Epoxy Resins
Two-part epoxies for reinforcing slabs, bonding seams and mitres, fixing sinks and making strong, water-resistant repairs.
- Slab reinforcement
- Seams and mitres
- Undermount sinks
Best to buy: Feb–Apr, Sep–Oct
Read guideSee epoxy vendors
Chemicals buying guideLast updated October 2026
Stone Cleaners and Poultices
The right chemistry for each stone and stain.
- Price level
- Budget
- Best to buy
- Feb–Apr, Sep–Oct
- Top sources
Photo: USCapitol, Public domain
Overview
What it is
Stone needs the right chemistry. Use pH-neutral cleaners for daily care and alkaline degreasers for oil and heavy soiling. Acidic cleaners remove cement haze and efflorescence, but only on siliceous stone (granite, sandstone, slate, porcelain): they etch marble, limestone and travertine.
Poultices draw deep stains out of the stone: a paste of absorbent powder with a solvent or reagent chosen for the stain, whether oil, organic, rust or ink.
- Daily
- pH-neutral cleaner
- Heavy duty
- Alkaline degreaser
- After installation
- Acid cement remover (siliceous stone only)
- Stains
- Poultices for oil, organic, rust, ink
Applications
Best used for
- Daily careFloors and worktops.
- Post-installation cleanRemoving grout and cement haze.
- Deep stain removalOil, wine, rust and more.
- ExteriorsSoiling, algae and efflorescence.
Origins
Which countries to source from
The producing countries that matter for stone cleaners and poultices, what each is known for, and a direct link to vendors there.
Italy Leading source
Stone-care specialists
- Fila
Germany
Stone-care specialists
- Lithofin
- Akemi
USA
North American brands
- StoneTech
- Aqua Mix
Timing
Best time of year to buy
Chemicals are made to order all year. Ship resins and water-based products in mild months: summer heat shortens shelf life in transit, and winter cold can freeze or crystallise them.
- Jan: slower or pricier
- Feb: best time to buy
- Mar: best time to buy
- Apr: best time to buy
- May: normal
- Jun: normal
- Jul: slower or pricier
- Aug: slower or pricier
- Sep: best time to buy
- Oct: best time to buy
- Nov: normal
- Dec: slower or pricier
Best time to buy Normal Slower or pricier
- Epoxy hardeners and water-based sealers can crystallise or freeze in unheated containers in winter.
- Summer container temperatures can exceed 50 °C, which shortens the shelf life of polyesters and catalysts.
- Most products have a 12 to 24 month shelf life: buy for your usage, not for a discount.
Import costs
Tariffs and import duties
Base duties for the main import markets, the extra US surcharge by origin, and the trade remedies to check before you quote a landed price.
HS codes
- 3402.90Washing and cleaning preparations
Base import duty (MFN)
- United States3.7%The duty rate for cleaning preparations under HTS 3402.90.50.30 is 3.7%. Additional duties may apply based on origin, such as Section 301 measures for Chinese products.
European Union4%
United Kingdom4%
Importing into the US? Add the 2026 origin surcharge
Section 301 rates in force since 24 July 2026, stacked on the MFN rate above.
- Italy10% min.Section 301 (2026) tops the duty up to at least 10% in total; no surcharge if MFN is already higher.
- Germany10% min.Section 301 (2026) tops the duty up to at least 10% in total; no surcharge if MFN is already higher.
- USAMFN onlyNot on the July 2026 Section 301 list: MFN rate only.
- Many resins, solvents and sealers are dangerous goods: they need an SDS and correct IMDG packing and labels for sea freight.
- EU importers take on REACH registration duties for chemicals above 1 tonne a year; US importers must certify TSCA compliance.
- A low-value consignment customs duty of 3.00 EUR and a union handling fee of 2.00 EUR will apply to certain imports into the EU starting November 1, 2026.
Rates checked October 2026. Indicative rates for planning, not a customs ruling. Duties depend on the exact tariff line, origin, trade agreements and the rules in force on the day of entry. Confirm with a licensed customs broker before you price an order.
Before you order
Buying checklist
- 1Identify the stone first (a drop of acid on a hidden spot).
- 2Identify the stain before choosing a poultice.
- 3Rinse thoroughly: residues attract dirt.
- 4Never mix bleach and ammonia; read the SDS.
Price level: Inexpensive; the wrong product is what's costly.
Vendor Network
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