CONSOLIDATORS

Consolidate, Strengthen & Densify Natural Stone

Soft, sandy or weathered natural stone such as sandstone can dust, crumble and wear over time. A consolidator penetrates into the stone and helps bind loose particles together, helping strengthen and densify the surface so it is firmer, more durable and better prepared for sealing.

Consolidators are also used to six-side (dip) seal natural stone before installation. Watch the videos below to see how sealers work and how six-sided sealing is done.

Not sure which one? Try the Product Selector or call +61 2 9521-4000.

CONSOLIDATORS

Watch & learn

How-to videos

How sealers workHow penetrating sealers protect stone, tile and grout from staining.
Six-sided / dip sealing natural stoneSeal all six sides of the stone before it is installed.

Learn more: how sealers work →

Why consolidate natural stone before sealing?

Soft, sandy or weathered stone such as sandstone can dust and crumble before it ever gets sealed. A consolidator penetrates the surface and helps bind loose particles together, giving a firmer base that is better prepared to take a sealer.

Consolidation is also the first step in six-side (dip) sealing stone before installation, helping protect edges and undersides that are otherwise hard to reach once laid.

  • Condense Plus - consolidates, strengthens and densifies sandstone, limestone, terrazzo, encaustic tiles, concrete, pavers and more, indoors or outdoors

Where Condense Plus is used

Condense Plus is a water based, low VOC formula suited to walls and floors in domestic and commercial settings, including around chlorine or salt water pools, driveways, foyers and retail areas. It helps reduce efflorescence, spalling and surface degradation on suitable materials.

It is not designed to help resist moisture ingress and will not help resist surface wear, scuffing or etching from harsh or acidic substances. It is not a substitute for compliant membranes, drainage and correct preparation. Wipe up spills promptly and always test in a small hidden area first to check application and colour stability.

Next step after consolidating

Once a weak or porous surface has been consolidated and cured, it is generally ready for a penetrating sealer. Browse the sealers range, or check material-specific guidance such as cleaning and sealing options for sandstone and cleaning and sealing options for terrazzo before you start.

FAQs

Consolidators: common questions

What does a stone consolidator actually do?

A consolidator such as Condense Plus penetrates into soft, sandy or weathered stone and helps bind loose particles together. This helps strengthen and densify the surface so it is firmer, more durable and better prepared for sealing.

Do I need to consolidate before sealing sandstone?

If sandstone or similar stone is soft, dusty or crumbling, consolidating first with Condense Plus gives the sealer a firmer, denser surface to bond to. Always test in a hidden area first to confirm the result before treating the whole surface.

Is Condense Plus safe to use around salt water pools?

Condense Plus is designed for use around chlorine and salt water swimming pools and pool copings, and helps reduce efflorescence, spalling and salt attack related degradation. It will not make an unsuitable material salt safe against ongoing salt exposure, so check suitability first.

Does a consolidator make my stone water resistant?

No. Condense Plus is a consolidator, not a product designed to help resist moisture. It helps strengthen and densify weak or porous stone but will not help resist surface wear, scuff marks or etching from harsh or acidic products.

What is six-side or dip sealing, and does it need a consolidator?

Six-side sealing treats all faces of a stone tile, including edges and the underside, before installation. Weak or porous stone is often consolidated with Condense Plus first to strengthen it, then sealed, for a more durable result once laid.

Can Condense Plus be used on terrazzo and encaustic tiles, not just natural stone?

Yes. Condense Plus is formulated for natural stone as well as terrazzo, encaustic and quarry tiles, concrete, pavers, bricks, terracotta and saltillo, for both indoor and outdoor walls and floors.