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Expert: - 3/21/2008


Question
HI Tad,

We are in the process of installing natural stone/slate tiles on our kitchen countertops. We know we need to seal the grout but what can we do to seal the actual stone? It's our kitchen so I will need to clean them well and food and liquids will be touching them daily.

Thanks for your help!

Answer
Jamie,
I suggest that once the grout has dried and cured (at least one week) that you seal the entire countertop including the slate and grout.
I have used and highly recommend HMK Stone Care products.
go to http://hmkstonecare.com/
and select the "Protection" tab and review both S32Water Base Impregnator or S34 Silicone Impregnating Sealer.

I personally use S34 because it lasts longer and offers better protection. It is safe for food once dry.

For regular cleaning I suggest P24 Liquid Stone Soap, with info available on the "Maintenance" tab of the website.
This is the manufacturers website so you cannot purchase products there.

To order I suggest you go to : http://hmk.stonecareonline.org/shop/
Happy Easter
Tad

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Torin Dixon

Expertise

Questions concerning Natural Stone Fabrication and Installation including: Marble, Granite, Limestone, Slate, Soapstone, Bluestone, and Travertine in Slabs and Tiles. Expert in natural stone cleaning, sealing, protection and restoration. Distributor of HMK Stone Care Products; Sealers, Cleaning Products, Stone Maintenance. Expert in stone and tile flooring, sealing and maintenance issues. Stain removal from stone. Importer and Distributor of slab stone for residential and commercial applications. Stone carving Stone restoration

Experience

I have worked in the Dimensional Stone Industry since 1977.
California Contractors License 1989
Former owner of Prestige Marble & Tile (So. Calif.)
Current owner of Elegance in Stone (Missoula, MT)
Current Owner of Montana Stone Gallery,LLC Missoula, MT
Owner of Stoncareonline.org Distributor of natural stone maintenance products

Organizations
Missoula Building Industry Association
Montana Building Industry Association
Flathead Building Association
National Association of Home Builders
Member of the Marble Institute of America
Former member of the National Tile Contractors Association

Publications
Slippery Rock Gazette-Stone Industry Publication

Education/Credentials
Journeyman Marble Mason, Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman Union #2
California Contractors License 1989-1997
Montana Contractors Registration #42969
Importer of natural stone slabs. Owner-Director of Montana Stone Gallery a regional Importing and Distribution company located in Missoula, MT

Past/Present Clients
Thousands of commercial and residential installations of stone slabs and tile in bathrooms, kitchens, showers, flooring, fireplaces over a 34 year professional career.

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