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.

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