Here's How Stone Consolidants Work

How Stone Consolidants Work

Exposure to wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations can take a toll on stone and masonry. Other environmental factors that can cause degradation include pollution, physical stresses like vibration, and exposure to acids, salts, or other chemicals. If stone is improperly installed, it can degrade prematurely. One way to slow the degradation of stone and masonry is to apply a consolidant.

Fred Hueston, Chief Technical Director of Surface Care Pros and Owner of Stone Forensics explains, “Consolidants are materials applied to masonry and stone that bind the loose minerals of the stone or masonry together. Consolidants are used on stone that has been severely weathered and have lost there naturally binding materials. The most common consolidants contain derivatives of silicon dioxide, a silicon-based material that penetrates into the stone or masonry surface and locks itself into place. It cures and forms silicon dioxide, a glasslike material that binds and hardens the stone or masonry.”

CAUTION: Consolidants should only be applied by experienced, professional craftspeople.

Learn More

For more information, register to earn a Stone Restoration Master Course Certificate. You'll learn about consolidants and much more, like 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.