Color Enhancement - Expert Removal & Treatment Guide
Color Enhancement - Expert Removal & Treatment Guide
What is Color Enhancement?
Colour enhancement (also called colour intensification or wet-look treatment) deepens and enriches the natural colour of stone, revealing the full depth of its pattern and veining. It creates the effect of seeing the stone 'wet' - but permanently. Many stones look dramatically more beautiful when their colour is enhanced.
Colour intensifiers work by filling the micropores at the surface with a transparent substance that changes the way light refracts in the stone. This is similar to how wetting a stone with water makes it look more colourful - but unlike water, the intensifier remains permanently.
The intensity of the effect depends on the stone's porosity. Very porous stones (sandstone, cotto) show dramatic colour change. Dense, polished stones (polished granite) show minimal change. The product also provides some stain protection as a secondary benefit.
How to Identify It
No diagnosis needed - this is an aesthetic choice. To preview the effect, wet the stone with water - the colour enhancement will look similar but permanent. If you like the wet look, you'll like the enhanced look. If the stone looks best dry, skip colour enhancement and use a neutral impregnator instead.
Common Causes
- Not a problem - colour enhancement is an aesthetic treatment
- Desired when: stone appears washed-out or pale after installation
- Original colour has faded from weathering or sun exposure
- Client wants to see the natural pattern more vividly
- After cleaning/stripping that has left stone looking flat
Prevention
- Test in a small area first - effect is permanent
- Ensure the enhanced look is desired before full application
- Not suitable for all stones - polished marble may look oily rather than enhanced
Treatment by Surface Type
Natural Stone
Risk level: Low
Lithofin MN Colour Intensifier: apply thinly and evenly with cloth. Remove excess after 10-15 minutes. Allow 24h to develop full colour. For slate: Lithofin MN Slate-Oil gives a particularly beautiful result.
- Test first - effect is permanent and cannot be reversed
- Do not use on polished marble - can look oily or blotchy
- Works best on honed, tumbled, or brushed surfaces
Ceramics
Risk level: Low
For unglazed porcelain: Lithofin MN Colour Intensifier. Apply very thinly - porcelain is less porous than natural stone. Test first. Remove excess quickly.
- Glazed tiles do not absorb colour intensifier
- Only effective on unglazed porcelain and natural-finish tiles
Artificial Stone
Risk level: Low
Concrete/pavers: Lithofin MN Colour Intensifier or MN Concrete Coating for more dramatic effect. Terrazzo: MN Colour Intensifier applied thinly. Quartz composite: test first.
- Test on quartz composite - results vary by manufacturer
- Concrete shows dramatic colour change
Cotto Terracotta
Risk level: Low
Lithofin TC Ever-Sheen for a rich, warm enhancement. Apply thinly and evenly. Buff when dry. For clinker: Lithofin KF Clinker Oil brings out warm natural tones.
- Cotto shows dramatic colour enhancement
- Apply thinly - cotto is very porous and absorbs rapidly
- Multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat
When to Call a Professional
For valuable or rare stone, have a professional test the colour intensifier in a discreet area first. On very large installations, professionals can ensure even application without lap marks.
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