Akemi Stone Strengthener K

Stone Strengthener K is mainly intended for consolidating absorbent mineral natural stones (sandstone, tuff, limestone, etc.) or artificial stones (plasterwork, frescoes, bricks and terracotta), with hardly any colour change and allowing the stone to continue breathing. 

Product properties:

• Easy working due to ready-to-use 1 component product.
• Very high contents of active substances.
• Good penetration due to its very fluid consistency.
• Colourless, therefore also suited for light-coloured natural stone.
• Solventless.
• Weather-resistant and non-yellowing.
• No closing of the pores, the stone retains its ability to breathe. 

1. Preparatory Measures:

Before consolidation, it's important to assess the condition of the surface.

a) Test for harmful salts (nitrates, sulfates, chlorides):

If large amounts are found, reduce salt levels with a thorough water wash (compression possible). For fragile stone, consolidation before cleaning may be advised. High-pressure cleaners are unsuitable.

b) Assess damaged stone layer thickness:

Optimal reinforcement is only guaranteed when the entire, fragile stone layer is strengthened. If not, small particles may flake off. Damaged stone layers have higher porosity and, consequently, a higher water absorption capacity than “healthy” stone layers. A core is drilled from the stone to be treated. To check water absorption, the stone discs are placed on water-soaked foam, which is in turn placed in a water container. At 1-hour intervals over a period of 8 to 24 hours, the workpiece is weighed, providing information on water absorption and porosity. This method allows determination of the depth to which the stone is compromised.

c) Cleaning:

For cleaning, various chemical products are available, such as AKEMI® Stone Cleaner, AKEMI® Cement Residue Remover, AKEMI® Rust Remover, AKEMI® Anti-Moss, AKEMI® Wax Remover, AKEMI® Oil and Grease Remover, AKEMI® Graffiti Remover, as well as mechanical treatment. At the end of this cleaning method, rinse thoroughly with water. The cleaning can be adapted to the object to be treated.

d) Preparation of a sample:

For large surfaces (facades), apply a test area of 1–2 m² to:

• • determine exact consumption,
• • evaluate consolidation effect,
• To determine whether the stone has been strengthened to the core, as well as to establish the required amount of product. The effectiveness and penetration depth can be re-examined using the water absorption method.

2. Execution of Consolidation:

a) Stone must be dry, temperature 10–20 °C, relative humidity > 50%, and protected from rain/sun for 1–2 weeks.

b) Apply Stone Strengthener K pure, multiple times wet-on-wet via spray, brush, or immersion until stone no longer absorbs. Repeat after 2–3 weeks. Use low-pressure spray device (max. 1 bar), 5–10 cm distance, solvent-resistant hoses and seals. Apply several times with 1–2 h intervals until 40–50 cm runoff.

c) Ensure even application for full saturation.

d) After final layer, treat with AKEMI® Nitro Thinner to avoid oversaturation.

e) Second consolidation or treatment possible after ~4 weeks.

f) Reaction time at 20 °C / 50% RH is approx. 2–3 weeks.

g) Further treatment with AKEMI® Stone Impregnator is recommended.

h) Clean tools with petrol or AKEMI® Nitro Thinner.