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Print ArticleAccording to reports from the Freedonia Group, the U.S. sales of residential kitchen and bathroom countertops are forecasted to rise to 540 million sq. ft. by 2011, at a value of $14 billion to the fabricator. What those consumers will want out of their $14 billion: a shine that will last for years to come. We're here to help you leave a lasting impression with your customers by bringing you information on a variety of sealers and polishes straight from the sources. We've contacted a number of industry suppliers and manufacturers and here's what they have to offer to help you seal the deal.
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386 Nanotech Sealants Inc. produces sealants that reportedly form a thin layer of protection
on the applied surface, creating a hypo-retardant barrier that protects against liquids and
dirt particles and helps to prevent bacteria from entering the surface. The sealer does not
change the color, texture, breathability or lubricity of the surface, and will reportedly
last for up to 10 years. The company also offers sealants for stainless steel, glass, tile,
grout, concrete and other surfaces. |
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Aqua Mix provides a range of sealers and care products designed for natural stone countertops.
The company manufactures sealers in both solvent and water-based versions. UltraSolv utilizes
a low VOC, high flash point non-flammable solvent designed to not adversely affect resinous
stone or alter its natural look reports the company. Sealer's Choice Gold is a water-based
sealer. Also offered is a color-enhancing, penetrating sealer, Enrich 'N Seal, designed
to enhance the color of unsealed, polished stone, in addition to providing unsurpassed stain
protection. |
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Berrington Marble Manufacturing LLC has developed Armor Shine, a cleaner/wax made for solid
surfaces. The product features carnauba wax, which results in a lasting shine. In additiona
to solid surface, it is suitable for appliances, glass, mirrors, furniture and automotive
uses. Carnauba wax naturally has an anti-static property that can ward off dust. Armor Shine
is available in a 2-oz. bottle, a 16-oz. trigger bottle or gallon bottle for shop use or
refills. |
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Dani Designs offers an e-stone restoring kit. This simple-to-use kit allows you to match
the factory finish from any e-stone manufacturer. It reportedly gives you the ability to
sand out scratches, dull haze or damage and top polish the damaged area back to match the
surrounding undamaged area turning a once thought throw-away sheet into a fully usable sheet.
The system requires only a squirt bottle and water for a typical repair. |
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Dry Treat's Stain-Proof, available through Federal Saw and Tool Companies, seals stone
against oil, water and salt. The product reduces the surface energy of stone below the surface
tension of oil and water, preventing these liquids from entering the stone through capillary
action. It works on natural stone, pavers, brick and grout. It is easy to apply and leaves
no change in the surface or gloss, reports the company. |
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GEM Industries offers an acrylic countertop sealant which reportedly protects any surface
against scratches and stains. This two-step process eliminates most maintenance problems
on semigloss and high-gloss surfaces. After sanding and finishing is complete, apply GEM's
Solid Surface Compound with an orbital sander and a micro-fiber bonnet. Once compounding
is complete, the acrylic sealant is applied and removed in similar fashion, with the sander. |
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GranQuartz Stone Care Systems 313P is a premium water-based impregnator that offers protection
from both oil and water-borne stains while complying with VOC regulations reports the company.
The product is safe to use, has no smell and may be used for interior or exterior applications
on both polished and unpolished surfaces. It is suitable for granite kitchen countertops,
bathrooms, furniture and floors. Coverage is 100 to 200 sq. ft. per liter depending upon
the porosity of the stone. |
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Gruber Systems' line of GruberCare MR products provides long-lasting, multiple-release
capability to a mold. Using these products reportedly reduces the amount of time-consuming
mold retreatment between casting cycles that is required when using traditional wax and releases.
To realize the benefits, the products need to be used in the following order: GruberCare
MR Solvent, MR Cleaner, MR Rinse, MR Sealer, MR GP, MR Hi-Tec and the MR 2-in-1: Combination
Time Saver. |
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Stone Pro Ultimate Pro Sealer, available through Hard Rock Tool, provides protection for
granite counters while being environmentally friendly and safe. The new solvent-based fluorocarbon
technology in Ultimate Pro delivers protection against oil and water borne stains. The nonyellowing,
long-lasting formula was specifically designed to bond with the materials inherent to granite,
quartz and silica. The sealer changes the surface tension of the granite, repelling water
and oils reports the company. It also gives you thorough penetration, yet it is non-flammable,
biodegradable and VOC compliant. |
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Majestic Stone Care's Stone Polishing Compound is suitable for refreshing and maintaining
the deep shine of a natural stone surface. Quick and user-friendly, it is priced
for your budget. |
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Protect All Shine Plus is a cleaner, polish, wax and treatment specially formulated for
surfaces found in a kitchen and bath environment. It works on solid surface, engineered and
natural stone, tile, marble, wood, glass, brass, chrome and stainless steel, reports the
company. Shine Plus is easy to use. Just spray and wipe to a clean, dry finish. It is available
in 6-oz. and 13.5-oz. aerosol cans or 16-oz. trigger pumps and gallon refills. |
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Simple Green Stone Cleaner and Simple Green Stone Polish, from Simple
Green Midwest, are
suitable for daily use on granite, marble, quartz, laminates and engineered surfaces. Both
ready-to-use formulas are ammonia- and alcohol-free. The stone cleaner wipes clean, and the
stone polish leaves a high shine that resists fingerprints and smudges, reports the company.
Both products are VOC-free, nonflammable, nontoxic and readily biodegradable. Simple Green
Stainless Steel One-Step Cleaner & Polish is a ready-to-use, all-in-one, nontoxic, biodegradable
formula. |
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Superior Stone Products has introduced The Ultimate Stone Care Kit. The kit contains all
you need to protect, clean and polish your natural and engineered stone surfaces reports
the company. The kit has three different options: natural stone, quartz surface and solid
surface. Depending on which option you choose, the following products are featured: ZERO-Ultimate
Stone Protector, ZERO-Ultimate Surface Cleaner, ZERO-Ultimate Foam'n Polish or the
Quartz Surface Enhancer. |
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Tekon Universal Sciences Inc. offers its Stone Sealer A, a water-based penetrating sealer
that produces an invisible resistant barrier against oil and water stains. Treated surfaces
are protected from UV, corrosion and staining. The product seals and protects natural stone
as well as manufactured stone and grout joints. It is a safe, versatile and virtually odorless
product that does not contain any toxic or dangerous solvents, reports the company. |
