Benefits Of Sealing Natural Stone Surfaces

Natural stone stands as a popular choice because of its timeless beauty and durability. It’s the most sought-after option for constructing pavements, flooring, fireplaces, countertops and many more. 

There are both natural and artificial stone types – the most popular being marble, granite, limestone, travertine, slate tile, etc. Each one has its own set of attributes and satisfies the unique needs of different homeowners.

However, no matter what kind of stone you prefer, sealing them is important to increase their durability and enhance their aesthetics.

As stones are porous in nature, sealing will help protect the stone against food stains, UV rays, water damage and general wear and tear. Moreover, sealing is relatively inexpensive and doing it only once a year is enough to maintain the shine and protect the structure of the natural stone.

If you are still apprehensive about sealing the natural stone, the following reasons will convince you.

Make Stones Easier to Clean And Maintain

Adding the sealant provides an extra layer to the stone which repels dust and dirt. The dust particles won’t seep into the stone thus making cleaning easier. It also reduces the maintenance efforts as occasional cleaning is enough to make the stones look new and shiny. 

For cleaning, refrain from using harsh chemicals. Using soap water is enough to clean the dirt particles from the surface.

Enhance the Visual Appeal of The Stone

You can immediately notice the difference between the sealed stones and the non-sealed ones. Depending on the type of sealant you use, the stones will end up with either high-gloss or matte finish. The surface will end up looking richer and smoother.

It also enhances the texture and colour of the stone you used and increases the visual appeal even from afar. Make sure you contact professionals for applying sealant to get the desired results.

Might also Prevent Acid Erosion and Bacterial Growth 

It’s common to see weeds and other plants growing through the gaps between the stones. The sealant will prevent the small weeds growing and restrains the growth of bacteria that might breed due to the wetness. 

It also acts as a protective layer that prevents acid erosion and other chemical damage. Applying a sealant will protect your stone in so many ways than just enhancing its visual appeal.

Different Types of Sealants

Recognising the benefit of a sealant, you will find the countertops and backsplashes already applied with a sealant. Some even are available with resin as the coating. However, if you think your natural stone surfaces need a coating, then following are the three sealants that you can purchase:

Surface Sealant

If you want to give a shine to the stone surface, then go for surface sealant. The coating is applied to the surface and can be removed if necessary. It is temporary and you may need to reapply from time to time to maintain the shine. When choosing a surface sealant, make sure that it can be applied to the stone surface as its variant is applied to the tile floors.

Penetrating Sealant

Penetrating sealant gives a permanent setting to the stone surface. It is not easy to remove as the sealant goes deep into the surface. Solvent-based polymers are used as penetrating sealants. In the surface sealant, water-based sealant such as acrylic is used.

Impregnating Sealant

Impregnating sealant is the most popular sealant of all the three options. It has a solvent-based formula that requires a professional to apply. It became popular because it doesn’t alter the stone texture or colour even after applying. It provides resistance to the UV rays and is great for outdoor application.

Though it requires professional application, the coating will last several years before you need to apply again.

Final Thoughts

Stone sealing is a task that has become mandatory to protect the natural characteristics of the stone. It preserves the natural beauty of the stone and enhances its beauty for several years. As there are sealant options available, you can choose one according to your unique needs. Make sure to contact professionals for the application and choose quality sealants to get the desired results.