The production of decorative stone involves two main stages: mining and processing. To ensure the stone maintains its structural integrity, color, luster, texture, and overall quality, pre-treatment is essential. This process addresses internal and external factors that may damage the stone during manufacturing. Pre-treatment includes cleaning, reinforcing, backing, dyeing, and applying protective agents, all aimed at extending the stone’s lifespan, preserving its appearance, preventing pollution, and improving economic efficiency. One of the most effective and widely used methods in modern stone care is the application of chemical protective agents.
Stone Cleaning
Stone cleaning refers to the process of removing or repairing damage caused by internal and external factors, such as discoloration, fading, deformation, and deterioration. This helps restore the stone's original aesthetic appeal. There are two types of cleaning: pre-cleaning and post-cleaning. Pre-cleaning occurs during the mining and processing stages, where surface contaminants like dirt, rust, and debris are removed. This ensures a clean base for subsequent treatments like sealing, back meshing, dyeing, and protection, ultimately leading to better results in the final product.
Post-cleaning, also known as maintenance cleaning, takes place after the stone has been installed and used for some time. It involves addressing various types of stains and damage, such as oil, water, and alkali stains. Common methods include using chemical cleaners, water, gas, particles, ultrasonic, or laser cleaning. Among these, chemical cleaning is the most popular due to its convenience, effectiveness, and cost-efficiency. Therefore, it is commonly used in the maintenance of architectural decorative stone. Stone cleaning should be considered part of the broader category of surface treatment and preservation.
Stone Care
Stone care, also referred to as stone conservation or protection, focuses on maintaining the condition of stone after it has been installed. Over time, stones can suffer from various issues like oil stains, water spots, efflorescence, and other surface imperfections. These problems can reduce the stone’s visual appeal and durability. To address this, chemical treatments are often applied to protect the stone from further damage. These treatments help prevent the recurrence of existing issues and maintain the stone’s quality and beauty. The most common approach is the use of chemical protective agents, which provide long-term protection against environmental and mechanical stressors.
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