Cantera Natural Stone Pavers Maintenance

This page will be dedicated to providing guidelines and instructions for some general maintenance procedures, which should be carried out on your Cantera Stone Pavers. It is important to note that when using any type of cleaning solutions, be sure to read all instructions on the product labels, before beginning any type of application.

We recommend that you test any solution in an inconspicuous area, to see for yourself if the application results are what you desire.

Routine Cleaning

If your Cantera Pavers are already sealed, it is important not to use cleaning solutions that are acidic or contain ammonia or alkaline chemicals. This may strip away the sealer and leave the pavers vulnerable to staining. For Cantera Stone Pavers, we recommend you use neutral cleaners that are specified for natural stone materials.

Before you apply the cleaning solution, you should dust mop or sweep all dirt and debris from the surface of your Cantera pavers. Prepare the cleaning solution in accordance with the directions on the label. You can use a sponge or a mop to apply the solution, and then wipe or rinse off thoroughly.

Cleaning Efflorescence Start off by selecting the correct solution for cleaning efflorescence off Cantera Stone Pavers. Test the product on an area that is perhaps hidden. This is important because some solutions may cause etching of the surface.

Cover any areas that are not being treated, to prevent them being sprayed and potentially damaged.

Mop or sweep the surface area of all dirt and debris. Prepare the solution according to the label instructions. Apply the solution using a chemical spray gun, a sponge or a mop. Use a brush, broom or a machine to agitate the surface of all efflorescence. Finally, rinse off the area thoroughly with the use of a mop, sponge or a wet vacuum.

Cleaning Oil, Grease, Grime, Dirt or Soap Scum

These stains can tend to be quite stubborn, be sure to consult the advice of a professional for the correct type of solution for the particular stain you

are removing from your Cantera Stone Pavers. Because they are natural stone pavers it is very important to use the right cleaning solution so as not to cause any damage.

• Select the appropriate cleaning solution for the particular stain you want to treat.
• Cover any areas that are not being treated, to protect them from damage.
• Sweep or mop up all dirt and debris from the pavers surface.
• Mix and prepare the solution according to the instructions provided on label.
• Apply the solution using a sponge, mop or chemical sprayer.
• Scrub the surface with a brush or broom.
• Rinse off the remaining solution with clean water thoroughly, using a mop, sponge or wet vacuum.
• For extra stubborn stains, such as oil, complete the previous step over

Even Natural Cantera Stone Needs Surface Protection

Cantera stone is increasingly gaining popularity for various external flooring applications for residential properties. This type of paving material is naturally produced from volcanic ash over millions of years of  build up where the ashes and other natural elements compress into natural stones. Cantera stone pavers have a natural charm and a unique character enriched by their natural beauty and elegance. This particular type of paver can be used for any landscaping pavement to achieve either a modern, traditional, contemporary or old world look;

Although all natural stone materials have natural capabilities and resistances, they still require further surface protection for longer and better life expectancy. The best option in protecting cantera stone pavers from the elements is by applying sealers that are highly recommended for natural stone pavers. The importance of sealing cantera stone pavers is paramount in ensuring their longevity.

The main elements that can effect un-sealed cantera stone pavers includes harsh weather conditions like sun exposure, snow and ice, constant rainfall, as well as stains and debris. High traffic surfaces such as driveways, pool surrounds and pathways should definitely be sealed to prevent wear and tear.

The Three Main Benefits Of Sealing Cantera Stone Pavers

The three main benefits of applying sealers to cantera stone pavers is for surface protection, the safety aspects and for a decorative finish. The function of a sealing product is to create a film like top layer as a barrier so no elements can penetrate through the cantera stone pavers surface. The second benefit of sealing products is for the safety aspects, as they create a rough surface layer which creates a non-slip surface. The third benefit is the decorative finish in which sealers can change the appearance of the pavers surface in various textures such as low sheen, semi sheen and high gloss.

Penetrating Versus Coating Sealing Products

Sealing products are divided in two categories for natural stone pavers including cantera stone pavers, slate, flagstone and granite pavers. They are referred to as; a penetrating sealer and a coating sealer. The penetrating sealing product is water based which is made from a formula containing acrylic polymers. This type of sealing product is highly recommended for all natural stone pavers as it  penetrates through the pavers surface for better resistance to stains, debris and harsh weather conditions. Other advantages to penetrating sealing products is that they protect the surface from moisture build up, they create a non-slip surface and they bring out the natural text rues of the cantera stone paver texture.

The most crucial factor of selecting a sealing product is you must choose the correct type of sealer as there are so many different types of sealers that are specifically suitable to each type of paver material. Its highly advisable to seek professional advice from the retailer consultant or manufacturer on which is the most suitable sealing product for cantera stone.

Protect And Seal Cantera Stone Pavers

For those who have had their pavements installed by a professional, the new pavement would have been sealed on completion. Most landscapers recommend to continue sealing pavement applications every few years. The following is a guideline on how you can continue to protect and seal cantera stone pavement applications yourself rather then hiring a professional.

Remove stains and debris by washing down pavement{for stubborn stains, consult with a professional for the type of stain remover that is suitable for cantera stone pavers}

• Wait till area is fully dry
• Start at the top end corner and work yourself down by pouring the sealing mixture in small portions and with a broom, sweep in the formula and make sure you don't miss any spots
• Wait until the sealer has properly dried and apply a second coat in the same way
• Do not walk on new sealed area until its fully dry.

It is highly recommended that you follow the manufacturers instructions in preparation and applying sealer coats.