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
Impregnating Sealers
Invisible protection against stains.
- Price level
- Mid-range
- Best to buy
- Feb–Apr, Sep–Oct
- Top sources
Photo: Pink Sherbet Photography, CC BY 2.0
Overview
What it is
An impregnating (penetrating) sealer soaks into the stone's pores and lines them with water- and oil-repellent molecules, usually silanes, siloxanes or fluoropolymers, without forming a film. The stone still breathes and looks natural, but spills bead up and give you time to wipe.
Sealers don't stop acid etching on marble: that's a chemical reaction with the surface, not a stain.
- Chemistry
- Silane/siloxane (water) or fluoropolymer (oil and water)
- Carriers
- Solvent-based or water-based (low VOC)
- Finish
- Invisible and breathable
- Life
- About 1 to 5 years, by use and exposure
- Coverage
- About 5 to 30 m² per litre, by porosity
Applications
Best used for
- Kitchen worktopsOil-repellent grades for granite, quartzite and marble.
- Porous floors and pavingLimestone, sandstone and travertine.
- FaçadesWater repellents reduce weathering.
- Before groutingPre-sealing stops grout staining.
Origins
Which countries to source from
The producing countries that matter for impregnating sealers, 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
Australia
Penetrating-sealer specialists
- Dry-Treat
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
- 3824.99Waterproofing and protective preparations
- 3910Silicones in primary forms
Base import duty (MFN)
- United States3% to 5%
European Union6.5%
United Kingdom6%Not verified for HS 3910 in the provided sources.
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.
- Australia+12.5%Section 301 (2026) adds 12.5% on top of the MFN rate.
- 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
- 1Test on an offcut: check it doesn't darken the stone unless you want it to.
- 2Apply to clean, dry stone and remove all excess within minutes.
- 3Use the water-drop test to know when to reseal.
- 4Choose oil-repellent (fluoro) grades for kitchens.
- 5Ask for food-contact suitability for worktops.
Price level: Premium sealers cost more per litre but last longer.
Vendor Network
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