Sealing Red Palladio

by Rick
(Cocoa, FL USA)

QUESTION:

I see that you say some darker stones may not need to be sealed.

What do you suggest for Red Palladio, since it isn't a true granite? Thanks in advance.
Rick

ANSWER:

True, Red Palladio is not a true geological granite, but many stones sold as "granite" or not actually granite.

Mainly this is done to simplify the categorization of natural stone for commercial sale. And because many in the industry simply don't know the exact differences in the various geological classifications of stone.

Geologically there are so many different types of stone it would get even more confusing than it already is.

Many stones sold as "granite" are actually better than real granite and some real granites are not worth owning.

In general, many darker granites (and/or stone sold as granite) happen to be more dense/less porous and the porosity of many varieties is known... but it is always a natural product that can vary and not everyone gives the same variety the same name.

So how do you know if Red Palladio needs sealing... or any stone for that matter?

First, you should just forget about the type of stone and the name or color.

To know for sure without a doubt whether or not you should seal a particular stone no matter what stone you have, you must lemon juice or water test it.

Now I could tell you that Red Palladio is usually pretty dense and probably doesn't need sealing, but what if your slab is just porous enough that is stains when someone overlooks an oil spill for 3 hours?

I recommend you test it to get your answer. It's very easy.

Good Luck,
Ryan