Sealing Basalt

by Michelle Saw
(Richmond, BC, Canada)

QUESTION

Please advise if we could use the same process sealing Basalt as we would granite. The Basalt is called Raven Black and it is from China. There are major stains and we have tried to put black ink as suggested by a local granite whole seller to cover up the stain but it is by no means a permanent solution.

If we are to seal it, I would like to make sure that we are using the correct product.

Please see attached photo of one of the stains. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.

ANSWER:

Yes, you can seal the basalt like you would granite. As far as the stains... they look like something affected a coloring agent used in the manufacture of the table.

In other words, it looks like something bleached out the color.

If that is the case, then there is likely nothing you can do.

However, it could also be etching, which is a chemical reaction some stones have with acidic and or alkaline substances like bleach.

The only likely remedy is to re-finish the stone if thick enough. This entails grinding it down to remove the damaged "bleached" area and then smoothing back into the desired surface finish.

Good Luck,
Ryan

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