Frequently Asked Questions About Stone Products and Stone Sealing
Featured below are some of the questions we hear most frequently from our customers. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please contact us.
Why Do I Have To Seal My Stone?
The reason stone needs to be sealed is to prevent staining and to prevent moisture from getting under your tiles. All stones are porous to a greater or lesser extent and all can stain and take in moisture.
Once your stone is sealed, it will prevent water-based stains, as well as most oil-based stains, from harming your stone surface. Because the sealer prevents fluid absorption, cleaning and maintenance are just as easy as on any other surface.
In addition, some sealers can also enhance the natural colour of your stone or add a glossy sheen. We generally recommend using a colour-enhancing sealer on slate surfaces.
How Do I Seal My Stone Surface?
Sealing is a very simple procedure that takes little time and effort. Use a paint pad or sponge, or even just a clean, white, soft rag to apply the undiluted and unaltered sealer to the surface to be sealed.
Some sealers are applied to the surface in a thin coat and allowed to set, whereas others require that the excess be wiped off or removed.
By following the instructions on the bottle you can ensure a proper application. Other instructions that should be followed include any protective clothing requirements, such as wearing rubber gloves or a ventilator.
Caution: When applying a coat of sealer after a new tile installation, be sure to let the installation dry for at least 7 days before performing the application. If there is moisture trapped in the stone beneath the sealer you will notice occurrences of white patches or rings. These are rather unsightly and can be difficult (if not impossible) to remove.
How Often Do I Have To Seal My Stone Surface?
Typically, we recommend sealing or re-sealing your stone once a year. Most sealers will last longer than this, but we find it gives our clients an easy-to-remember and regular timeline. However, depending on the application, you may need to re-seal sooner or later.
Applications where the surface of the stone is taking a lot of wear (e.g. front entrances, mud rooms, or exterior applications), may require a re-seal more often.
The easiest way to tell if your stone surface needs a re-seal is by splashing a small amount of water on it: if the water darkens the colour of the stone or appears to leave any kind of mark, it needs to be resealed. Sealed stone will cause water to bead and repel off of its surface.
