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
Colour Enhancers
The wet look, without the shine.
- Price level
- Mid-range
- Best to buy
- Feb–Apr, Sep–Oct
- Top sources
Photo: Wil Stewart, CC0
Overview
What it is
A colour enhancer is an impregnating sealer that also deepens colour, giving honed, flamed, leathered or tumbled stone a rich "wet look" without a gloss film. It's the standard finish on leathered granite, slate and black stones, and it revives faded exterior paving.
The effect is long-lasting and hard to undo, so always test first.
- Effect
- Darkens colour; no shine
- Chemistry
- Oils or resins with fluoro or siloxane protection
- Best on
- Honed, leathered, flamed, tumbled, riven
- Less effective on
- Polished stone (absorbs little)
Applications
Best used for
- Leathered and honed countertopsRicher, deeper colour.
- Slate floorsBrings out the colour variation.
- Paving and pool copingRevives faded stone.
- Black granitesRestores depth to faded blacks.
Origins
Which countries to source from
The producing countries that matter for colour enhancers, 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
- 3824.99Protective preparations
Base import duty (MFN)
- United States5%
European Union6.5%
United Kingdom6%
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.
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
- 1Always test on a spare piece and let it cure fully.
- 2Apply thin coats and buff off excess to avoid a sticky film.
- 3Use UV-stable products outdoors.
- 4Reapply every one to three years outdoors.
Price level: Similar to premium sealers.
Vendor Network
Ready to source colour enhancers?
Compare verified suppliers, or post an RFQ and let them come to you with quotes.
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