Question of the Day: Do I need to seal my natural stone countertops and tiles?
Short answer: YES!
By nature’s design, most natural stones are waterproof but porous. To protect your investment, we recommend using a penetrating sealer on your natural stone surfaces. Generally, there are two types of sealers: water-based and oil-based. Both types will help resist staining and protect the surface of the stone.
water based sealers
Water-based sealers repel oil, so they’re best for places where you use cooking grease and oils, like the kitchen. They will help prevent oily residue from soaking into the stone.
oil based sealers
Oil-based sealers repel water, so they’re best used in damp areas; bathrooms, laundry rooms and the like. Oil- or solvent-based sealers protect stone from stains and dirt.
Your tile or stone must be sealed upon initial installation. You will want to reseal your stone every two years or as needed. With most natural stone, as the sealer wears away, the stone will repel less and absorb more.
Sealant application
Use a synthetic brush to apply the sealer.
On vertical surfaces, you may need to apply the sealer 2-3 times to apply the proper amount.
When you’re done, wipe off any excess. The sealant must be fully cured within 48 hours.
stone products
Limestone is a sedimentary rock that can contain inclusions such as shells and pebbles. It is a calcium based stone consisting of layers upon layers of silt that has been compressed over time.
Travertine is a type of limestone. It is a sedimentary rock formed where there was once moving water, such as hot spring beds or waterfalls. The result is holes in the stone from gas bubbles trapped in the calcium layers. These holes are the main identifying characteristic of this group of stones.
Limestone and travertine are extremely versatile and fit easily into any design style, from classic to rustic. The color ranges from light cream to reddish-brown, golden, or even silvery-blue-gray. These stones are favorably mined in Turkey, Italy, France, Peru, and China.
Travertine and limestone are best used for flooring, light-duty countertops, showers, shower floors, and backsplashes.
seal and enhance
511 Seal & Enhance: This color-enhancing penetrating sealer is designed to leave stone the color it is when wet but with a matte finish. It is designed for polished and polished marble.
511 Porous Plus – This penetrating sealer has an added polymer that is large enough to clog the largest pores, providing a long-lasting, natural finish. It is designed for polished and polished marble.
511 Primer: This penetrating sealer is perfect for sealing your polished marble. It will not change the color of the stone.