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How Long Silicon Impregnator Lasts and When to Reapply

744 June 26, 2023  Stone & Tile Restoration

How Long Silicon Impregnators Last and When to Reapply

Many different factors contribute to the longevity of silicon impregnators, including the stone type, porosity, and finish, as well as how much traffic and use the area gets and what kind of sealer you applied. There is no single, easy answer as to how long silicon impregnators last, but there is a test you can do to know when to reapply it.

Fred Hueston, Chief Technical Director of Surface Care Pros and owner of Stone Forensics explains, “How long a silicon sealer will last and when it should be reapplied will depend on the product. Read the product data sheet carefully. Generally, most silicon impregnators will last several years under normal conditions.”

Honing or polishing the stone will affect the performance of a silicon impregnator. Hueston recommends, “If the stone will be re-honed or re-polished, then reapply the sealer.”

You can always check the absorbency of the stone if you are unsure, using Hueston’s simple instructions:

Absorbency Test Instructions 

  • Take a drop or two of water and place it on the surface of the stone.   
  • Record the time it takes to soak into the stone. 
  • If the water soaks into the stone in under five minutes, the stone is absorbent, which means the sealer is not performing.

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.