Being or containing an acid; having a pH of less than 7.

Acrylic Emulsion

A water dispersion of polymers or co-polymers of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or acrylonitrile. Acrylic emulsions create a topical coating on the surface onto which they are applied by the evaporation of the water and film coalescence.


Relating to or containing an alkali; having a pH greater than 7.


This type of grout can either be sanded or non-sanded. Both varieties are absorbent and acid-sensitive. Often cement-based grout is polymer modified to prevent or minimize cracking and add strength.


Efflorescence is a white crystalline deposit that is composed of salts, lime and/or other minerals. These deposits may become visible on many types of building product surfaces such as concrete, stucco, grout, masonry, brick, natural stone, clay, ceramic and even wood. These salts and minerals are water-soluble and generally come from the ground or where cementitious or alkali substances exist. These salts and minerals travel to the surface, using moisture as their carrier, where exposure to air evaporates the moisture leaving behind salts and minerals on the surface.

Epoxy Grout

Epoxy grout is impervious to liquids and does not need sealing. It will not allow bacteria to grow and it minimizes cracking. It is generally used with ceramic, porcelain and quarry tile and not with natural stone.


A chemical compound containing fluorine, especially a fluorocarbon. When used in a protective chemical such as a stone sealer, it provides repellency against both water and oil-based stains.

Grout Haze

A light haze of film of residue that has dried on the surface of the stone or tile after grouting.


Minerals are evenly distributed to form a visibly random crystalline structure.


As a protective treatment, it is one that penetrates the subsurface. It is not a topical coating. It can have both water and oil repelling qualities. These types of sealers usually do not change the COF. They are vapor permeable, breathable & generally natural looking.


Having neither acid nor basic properties; it is neither acidic nor alkaline. On the pH scale, it measures 7.

Oil-Based Stains

These types of stains are generally not soluble in water and usually are best removed with an oil stain remover that is solvent based. This solvent can be petroleum or citrus based, for example. Examples of these types of stains include cooking oil, hand cream, shampoo and peanut butter.


Minerals are distributed according to a certain orientation or direction.



Red Rosin Paper

High-quality, heavyweight building paper protective covering and liner. Is useful in a wide variety of construction applications including roofing, flooring and as a general jobsite protective covering.


Silicone is often used as a generic term for nearly all substances that contain a silicon atom. In a sealer, silicone helps create water repellency.


This type of protective treatment forms a surface film. It can serve to minimize wear of soft surfaces. It generally repels water- and oil-based liquids and may change the COF of a material. It does stop acidic foods from etching acid-sensitive stone.


Geologically a gneiss, not a true granite. Minerals form veins of a different color to the base color, creating a curved or swirled movement in the rock.

Water-Based Stains

These types of stains are generally soluble in water and can be removed with a water-based cleaning solution. Examples of these are cola, orange juice, tomato sauce and jelly.