Natural Stone Sealing Tips and Tricks

If you're like us, you want to do everything in your power to protect your natural stone. Stone is a beautiful and durable material, but it's also porous and can be stained or etched if not sealed properly. In this blog post, we'll give you some tips on how to seal your stone and protect it from the everyday wear and tear that can occur in a home.

We'll also talk about the different types of stone sealers available and how to choose the right one for your needs. So read on for information that will help keep your stone looking its best for years to come!

Why You Need to Seal Your Stone

Sealing your natural stone is an essential part of taking care of it. It is an important step in preserving its beauty and longevity.

While it may not seem like it, granite, marble, and other natural stone are porous materials. That means that liquids and other substances can seep beneath the surface and leave stains. 

Furthermore, natural stone is susceptible to surface etching from acidic chemicals, such as vinegar, coffee, wine, fruit juice, and tomato sauce. 

Either way, the damage can be permanent and may require expensive help from a stone restoration specialist in order to fix. 

A natural stone sealer creates an invisible barrier on the surface of the stone that will help to protect it from staining and etching. Frequently applying a seal for stone is the easiest, most effective way to help preserve your natural stone and keep it looking its best. 

Tips For Using A Natural Stone Sealer

Always Clean Before Sealing

Let's start with a basic rule: you should never seal dirty stone.

It is important to clean your natural stone thoroughly before applying a stone sealant. Otherwise, any dirt, grease, or debris on the surface will be sealed in along with the stone! (And it will become difficult to clean.)

So make sure the stone surface is as clean as possible before you begin. We recommend using a pH-neutral stone cleaner that is gentle and will not damage the stone or strip away the existing sealer (if there is one).

Granite Gold® Daily Cleaner is perfect for this job. It is safe to use on all types of stone, including marble, granite and all other natural stone and quartz.

Know How Often To Reseal

How often to seal granite and other natural stone will depend on a few factors, such as the type of stone and how much traffic the area gets. 

The porosity of the stone affects how much sealer is needed. For example, granite and marble are less porous than limestone and travertine, so they will not need to be resealed as often. 

The amount of traffic an area gets will impact how often you need to reseal. A floor in a high-traffic area, such as a kitchen, will need to be resealed more often than a stone countertop that is not used as much.

Don't be afraid to seal more often if you think it's necessary. Remember: Stone can never be over sealed.

Regular Checkups

Did you know that a drop of water can reveal if your stone is at risk?

One way to tell if your stone needs to be resealed is to do the water test. Simply place a few drops of water on the surface of the stone in several locations and wait 30 minutes.  

If the water beads up and sits on the surface, your stone is still properly sealed. However, if the water is absorbed into the stone or leaves a dark mark, it's time to reseal. 

It's a good idea to do this test every few months to make sure your stone is still properly sealed. It only takes a few minutes and could save you a lot of time, money, and effort in the long run!

Maintain A Strong Seal

There are a few things you can do to help maintain a strong seal.

First, always clean up spills immediately. If a liquid is allowed to sit on the surface of the stone for too long, it will weaken the seal. If the integrity of the seal is compromised, the liquid will be able to seep in, causing a stain.

Second, use coasters and trivets when necessary. These will help to prevent scratches, heat marks, and staining. 

Third, avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on the stone. These can damage the sealer and leave the surface vulnerable to damage. Granite Gold® Daily Cleaner is safe to use on all types of stone, so you won't have to worry about damaging the sealer.

Also, don't scrub too hard when cleaning. Abrasive cleaning tools such as steel wool and scrub pads can damage the sealer. Instead, use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the surface.

Finally, make sure you are using a quality sealer. Granite Gold® Sealer is specially formulated to create a long-lasting barrier on natural stone. It is safe to use on all types of stone, including granite, marble, and more.