Natural stone and mineral construction materials are defining features of modern architecture, historic buildings and public infrastructure. In both exterior and interior applications, moisture, soiling, frost, de-icing salts and other influences arising from use or weather conditions can place stress on these surfaces.
The NP® surface technologies developed by Nanopool are designed to provide natural stone and selected mineral surfaces with water- and dirt-repellent properties. Depending on the product system, type of stone, professional application and level of exposure, they can therefore help protect treated surfaces and preserve their value.
Water and dirt are repelled while the material keeps breathing.
Moisture, dirt and de-icing salts penetrate mineral surfaces.
NP® Liquid Glass technology forms an ultra-thin, transparent functional layer on suitable mineral substrates.
The specific functionalisation of the surface can reduce water absorption and the adhesion of dirt. The coating is designed to preserve the characteristic appearance and structure of the treated material to the greatest possible extent.
As natural stone is a natural material with varying compositions, porosities and surface structures, we recommend testing the product on a suitable sample area before every application.
Tests conducted on a fossiliferous limestone confirmed that, under the conditions investigated, the NP® coating did not reduce water vapour diffusion. The measured water vapour diffusion resistance remained unchanged.
Every natural stone surface has its own individual properties. The appropriate product system and application method are therefore selected according to the respective type of stone, surface condition and intended use.
Depending on the specific application, NP® stone solutions can help to:
The nature and extent of these effects depend, in particular, on the substrate, the product used, the quality of application, use, cleaning and weather conditions.
Selected NP® product systems for stone surfaces have been examined by independent institutes using defined types of stone and test specimens.
The tests included artificial weathering, freeze–thaw and freeze–thaw de-icing salt exposure, water vapour diffusion, water absorption, salt attack and abrasion resistance.
The results apply exclusively to the tested product, the test specimen used and the documented test conditions. As natural stones differ in their mineralogical composition and surface structure, the results cannot be transferred generally to every type of stone or application.
Overview of Selected Tests
The complete significance of any test result can only be determined by referring to the respective test report, including the product designation, test specimen, initial condition and test conditions.
Depending on the product system and following successful material compatibility testing, potential substrates include:
Not every product system is equally suitable for every substrate. Before large-scale application, material compatibility, the desired functionality and the visual result must therefore be evaluated on a sample area.
NP® surface technologies can be tested and used in areas including:
For historic or listed surfaces, the specific conservation requirements of the respective property must be taken into account. Suitability must be assessed on a case-by-case basis and, where necessary, in consultation with specialist planners, conservators or the responsible heritage authority.
Building owners, architects, project developers and operators face the challenge of preserving high-quality surfaces over the long term while organising cleaning, care and maintenance efficiently.
Depending on the specific application, NP® stone solutions can offer the following benefits:
Whether and to what extent cleaning requirements, water consumption or the use of cleaning agents can be reduced depends on the surface, the type of soiling, the cleaning method, the level of exposure and operational requirements.
Who Are NP® Stone Solutions Designed For?
Our solutions are intended particularly for:
Nanopool and individual technology developments have received multiple awards from national and international organisations.
Each of these awards recognises the specific projects, applications or corporate achievements submitted. They complement product-specific testing but do not replace the technical assessment of the product intended for a particular stone surface.
The NP® functional layer is transparent and designed to preserve the characteristic appearance and structure of suitable stone surfaces to the greatest possible extent.
As natural stone may react differently depending on its composition, porosity and surface finish, the visual result must be tested on an inconspicuous sample area before application.
On the fossiliferous limestone tested, the NP® coating did not reduce water vapour diffusion under the documented test conditions. The measured μ-value remained unchanged.
This result applies to the test specimen and product system investigated. Its transferability to other types of stone must be assessed for the respective application.
Selected NP® stone products were examined in tests involving up to 100 freeze–thaw or freeze–thaw de-icing salt cycles. Under the documented conditions, the tested coating remained functional, or the treated test specimen showed a lower loss of mass than the untreated reference sample.
Actual durability in use depends, among other factors, on the type of stone, application, exposure and level of stress.
Due to their transparent, near-surface functionality, NP® stone solutions may be considered for testing on historic stone surfaces and those of relevance to heritage conservation.
However, suitability cannot be confirmed generally for every historic material or property. It must be assessed on the basis of the specific substrate, its state of preservation and the applicable conservation requirements.
Water- and dirt-repellent surface properties can facilitate the cleaning of treated areas and, under suitable conditions of use, may enable longer cleaning intervals.
The effect actually achieved depends on the surface, degree of soiling, use and cleaning method employed. Specific savings should therefore be determined and documented for the respective application.
Protection against water absorption, soiling and selected forms of weather-related exposure can help maintain the functionality and value of treated stone surfaces.
This does not constitute a general assurance that the service life or period of use will be extended. These depend on the material, construction, professional application, use and environmental conditions.
All test and performance data stated relate exclusively to the respective NP® products, test specimens, types of stone, methods and documented conditions tested.
Results may vary depending on the material, surface finish, pre-treatment, application quantity, use, cleaning and environmental exposure. Before every application, the technical suitability and desired result must be evaluated for the specific substrate.
The associated technical documentation and available test evidence can be provided on request for the respective application.
Tell us about your façade, restoration or interior project. We advise architects, planners and operators on the right protection concept for natural stone and mineral surfaces.
