781-793-0700

Natural Stone Sealing Facts & Myths

Jan 29, 2016

Home 9 Coatings 9 Natural Stone Sealing Facts & Myths

Now that we have so many different types of stone to use in our homes and businesses, it is important to know what sealers can and can’t do to protect the different surfaces.

How do stone sealers work?

The most important thing to know about sealer is that they do not sit on top of the stone. The impregnating sealer that we use is absorbed by the stone. That being said most granite and many darker marbles are so dense they will not absorb sealer at all!

Do stone sealers prevent damage?

The other important thing to know about sealers is that they only protect against staining.  Etching and scratching, the most common problems with marble and natural stone, are NOT protected by sealers!!  Often we get clients who want us to reseal their granite counter tops.  The problem is that the sealer just sits on the surface and actually attracts dirt and food residue. It can make your counters appear “smudgy”.

Is my stone easy to seal?

Here is a good test to see if your stone is a candidate for sealers. Drop a bit of water on the surface and let it dwell for 5 minutes, then wipe it up. If the area where the water was appears darker (it will evaporate with time) then it means some of the water absorbed and as such is a candidate for a good quality impregnating sealer. If not then don’t bother with sealer!

Should I seal grout?

There is one area where sealer is helpful and that is on grout lines. Once we have cleaned a floor or shower we will apply a sealer to the grout lines to keep dirt and bacteria out.  New grout comes with a built in sealer, so if you have us re-grout something, you won’t need sealer there either.

What are stone coatings?

The other option for treating your stone is a coating. There are several products available for counters like Clearstone which we have mentioned in several other posts. Clearstone is a coating which sits on the surface of the stone, it is NOT absorbed.  It is a great solution for softer and lighter marble and stone that is prone to staining and etching.

Read more about the history of sealers at :

http://mbstone.com/helpful-hints/the-bare-truth-about-impregnators-sealers/

Get your project quoted today

Related posts

Stone Coatings That Don’t Look “Plastic-y”

When it comes to stone surfaces, one of the most common misconceptions is that protective stone...

How to Choose the Right Sealer for Your Natural Stone

If you've got natural stone surfaces in your home like counters, islands, vanities and floors,...

When to hire a stone refinishing service

As experts in stone care, we understand the reasons behind people's love for stone. They want...

Don’t Get Stuck With Ugly Countertops

Countertop Renovation: Unleashing the Beauty of Your Surfaces   At Boston Stone Restoration we...

Fireplace Surrounds: Professional Marble & Natural Stone Restoration

Fireplace Surrounds: Professional Marble & Natural Stone Restoration Do you want a fireplace...

Restoring and Protecting Nero Marquina Bar Tops at the Four Seasons

At Boston Stone Restoration, we take immense pride in our expertise in restoring and protecting...

Boston Stone Restoration Service Area Map

Boston Stone Restoration has been providing high-quality stone restoration, renovation, and...

A History of Restoring Marble and Natural Stone Surfaces On Nantucket

As a local business, we understand the importance of creating a lasting impression. That's why we...

2023 Stone Care Guide for Homeowners

Proper stone care and maintenance require understanding the geological classification and...

Stone Restoration in Harwich, MA

Over the last few years we've photographed 8 projects in Harwich alone. 8! We love our Cape &...