What you should know about stone sealer?

Why is sealer important?

Sealer is the most efficient way of protecting the stone surface from staining, etching and other damages. It will make cleaning much smoother and more manageable as well - getting rid of the dirt, grease, and liquids won’t be a challenge anymore! So what is the best sealer for natural stone? Because stone is quite porous, it is best to use products that can penetrate inside it. They go deep into the pores of the matter and form a protective coating there. These types of sealers repel the water better, are more breathable and make the stone easy to clean. There are also film forming sealers, but they’re more suitable for masonry surfaces.

How to apply and remove sealer?

Now that we know more about the product itself, it’s time to figure out how to apply natural stone sealer. First, you need to prepare the surface - it needs to be clean, so you need to get rid of any previous sealers, waxes or other finishes. Before you apply the product to the whole area, test it in one inconspicuous spot. The surface should be dry at least 24 hours before application and afterwards, so choose a few days when there’s no rain forecast. Apply the sealer with a solvent-resistant pump-sprayer and work in sections to cover the whole surface evenly. Remove any excess product with a clean and dry cloth. We know more about applying this product, but what about getting rid of it? How to remove patio stone sealer? It can be done with a paint stripper.

What do you need to know about a sealer?

And how long does stone sealer take to dry? It will take between 24 and 72 hours for the mixture to fully cure, but it will be dry to the touch after just several hours. Of course, the time may vary depending on the type of product you’ve chosen, so it’s best to follow the instructions on the bottle to be on the safe side.

You’re probably wondering how long does stone sealer last and how often it should be reapplied. Usually, it has a lifetime of around 3 to 5 years, but the time will depend on several factors. They include the type and quality of the product, the porosity of the stone and the wear and tear the surface undergoes. Heavily used surfaces such as the kitchen sink or the front steps of your house may need more frequent sealing.

Read also: How to get stains out of natural stone? 7 tips!