Causes and Solutions for Impregnator Beading and Staying on Top of Stone

What Impregnator is Supposed to Do

Ideally, when impregnator is applied to stone, it penetrates into the pores of the stone. However, this isn’t always the case. 

What Causes Impregnator to Bead

Fred Hueston, Chief Technical Director of Surface Care Pros and owner of Stone Forensics explains, “If you apply an impregnator and it beads and stays on top of the stone, this is a problem.” It indicates that the impregnator is not being absorbed into the stone for some reason. Something is blocking the pores.

Hueston suggests, “Check to see if there are any coatings on the surface of the stone.” Coatings are designed to create a barrier. The barrier must be removed for the impregnator to penetrate.

How to Resolve the Problem

Hueston says, “Use a wax stripper and remove any coatings. Then try reapplying the sealer once the stone is dry.”

The Stone May Already Be Sealed

There’s another possible reason for the beading, and fortunately, it will not require stripping. Hueston explains, “Check to see if the stone has been sealed before. Perform an absorbency test. If the impregnator beads on the surface of the stone after you have removed any coatings, then the stone may have enough impregnator. If this is the case there should be no need to apply more.”

Learn More

For more information, register to earn a Stone Restoration Master Course Certificate. You'll learn how to restore natural stone floors, countertops, and walls, engineered stone, and granite floors, using the most efficient and effective restoration procedures. Also included in this program is the Stain Care Pro course with a one-year subscription to the Stain Care Pro app and Understanding Sealers.