How to Measure Size in m²

It is simple to calculate the square metre size of an area.

When measuring rectangular shaped areas. Just multiply the length by the width in metres and you have the answer.

When measuring more complex shapes it is best to divide them into separate rectangles and then add them together to get a total area.

Bluestone Sealer - perth

About Bluestone

The term bluestone is commonly used in a loose sense to cover a range of stones. It is a convenience label rather than a geological term. In Victoria, bluestone is basalt whereas in South Australia the name bluestone is given to a form of slate which is less durable than Victorian bluestone. Bluestone(Basalt) can be used indoors and out – for cladding, paving, stairs, coping, kitchen and bathroom counter tops, pool surrounds, garden edging, commercial and domestic floors and retaining walls.

Sealing Bluestone - Bluestone Tile Protection

Bluestone tiles can sometimes be porous. To check whether your bluestone needs sealing, leave a few drops of water on the surface. If it beads up, then it does not need sealing. If after a few minutes the water has soaked into the bluestone, then you will need to seal your stone.

Australian made non-toxic Deepshield™ range of impregnating sealers offer peace of mind by forming a barrier between the pores of your bluestone and potential stains while preserving the stones natural appearance and resulting in maintenance being made much easier.

Sealing your bluestone will keep most stains suspended at the surface, creating a barrier that provides protection against chemical attack, deterioration and contamination. Sealing is the first important step towards protecting your investment against stains.

All DEEPSHIELD® products are available from our Online Store, or from one of the dozens of Accredited Applicators throughout all Perth suburbs

How Deepshield™ Sealer Works?

Deepshield™ GOLD works by taking advantage of advanced fluorine chemistry technology which reacts with the surface pores, leaving an invisible, breathable, protective barrier against staining as well as water and oil based containments. Deepshield™ Gold ultra premium fast curing sealer, is ideal both indoors and outdoors, on natural stone, tile and grout surfaces, with zero unpleasant odours or flammability problems.

Deepshield™ Penetrating Impregnating Sealer works by chemically reacting with the bluestone rock using nano-technology developed to create a protective barrier to water and oils. The active component is a molecule consisting of silicon, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. The molecule has two ends, one hydrophilic the other hydrophobic. When applied, the hydrophilic end reacts with moisture retained in the substrate and breaks away to form another compound that reacts within the masonry lattice. This reaction forms a bond that is stronger than any mechanical or hydrogen bonding of conventional film forming sealers, the exposed hydrophobic end of the molecule changes the surface energy with the result that water and oils are now repelled, but the micro pores are still open enough to allow moisture vapour to escape making the treated surface breathable.

Fully Breathable Impregnating Sealer

Bluestone tiles need to be allowed to breath, and therefore it is particularly important for them to be sealed with a breathable impregnating sealer rather than being covered by a synthetic or urethane sealer. Deepshield™ sealers are fully breathable penetrating impregnating sealers that will allow water vapour to escape freely so the surface can dry out, this helps avoid harmful moisture buildup inside the treated bluestone material.

All DEEPSHIELD® products are available from our Online Store, or from one of the dozens of Accredited Applicators throughout all Perth suburbs

Water, Oil and Stain Protection

Water and oil soluble contaminants can be readily absorbed by bluestone initiating a process of deterioration starting with efflorescence, salt damage, mould and mildew and eventually erosion of the surface. By using Deepshield™ penetrating sealer you protect your investment and keep your tiles looking great for many years to come. Deepshield™ also acts as a salt barrier, making it ideal around saltwater pools or marinas.

Keeps Your Floors Non-Slip

Deepshield™ sealers do not affect the slip resistance of the surface as they do not leave a film or coating, therefore by sealing your bluestone floors with Deepshield™ your tiles will maintain their slip resistance. Deepshield™ Gold sealer is designed for slippery surfaces and will penetrate the surface of highly polished bluestone tiles.

Non Film Forming, will not Flake or Peel

Deepshield™ is Alkali resistant, odourless and non film forming meaning that it does not create a film or coating on the surface of the tile as the sealer penetrates into the pores of the tile. Deepshield™ sealers will not flake or peel, and do not need to be removed before reapplying in future as with topical and other film forming sealers.

Protecting Bluestone from Acid Etching

Acid etching is different from a stain, as etching makes the stone material look like is has been eaten or that is has corroded and can cause deep pitting. Acid erodes the stone, leaving dull marks on polished surfaces. Acid etching can’t be cleaned and can only be removed by honing or grinding the surface. Acid etching on bluestone is commonly caused by direct contact with liquids like lemon juice, cola, wine, vinegar and champagne. The milder the acid, the longer it takes to etch the stone, stronger acids can cause dramatic damage in seconds. Even when bluestone is sealed, acidic substances should be cleaned up as soon as possible as it is very difficult to completely seal bluestone against acid attack. Bluestone, like other calcite based natural stone is prone to acid etching. Bluestone is immediately etched by any acidic material on contact, which is one of the reasons behind the popularity of the honed (matt) look bluestone, as it doesn't show the matt etch marks as much as polished Bluestone.

bluestone tiles white grout lines outdoor terrace dining table

Pre-Sealing Preparation

1. Any surface to be sealed should be clean and looking just as you want it before sealing, as it may be near impossible to remove stains left in your bluestone before sealing without having to hone the surface of the bluestone tiles.
2. Bluestone must have no other coating such as wax or a topical sealer before Deepshield™ is applied, all coatings must be removed before sealing with a Deepshield™ sealer.
3. Acidic cleaners should not be used on bluestone as they will damage it.
4. Bluestone surface must be dry before applying any sealer.
5. You must do a test on a small, inconspicuous area of your Bluestone tiles at least 24 hours before sealing the rest of your tiles.
6.When using Deepshield™ Colour Enhancer your must also test to check if the sealer has produced the colour enhancement that you desire.

All DEEPSHIELD® products are available from our Online Store, or from one of the dozens of Accredited Applicators throughout all Perth suburbs

bluestone tiles outdoor traditional landscape flowers

After Sealing. Maintenance Tips and Advice

Do's:

Clean spill-ups as quickly as possible
Place a mat at each doorway
Use a Microfiber mop to clean floors
Clean floors regularly

Don'ts:

Never use bleach, ammonia or vinegar to clean Bluestone tiles
Never use acidic cleaners, abrasive cleaners or a scouring pads

Which is the best sealer for Bluestone?

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Deepshield™ GOLD Transparent Penetrating Sealer

Deepshield™ Gold ultra premium sealer is based on the latest fluoro-bond technology and provides maximum bluestone stain protection for up to 15 years or longer dependent on surface usage and weather.

Deepshield™ Gold ultra premium impregnating sealer is specially designed to penetrate denser materials such as bluestone, granite and marble as well as all other stone types, providing maximum protection against water and oil based stains.

Deepshield™ Gold is a fast curing water-based sealer, with no unpleasant odours or flammability problems, lasting for up to 15 years or longer depending on application, weather conditions usage and surface quality. Deepshield™ will extend the life of your bluestone tiles and add value as they age beautifully instead of crumbling with erosion.

DEEPSHIELD GOLD TRANSPARENT BROCHURE PDF

DEEPSHIELD GOLD TRANSPARENT SEALER FACT SHEET PDF

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Deepshield™ Transparent Penetrating Sealer

Deepshield™ Transparent Sealer provides an invisible natural look, whilst protecting the surface of your bluestone tiles from both water and oil based contaminants. Deepshield™ is designed to penetrate below the surface of the tile, and because of this it will not make your bluestone flooring any more or less slippery. Deepshield™ is fast curing and can be used indoors and outdoors, with no unpleasant odours or flammability problems. Deepshield™ will protect and extend the life of your natural bluestone tiles.

DEEPSHIELD TRANSPARENT BROCHURE PDF

DEEPSHIELD TRANSPARENT FACT SHEET PDF

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Deepshield™ Color Enhancing Penetrating Sealer

Deepshield™ Colour Enhancer is specifically formulated and designed to slightly darken and highlight the character and beauty of bluestone and other porous natural stone products, whilst protecting the surface of the tiles from water and oil based contaminants. This product leaves a visible highlight sheen without altering the surface characteristics while providing excellent water and stain protection. The colour change is slight.

DEEPSHIELD COLOUR ENHANCING SEALER BROCHURE PDF

DEEPSHIELD COLOUR ENHANCER FACT SHEET PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

Why seal bluestone surfaces?

Building materials such as bluestone are made up of countless capillary pores, allowing for the absorption of damaging liquids such as water, water-borne salts and oils. These liquids cause bluestone to deteriorate prematurely and in doing so reduce its usefulness. Examples of deterioration include; weathering, loss of strength, efflorescence, salt attack, sulphate attack, unsightly staining, biological attack, chemical attack, swelling, embrittlement and picture framing. Sealing your bluestone can help eliminate or significantly reduce most of these problems.

What can happen if bluestone is not able to breathe?

Stone has a porous internal structure. Moisture present in the ground can be wicked or drawn up into bluestone by capillary action. If natural vapour transmission is not allowed to take place, moisture gets trapped and can cause chemical and physical changes within the stone. This action of decay in natural stone can take the form of pitting, spalling, flaking and oxidation.

Will Deepshield™ make my surfaces slippery?

Deepshield™ will not affect the slipperiness of your surfaces, and does not cause any yellowing or leave a visible shine. Deepshield is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and is ideal for use around swimming pools and other wet areas.

What is the difference between Deepshield™ GOLD and Deepshield™ Transparent Penetrating Sealer?

Highly polished surfaces and dense materials such as bluestone, marble and granite have extremely fine micro-pores that require a specific formula to penetrate. Deepshield™ GOLD is based on the latest fluoro-bond technology and designed to penetrate and chemically bond to the micro-pores of dense surfaces, protecting for up to 15 years. Both Deepshield™ GOLD and Deepshield™ Transparent Penetrating Sealer provide the highest level of protection against water and oil based stains without altering the surface texture or appearance.

Is it enough to maintain bluestone by just applying Deepshield™?

No. Deepshield™ sealers provide a preventive measure that gives extra protection to bluestone, which still needs to be maintained with stone care products once sealed. Deepshield™ will last longer and work better when the bluestone is properly cared for. In addition, periodic professional maintenance such as cleaning, polishing and repairs are definitely recommended.

How can I check to make sure I have applied Deepshield™ sufficiently?

As Deepshield™ doesn't alter the appearance of bluestone, you will not be able to check just by looking at the surface. The easiest way to measure the strength of the seal is to apply a teaspoon of water to the surface and see if the colour beneath the water darkens after a few minutes. If the bluestone darkens, that means that moisture has penetrated, and a fresh coat should be applied.

What is the difference between an impregnating sealer and a topical sealer?

Topical sealers produce a physical barrier over the bluestone surface which also creates a darkening, yellowing or glossy effect. Surface sealers (topical) usually don't last long, can make the floors slippery and need to be completely removed the next time sealing is required. Salts and efflorescence may also build-up under the non-breathable surface, causing the coating to appear cloudy.

Is one coat of sealer enough for bluestone?

When sealing a very dense stone such as bluestone one coat is usually sufficient, depending on the degree of the stones' porosity. Most other stone and grout will require two coats. A few of the more absorbent stones may require additional coats to be properly sealed.

How can I check if my bluestone tiles are sealed or not?

An easy way to find out if your bluestone tiles are sealed is to carry out a water test. Place a tablespoon of water on the treated surface for 20 minutes, remove the water with a tissue or cloth, pressing hard to soak up any water in the texture of the surface. If the water is absorbed or leaves a dark mark, the surface needs to be sealed, otherwise, the surface is adequately sealed and does not require further sealing.

How often do I need to seal bluestone?

If you sealed your bluestone with Deepshield™ GOLD and have properly maintained your surface the sealer should last up to 15 years. The longevity can vary depending on the type bluestone the location and what type of wear the surface is exposed to.

What can I do to keep my bluestone looking new after sealing?

To keep your bluestone looking new, it is recommended cleaning each week using a pH neutral cleaner to remove any dirt or grime. Strong detergents (strong acid or alkali) may affect the sealer. Mild detergents and pH neutral substances are strongly recommended.

Will Deepshield™ build up, crack, peel, or discolour?

No. Deepshield™ will penetrate the bluestone and bond to the pore structure. It is not a surface coating and will not crack, peel, yellow or discolour at any time.

How can I buy Deepshield™ products?

All Deepshield™ products are available from our online store, or from one of the dozens of Accredited Applicators throughout the country. Please refer to our “Online Shop” section for further details.

How should I apply Deepshield™ sealer?

Deepshield™ should be applied liberally, using a low-pressure sprayer, lambswool applicator, bristle broom, paintbrush or roller. Whatever suits you best!

Why is it necessary to carry out a test trial with the sealer before doing the full job?

Every surface is subtlety different. Unless you have applied the sealer to the exact same surface with the same conditions before, it is vital to conduct a small trial to ensure you get the result you are after.

Which Deepshield™ products can I use in food prep areas?

All Deepshield™ products are non-toxic and safe for use in food preparation areas.

Is there a perfect bluestone sealer that always prevents stains?

No sealer can prevent all stains all the time. The sooner any spill can be cleaned up the less likely a stain will result. Acidic spills such as juice, soft drinks or wine can actually etch and dull bluestone if not wiped up promptly. Clean your tile and grout regularly so dirt and stains don't have a chance to build up.

Can I seal bluestone with a pre-existing sealer?

All pre-existing surface sealers (topical) must be removed before applying Deepshield™ as the coating left by the old sealer may block the product from penetrating the surface. You don't however need to strip pre-existing penetrating impregnating sealers, as Deepshield™ will pass through any other previously applied impregnating sealer.

Can I apply a topical coating to a surface treated with Deepshield™ Penetrating Sealer?

Deepshield™ do not recommend this due to possible bond and/or aesthetic issues, however if you choose to apply a topical sealer to a bluestone surface treated with Deepshield™ please carry out a test on a sample area to determine the result first.

Will Deepshield™ change the appearance of my bluestone?

The straight answer is no. Deepshield™ seals the pores within the stones surface and does not change the feel, texture or colour of the treated surface as Deepshield™ dries invisible. The only exception to this is Deepshield™ Colour Enhancing Penetrating Sealer, which will slightly darken and highlight the character of natural stone, providing a wet look.

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EFFORESCENCE PROTECTION & REMOVAL
PERTH

Deepshield™ water-repellent deep impregnating sealer will provide protection and a reasonable lifespan to stone and masonary surfaces in areas with salt-water such as around a saltwater pool or close to a beach.