STONE MAINTENANCE & CHEMICALS

In the stone maintenance industry there are two main types of chemicals

that are utilized, water-based and solvent-based.

Solvent-based chemicals do not contain any water and do not register a

pH balance. These ingredients are only soluble in other solvents. Some

examples of solvent chemicals are paint thinners, most penetrating

sealers (impregnators), D-Limonene, and alcohol.

Water-based chemicals are chemicals that contain water and have a pH

balance. Chemicals mixed in water are soluble in water. There are a

variety of water based chemicals such as neutral cleaners, ammonia,

bleach, and most chemicals that have a pH balance.

In order to determine the difference between solvent and water based

chemicals, read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Most solvents

have a flash point and can ignite. Most water-based chemicals do not

have a flash point unless they contain a solvent ingredient to add

strength to the product. For example, many degreasers contain

D-limonene. In most stone care situations, if a stain or coating is

water-based, then water-based chemicals are needed to remove it.

Listed below are samples of the two types of chemicals:

WATER-BASED: SOLVENT-BASED:

Alkalis D-limonene

Acids Alcohol

Hydrogen peroxide Siloxane

All purpose cleaners Acetone

Glycols Mineral spirits

Some product lines are derived of mainly water-based chemicals. The

reason is due to the environmental concerns that solvent-based chemicals

are harmful to our environment. Water-based chemicals are usually more

user friendly. Remember to always wear proper protective gear when using

any chemical and keep them all out of the reach of children.