Sealing Natural Stone: A Guide

Sealing natural stone is a great way for you to continue to keep your stone looking refreshed. This pool deck above was sealed using a natural look sealer.

Thinking about how to maintain your pool deck. Adding a sealer to your newly installed pool deck area is a great way to not only keep it protected from stains but sealing also gives your stone UV ray protection.

Simply said, natural stone was "designed" for outdoor use. It's not surprising that so many homeowners prefer natural stone for their outdoor living spaces due to its inherent durability and real beauty.

Although it may seem counterintuitive to think about sealing natural stone, keep in mind that it can be a little porous. Natural stone is more prone to staining and erosion when utilized in outdoor applications like a dining area, an outdoor kitchen, or high traffic areas like a walkway or a patio.

Stone can be cleaned more easily and is more stain-resistant after sealing. Additionally, it can aid in maintaining the stone's natural beauty by preventing algae growth, acid erosion, and salt damage.

How to pick a sealant

Natural stone must be able to both absorb and allow moisture to evaporate because it is relatively porous. In order to effectively repel water from deeper layers of the stone, the sealer must be permeable and designed to penetrate the stone.

Choose a sealer manufactured specifically for natural stone, if possible. A surface coating, sheen, or shine shouldn't be left behind by natural stone sealers. The stone's natural appearance should be preserved.

Stone enhancing or stone sealing?

Stone enhancers are meant to draw attention to and bring out the natural color of the stone, whereas natural stone sealers are meant to keep your stone from getting stained.

Although it is a matter of taste, many homeowners appreciate how the stone appears when it is wet. A stone enhancer can produce this outcome if you wish to keep your stone's deeper hue even when it is dried.

How to use a sealant on natural stone

Follow the manufacturer's instructions very carefully before applying the sealant to your stone. Here are a few pointers for achievement:

• Because different stone surfaces have varied characteristics, it is advised that you perform many tests in discrete locations to ensure that you are happy with the surface color and that the sealer produces the results you want.

• Sweep, vacuum, or wipe the surface, then give it time to completely dry.

• Before using the sealer, make sure the stone has returned to its original color.

• Use a flat mop with a long handle for broad areas and a wide paintbrush for smaller ones. A homogenous coat of sealer should be applied.

• It's crucial to keep the stone's surface a little damp for five to fifteen minutes. Apply extra sealer if, after a few minutes, the initial coating absorbs.

• Multiple treatments can be needed for surfaces that are especially permeable. Add a few drops of water to the surface after two hours to see if the seal is complete. If the water seeps through, another application is necessary.

• If two or more coats are necessary, apply the next one ten minutes after the previous one. Apply a second wet application over the first one for optimal effects.

• Keep your sealed stone dry for at least 12 hours, so pay attention to the weather report. After 24 hours, it will be entirely recovered.