Help Desk

Do I need to wear a respirator when applying SenGuard?

No, you don't need to wear a respirator when applying Senguard, however, you must provide good ventilation by opening multiple windows. Senguard has some fumes..... kind of like finger nail polish remover or paint thinner, for example. However, if in a small room or closed space, such fumes can become potent causing dizziness, etc.

The instructions do suggest wearing a respirator for this reason.... to ensure people take precautions like wearing gloves and protective eye wear. This only makes sense when using any chemical. Even with common household cleaners, you don't want them to get in your eye or have prolonged skin exposure. So these recommendations are just common sense precautions and not because Senguard is so much more toxic and dangerous than say acetone.

You could wear a respirator if fumes bother you, but if you provide good air flow, the fumes should not be a problem.


Cleaning Granite Before Applying SenGuard

Normal cleaning with a granite & marble cleaning spray is fine, but then just prior to applying Senguard you should clean the surface with mineral spirits.
This is harmless to the granite, but will remove any gunk and prep the surface.

If a previously applied sealer is to be removed, then wash and scrub with mineral spirits a couple times and more vigorously than indicated for simply prepping the surface as described above. Be thorough to remove any remaining sealer residue.


How many square feet will SenGuard cover?

Application: One bottle of SenGuard will cover 50-200 square feet depending on how porous and absorbent the stone is. It's important to let the stone absorb as much sealant as possible (without letting it dry on top) rather than trying to spread the sealer around to cover as much as possible. One properly applied coat is much better than two thin ones.

Also, depending on the porosity of the stone two coats (or even three for very porous stones) may be necessary to properly seal the stone in one application. Most granite and marble will only require one coat, however, performing the water test after the first coat has cured for 24 hours will help determine if the stone is effectively sealed or if a second coat is necessary. Test again after the second coat, etc.

How is SenGuard Different From Other Sealers?

Other top marble & granite sealer brands on the market today use fluoro-carbons, fluoro-Teflon or acrylic polymers to make very good sealers that in some instances offer 5 to 10 years of protection.

However, these chemical compounds contain much larger molecules that do not penetrate as deeply or bond as well and break down over time. In most cases, you will need to re-apply the sealer in 2 to 5 years.

SenGuard is the next step in the evolution of sealer technology providing permanent protection with only one application. It is more expensive. However, long-term it is the better value when you consider the time, effort and expense of applying any other sealer many times to get the same protection.

SenGuard contains specially engineered modified silane polymer molecules. These molecules are thousands of times smaller than other sealer types. Thus, these molecules are able to penetrate far deeper into the stone and to spread into every pore, crack, fissure and crevice more effectively so you get more consistent and complete coverage. This is especially important for sealing granite countertops in the kitchen.

These specialized molecules are also engineered to form chemical bonds directly with the stone that are as strong as the bonds holding the stone itself together. The molecule chemically repels oil and water like opposing magnets repel each other.

Other marble & granite sealers rely on weak hydrogen bonding and mechanical holding (clogging the pores). SenGuard becomes part of the stone itself while still allowing it to breath, as it should and doesn't change the look, color, finish or slip-resistance of the stone.


Can SenGuard be Applied Over a Previously Applied Sealer?

Yes, SenGuard Sealer can be applied over a previously applied sealer.

However, if the first sealer was applied in the last 3 months, you'll want to prep the surface extra well to ensure complete Senguard absorption by washing and scrubbing the granite or marble with mineral spirits two times.

Mineral Spirits is a solvent that won't harm the stone at all, but will remove all residues. This is a normal preparation step detailed in the DVD and written instructions included with the SenGuard kit.


Does Senguard Sealer Have A Sample Size Bottle?

The SenGuard Permanent Marble & Granite Sealer Kit is designed as a DIY sealing "kit" for application on an "average" sized kitchen countertop (which runs about 40-50 square feet).

Thus, SenGuard comes in only one size, which will cover 50-200 square feet depending on the porosity of the stone, so it's the perfect volume for sealing nearly every kitchen countertop. It is common to have a little left over for a second, smaller project like a bathroom countertop or a small table.

Of course, it can be used to seal any type of natural stone installation of 50-200 sq. ft., such as vanity tops, showers and floor tile. However, since sealers are predominantly used on kitchen countertops, the SenGuard sealer kit was designed with this specific project in mind.

SenGuard is not available in a smaller "sample" size or any other size.


Can Senguard Be Shipped Outside US?

Currently, SenGuard Permanent Marble & Granite Sealer is shipping only to US addresses. However, this Impregnating Marble & Granite Sealer (1 QT) is our next best recommendation. This sealer is not a permanent sealer, but it is more durable than other similar sealers.

The difference is that Senguard uses advanced technology to form permanent bonds. All other stone sealers utilize what we call "last generation" technology. Most sealers in this group will last only 1-3 years.

The Impregnating Marble & Granite Sealer is the best of this bunch, though, and can last 5-7 years if using proper cleaners that won't degrade the sealer like this Granite & Marble Cleaning Spray (1 QT). This is the top sealer you can get outside the US. 

Is SenGuard Food Safe?