Stone surfaces are popular in indoor and outdoor spaces for their durability and aesthetic properties. However, maintaining natural stone is essential to ensure it continues to add value to your space for many years. One of the best ways to do this is with stone sealers.
What Is a Stone Sealer?
A stone sealer is a chemical coating that protects and enhances natural stone. It creates a protective barrier on stone surfaces to repel moisture, stains, and wear.
3 Common Stone Sealer Applications
Now that you know what a stone sealer is, learn what it’s used for.
Protection
The most common use of a stone sealer is protection. Sealers have bonding chemicals that penetrate beneath stone surfaces and form a protective barrier. This additional layer reinforces surfaces against impact and other damage. It also prevents moisture and stains from setting in and discolouring stone surfaces.
Aesthetics
Sealers enhance and maintain the look of stone surfaces. Coating your stone surface with a sealer emphasises or accentuates its colour, texture, and sheen. It also provides a protective layer to prevent stains and discolouration and preserve your surface aesthetics.
Preventative Maintenance
Sealing your stone surfaces is an excellent way to limit damage and maintenance requirements. Sealers fill gaps in porous stone surfaces and prevent dirt and other contaminants from building up.
Where Can You Use Stone Sealers?
Stone sealers are versatile and can be used in various residential and commercial spaces.
Outdoor Surfaces
You can use sealers to protect various outdoor stone surfaces, including:
- Patios
- Swimming pool pavers
- Driveways
Indoor Areas
Stone sealers can be used for protecting and enhancing the look of various indoor stone surfaces, including:
- Countertops
- Flooring
- Bathrooms
- Walls
- Decorative areas
Commercial Spaces
Stone sealers are typically used to enhance and protect surfaces in commercial spaces like shopping malls, office parks, and hotels.
What Stone Requires Sealing?
Natural stone surfaces may be porous and more delicate than other stone types, requiring sealing. Types of natural stone materials to seal include:
- Marble
- Travertine
- Limestone
- Granite
- Sandstone
- Slate
What Happens if You Don’t Seal Natural Stone?
While sealing natural stone surfaces is optional, not sealing them can lead to adverse effects, including staining, water damage, etching, and premature wear.
Staining
Spilling liquids like oil, wine and other substances on unsealed surfaces can lead to permanent spots or stains. These substances seep or absorb into your surfaces and discolour them.
Premature Wear
Unsealed surfaces can dull and wear more quickly in busy or high-traffic areas like floors. This wear can impact the lifespan of your flooring, leading to more frequent repairs and replacements.
Water Damage
Natural stone is porous and more susceptible to water damage. Moisture can seep into cracks or gaps of unsealed stone surfaces and cause mildew and mould growth. Over time, this can lead to more extensive cracks and damage.
Increased Maintenance
Unsealed natural stone may trap more dirt and dust, increasing cleaning and maintenance requirements. Neglecting these tasks can lead to stubborn dirt buildup, which can impact the appearance of your surfaces.
Need High-Quality Stone Sealers?
Premium Coatings Australia is a leading surface sealing and preparation provider, specialising in high-quality stone sealers. Our safe and affordable products are designed for various stone surfaces and applications.
Browse our wide range today and contact us for more information.