Stone Sealer 101: Protect Your Counter with Our Expert Tips!
Applying stone sealer is one of the best ways to preserve the beauty and longevity of your stone surfaces. Whether you’re maintaining a granite countertop, a marble floor, or travertine wall cladding, sealing your stone can safeguard it from stains, weathering, and everyday wear and tear.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about stone sealers, from their benefits to choosing the right one for your application.
But first,
What is a Stone Sealer?
A Stone Sealer is a protective solution applied to natural stones like granite, marble, and travertine to prevent staining and moisture absorption.
Some stones are naturally porous, absorbing liquids and developing stains over time. By creating a barrier that repels oil, water, and other liquids, a stone sealer helps keep surfaces looking pristine.
Prevention is better than cure.
What Are the Benefits of Applying Stone Sealer?
Stone sealers offer several significant benefits:
Stain Protection
Stone sealers prevent liquids from seeping into the surface, thus safeguarding your stone against staining.
Minimizes Etching
Etching occurs when acidic substances, such as lemon juice or vinegar, come into contact with natural stones that contain calcium carbonate, like marble or limestone, resulting in a dull spot.
Sealing helps to prevent acids from etching the stone's surface, making it easier to wipe off spills promptly and maintain its appearance.
Ease of Maintenance
Sealed stones are easier to clean and maintain, as spills remain on the surface longer, making cleanup easier.
Enhanced Appearance
Some sealers can enhance the stone's natural colors and patterns, improving its overall appearance.
Should I Seal My Stone Countertop?
Sealing is crucial for natural stone surfaces, especially in high-traffic or moist areas. Many natural stones, particularly light-colored ones, are porous and susceptible to staining if not properly treated. Regular sealing is essential for maintaining their beauty and durability over time.
Most granite applications do not require stone sealing. Their surface is too dense for liquids to seep in; not even sealer would penetrate. The liquid would only sit on it.
Some granite colors, however, need regular application of sealer. As it is a natural material, each granite type will vary in porosity. Some require resealing more often than others.
If unsure whether you need to seal, perform the following test on your counter:
You can do a simple water blot test to check if your stone needs sealing:
Step 1– Place a few drops of water on the stone’s surface;
Step 2– Let it sit for 10-15 minutes;
Step 3– If the water soaks into the stone and leaves a dark spot, it’s time to reseal. But if the water beads up and there is no dark spot, you don’t need to worry about sealing.
What Are the Different Types of Stone Sealers?
| TOPICAL SEALERS | PENETRATING SEALERS | |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Forms a protective layer on the surface of the stone | Absorbs into the stone, sealing from within |
| Appearance | Can alter the stone's look by adding a glossy or matte finish | Maintains the stone's natural appearance, typically invisible once applied |
| Durability | Less durable, may wear off with foot traffic, and requires more frequent reapplication | Long-lasting, requires less frequent reapplication |
| Protection | Protects primarily against surface-level damage, such as scratches and stains | Protects against deeper stains, water, and oil absorption |
| Best for | Indoor, decorative applications where appearance enhancement is desired | High-traffic areas, both indoor and outdoor applications |
| Maintenance | Requires regular maintenance as the surface layer can wear down | Low maintenance, as it penetrates below the surface and lasts longer |
| Water-Resistance | Offers surface-level water resistance | Provides deep water resistance, ideal for porous stones |
| Oil-Resistance | May provide surface-level oil protection | May provide strong resistance against oil stains, especially for kitchen countertops |
| UV-Resistance | Some topical sealers may turn yellow or fade under UV exposure. | UV stable, better suited for outdoor applications |
| Reapplication Frequency | Every 1 to 2 years, depending on the sealer and the stone | Every 1 to 2 years, depending on the sealer and the stone |
| Slip Resistance | Can be slippery when wet if a glossy finish is applied | Does not affect the slip resistance of the stone |
| Cost | Generally more affordable, but costs can add up due to frequent reapplication | Higher upfront cost, but longer-lasting protection reduces overall costs |
What is the Recommended Sealer Type for Stone Countertops?
A penetrating sealer is the best choice for most stone countertops, especially in high-use areas like the kitchen.
This sealer soaks into the stone, providing deep, long-lasting protection against water and oil without altering the surface’s natural appearance. It works exceptionally well on granite, marble, and limestone, making it ideal for countertops exposed to frequent spills and heavy use.
Unlike topical sealers, penetrating sealers don’t wear off quickly and require less maintenance, making them a durable and practical solution for stone countertops.
What is the Recommended Sealer Type for Outdoor Applications?
It is essential to seal outdoor stone surfaces with a penetrating sealer.
Outdoor areas such as patios, pool surrounds, and walkways are exposed to elements like sun, rain, and snow.
A penetrating sealer absorbs into the stone, providing invisible protection against moisture, stains, and weather without altering the stone’s natural appearance.
Should I Seal My Quartz Countertop?
Unlike natural stones, quartz countertops are engineered to be stain-resistant and do not require sealing.
They can withstand daily kitchen activities without the need for sealing.
However, if your quartz countertop has developed minor imperfections, consult your local supplier to see if sealing may help.
Can I Seal the Stone Myself?
You can seal your stone effectively with the right tools and a quality sealer.
Most stone sealers are easy to apply and come with clear instructions.
However, hiring a professional might be worth considering if you’re aiming for a perfect finish or dealing with a large surface.
If you’re ready to take it on yourself, here are the steps:
How to Seal Your Stone Countertop?
Required Tools:
Things Needed?
Steps to configure the How-to Schema widget:
What are the Common Mistakes When Sealing?
- Not cleaning the stone thoroughly before sealing: Be cautious when applying sealer to a dirty surface, as it can seal in dirt and stains, making them harder to remove.
- Overapplication: Applying too much sealer may result in a cloudy or sticky surface; promptly wipe away any excess when sealing.
- Using the wrong sealer: Not all sealers are suitable for every stone type, so choosing the wrong one can result in inadequate protection.
- Sealing before the stone is fully dry: If the stone is wet, the sealer will not adhere properly and may not be effective.
- Forgetting necessary reapplications: Some homeowners seal their stone once and then forget about it, leaving the stone vulnerable over time.
Where to Buy Stone Sealers in the Philippines?
Stone Depot is your go-to destination for high-quality stone sealers for your counter.
We offer a variety of stone care products to protect your stone applications at home.
Visit your nearest Stone Depot branch today for expert advice and products tailored to your needs. We have branches in:
What is the Best Stone Sealer?
We highly recommend Tenax Proseal for most stone applications. It provides exceptional protection against oil- and water-based stains, perfect for kitchen and bathroom counters.
It penetrates deep into the stone, ensuring long-lasting defense without altering the stone's natural appearance.
However, if oil protection isn't a concern and you're primarily looking for water resistance, Tenax Hydrex is an excellent alternative. Hydrex offers strong moisture protection while maintaining the natural look of the stone, making it ideal for outdoor surfaces or areas with minimal oil exposure.
How Long Does a Stone Sealer Last?
Depending on the type of sealer and the area to which it's applied, a quality stone sealer can last 1 to 2 years, with high-traffic areas possibly needing more frequent reapplication.
When Should I Reseal?
For countertops and floors, it's recommended to reseal every 1 to 2 years to maintain protection and keep your surfaces looking their best.
Or better yet, you can perform a water blot test to check if you need to reseal your stone.
How to Maintain a Sealed Stone?
- Use a specially formulated stone cleaner: Avoid harsh chemicals and acidic cleaners, which could break down your sealer.
- Wipe up spills and drips promptly: Even sealed stones can become stained if liquids sit too long. Remember: sealing does not provide an impenetrable shield for your stone; it only prolongs the window period for liquids to penetrate. It lets you wipe off spills and drips easily on your countertop for some time.
- Clean regularly with a soft cloth: After each use, wipe your counter with a soft, clean cloth and use a stone-specific cleaner to maintain the sealer's effectiveness.
- Perform periodic water tests: Monitoring the stone's condition helps identify when resealing is necessary.
Miguel Aquino
Miguel Aquino is the General Manager of Stone Depot, one of the Philippines' leading suppliers of granite, marble, and quartz. Since 2010, he has been in the stone industry, working for a similar company in Balintawak, Quezon City.
You can find him playing Magic: the Gathering at a hobby store every Friday night.
Can your product be used in a shower?
Will it seal the grout too?
Yes, you can use it in your shower area. But we’re not sure if it seals the grout, too.
You might want to check out this product instead: https://amzn.to/3l4LW8f
Does Hydrex sealer has specific range of moisture content on stone surface prior to application?
My fabricator used a single coat of Hydrex on our new kitchen quartzite. I’d prefer to put on Proseal. Do I and/or should I wait to seal with Proseal?
Hi, I’m looking for a white granite but has the marble design. Do you carry that kind.
Please let me the soonest. I believe my builder
Is getting impatient with me now.
Thank you.
Yes, you might wanna check out “Viscon White.”