LTP Iroxwax bottles on stone wall next to a yellow bucket with a forest background

LTP Ironwax | Why Surface Sealers?

When researching into protecting your stone surface, sealing and impregnating are often confused. We have already covered impregnators following our blog on LTP Mattstone.

Today we wanted to share with you why you should be using surface sealers to protect your stone patio or surface, plus one of the best impregnating sealers you can use - LTP Ironwax. 

SURFACE SEALERS VS IMPREGNATING SEALERS

In the stone industry, sealing and impregnating are often confused.

The main objective of an impregnator is to essentially protect the inside of natural stone from staining. Impregnator will keep the acid out of the stone but not off the top surface.

On the other hand, surface sealers will provide protection on the surface and resist greater stains. However, they do change the appearance of the surface, either creating a shine or darker tone of colour.

In addition, they will often require stripping and reapplication on a semi-regular basis. 

LTP IRONWAX GLOSS

LTP Ironwax Gloss is a gloss finish surface sealer that enhances the colour and texture of the stone surface.

Additionally, it will protect against staining and stubborn dirt requiring fairly little maintenance. 

LTP Ironwax Gloss is easy to apply and requires fairly low maintenance.

It is suitable for use only on travertine, limestone, sandstone, slate, unpolished marble, terracotta, quarry, bricks, terrazzo and also concrete. However, it can only be used indoors. 

We also recommend maintaining LTP Ironwax Gloss with LTP Floorshine.

LTP IRONWAX SATIN

LTP Ironwax Satin is a self shine satin finish sealer that enhances colour and texture, whilst also protecting against staining and stubborn dirt.

This acrylic sealer is extremely easy to apply and even easier to maintain.

Similarly, LTP Ironwax Satin is to be maintained with LTP Floorshine.

For indoor use only on travertine, slate, limestone, sandstone, bricks, terracotta, unpolished marble, porous quarries, terrazzo and again also concrete.

However, this is not suitable for wet rooms or shower enclosures.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BOTH SEALERS?

These two acrylic sealers are essentially the same doing the same job.

But they do leave very different finishes once sealed. 

And it’s not exactly rocket science to find out what finish both products leave. P.S. It’s in the name

Other than that, these two are fairly simple products to use.  

WHEN TO USE LTP IRONWAX

Well… LTP Ironwax is an indoor use only product.

Therefore, we recommend using it when the weather isn’t great and outdoor projects have to be put on hold.

This would typically be towards the end of the year, in the wintertime, where it’s too cold and wet.

However, do not let the product be in temperatures less than 5 degrees which may disrupt the effectiveness of the product.

HOW TO USE LTP IRONWAX

Make sure to ensure the surface to be treated is completely clean, dry.

Any retained moisture will disrupt the effectiveness of LTP Ironwax.

Pour contents into a separate container and begin to apply a thin coat evenly in one direction.

Do not rub or buff.

Leave to dry for 1 hour and apply until an evenly thin film is created. On average this takes 3 coats.

Do not over apply as too many coats may cause unsightly build-up and/or reduce the efficiency of the product.

The product will harden after about an hour but will take a further three days to achieve the full hardness and become fully water-resistant.

COVERAGE

LTP Ironwax can cover 15-30m2, depending on substrate porosity with a 1-litre bottle!

AFTERCARE

LTP Floorshine can be used to routinely sweep the floor to clean and protect treated surfaces.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Later down the line a complete renovation of the seal may be desired, in which case LTP Grimex can be applied to strip the original seal before resealing

WHAT TO AVOID

Do not shake the bottle prior to use.

Avoid extremes of temperature.

Avoid using strong detergents to wash treated surfaces.

LTP Ironwax may not properly adhere to highly vitrified quarry tiles or ceramics.
On higher porosity floor materials such as terracotta and limestone, LTP Mattstone H20 may be required prior to use of the LTP Ironwax Gloss Finish Surface Sealer.

For more information, click here for a direct link to LTP Ironwax Technical Data Sheet

Black background with LTP Products on natural stone steps

OTHER QUESTIONS

WHY LISTEN TO US?

Well…here at Tiling Logistics, we have experts who have had nearly 30 combined years of first-hand experience in restoration, renovation, maintenance, and sealing of all kinds of stone and tile surfaces.

Whether it's granite, marble, slate, limestone, porcelain, concrete, quarry tiles... the list goes on, but we have worked on them all!

Combine our hands-on expertise with our knowledge of the products and relationships with the manufacturers, and you won't find anyone else in the industry who can train, support, and supply you as we can!

Whether you're on-site or taking on a DIY job at home, we make sure to supply your every need quickly and safely, and we’re not done there.

We really will go above and beyond to make sure our customers are fully satisfied when ordering from Tiling Logistics.

We are always willing to create new relationships as you never know what door will open in the future and who knows, maybe you will grow to trust us and become a lifetime customer!

FURTHER ADVICE

Before the use of the product, we always, always advise testing on an inconspicuous area, before general application.

What if you’re not ordering anything but still need advice? No problem, give us a call and we will assist you with anything you may need.

Moreover, we are always willing to support our customers by being available to pick up the phone and guide you if you need help and have any questions.