface contaminants.