First off, the most I could say is that I've heard of it. I couldn't tell you how good or bad it is. Secondly, as for the Porous Plus, there is absolutely no need for that with your stone. There's another 511 product that will do just as good a job at literally half the price, or better, called 511 Impregnator. Carrera-- even TUMBLED-- isn't porous enough to warrant Porous Plus, and just because you're spending more money on it doesn't necessarily make it better for your application. As for a cleaner if you go with Miracle products, Miracle also manufactures a ph neutral cleaner made specifically for cleaning natural stone.

Thanks Bill! Can I put the 511 Impregnator right over the sealant they have on it? How long should I wait? After lurking on this forum so long and reading yours and Kevin's reviews of the 511, I would be more comfortable using it and knowing that the marble is sealed the best it can be. I realize that it will still develop a patina even with the sealer but want to stave off staining as much as possible. (The piece is honed to help minimize the appearance of etchings.)

As usual, My brother Bill has been quicker than me to
respond...

I'm going to very respectfully disagree with my Bro - on the 511 thingy,
mainly because I have never tried the impregnator...I'm sure
if I actually took the time to compare, I may find what Bill
is saying is right on (and it probably is anyways) HA!

I have just never had ANY failures using 511 Porous Plus -
and so I don't have to fix what aint broke... I've never had
a problem with it - BUT - I haven't installed that much
Carrara slabs in Kitchens (like NEVER out here in AZ), but
tons in baths and lavs...

as for the GQ stuff - I have not tried it - again, I'm pretty
set in my ways after using 511 Porous Plus for close to 15 years....

OK, OK - I'll TRY the impregnator Bill!!!! ;-) then maybe I'll see your
side of this from a different point of view.... ha!

kevin

Kevin m. Padden MIA SFA
Fabricator, Trainer & Consultant to the Natural Stone Industry
www.azschoolofrock.com

Kevin, for whatever it's worth, most fabricators use the Porous Plus around here for everything, too. I've seen them put it on polished absolute black before, as well as blue pearl and ubatuba, none of which should be sealed at all (for the benefit of those listening in).

It's not hurting anything to use it where sealer is required.... except your wallet, or in your case specifically, your bottom line. It's just unnecessary.

Here's my problem. Sealers have their place, and in those places, should most certainly be used. But this whole sealer thing, in my opinion, has become much more of a racket than anything else. From using things like PP and Bulletproof when a normal penetrating sealer will do, to sealing ALL stones, whether they need it or not, or here's a good one-- one of my pet peeves, and far as I'm concerned, one of the industry's biggest ripoffs-- SEALING GROUT (for the most part). It's horsecrap.

Thanks to both of you. I will try to contact Miracle to see what they suggest because I know I will rest easier using their sealer rather than the unknown one.