Porous stones like marble, limestone, travertine, and all other tile and stone flooring products usually require regular sealing every 1-2 years with a high-quality, water-based or solvent-based sealer. Interested in applying the sealer yourself? Learn more about the basics of sealing natural stone surfaces below.
1. Pick The Right Impregnating Sealer
The two most common types of natural stone sealers are solvent-based and water-based. Using any type of penetrating sealer reduces the porosity of the material and helps seal the stone, but there are a few differences between these products.
Solvent-based sealers are flammable and have a strong odour, and require a bit more cleanup after the project. However, they provide a glossier finish that accents the colour of the stone, and have high-quality results.
Water-based sealers are easier to clean up and are non-flammable, but they provide a more matte finish after drying, and may not penetrate as deeply into the stone. Either one can be a good option, and the right product will vary depending on your needs – consult with an expert at your local hardware store to pick the right product.
You may also want to test the sealer on your natural stone to see if you like how it looks. You can apply some sealer to a small corner or inconspicuous location on your floor to ensure you’ve picked the right product.
2. Start With Pre-Seal Cleanup Of Your Natural Stone Tile
It’s highly recommended that you clean your stone tile before you try to seal it. Sweep the floor, and mop the tiles using a specialized floor cleaner. Then, make sure that the floor is completely dry before applying sealer – this may take up to 6-12 hours.
3. Apply Your Sealer Based On Manufacturer’s Instructions
The specifics of the sealer and its sealing requirements vary depending on the product. However, most products will simply instruct you to spread the sealer across the tiles using a mop or a similar tool until the floor is fully saturated. Then, the tile is allowed to dry.
This process may need to be repeated several times, depending on how porous the stone tile is. After the sealer dries for the final time, you may need to wipe off any excess residue using a clean towel or rag.
4. Allow The Sealer To Cure And Dry Completely
Most sealers take about 24-48 hours to cure and dry completely. If you are able to, it’s a good idea to avoid heavy foot traffic during this time. This may not always be possible in some areas like kitchens and entryways, however.
Because of this, some products allow foot traffic to resume within 4-8 hours. Consult with the stone sealer you used for more information, and to ensure you do not impair the curing process by walking on your tile too soon.
Not Up To The Job? Let The Pros Handle Stone Sealing For You!
Stone sealing can be a time-intensive, messy job – and if you don’t have the time or desire to do it on your own, we understand! That’s where Sydney Tile & Stone Care comes in. We’re experts in stone sealing in Sydney, and we can take care of every step of the job, and ensure that you get the best possible results. Contact us online or give us a ring at 0400 161 122 to get started right away.