What are stone sealers?
A stone sealer is a liquid solution that is applied to natural stone surfaces. Sealers dry to a tough, durable barrier which protects from staining, water damage, and corrosion. Sealers make maintenance easier, inhibit staining, minimize dusting, can enhance color, and will help preserve the original beauty of the stone surface.
Why should you seal?
Sealing your natural stone surfaces is the most effective treatment to help prevent staining or discoloration. On a microscopic level, natural stone consists of pores and capillaries running throughout the stone. These structures provide a natural pathway to draw in moisture, and with it contaminants. This will lead to mold, mildew, or discoloration and staining of the stone.
Once stone has been stained, it can be difficult and expensive to return it to its original beauty. Sealing will provide a protective barrier, making maintenance easier and keeping moisture and dirt out. It’s important to note, sealed surfaces provide a barrier to slow down stains. Stone can still be stained if contaminants are left to sit on the surface for extended periods of time. Always clean the spill or remove the foreign substance as soon as possible.
How often should you seal?
Every situation is unique. Areas with more exposure to the elements and areas with high levels of traffic will need to be resealed more frequently then indoor surfaces or less frequently used spaces. Porous surfaces are more susceptible to moisture and staining, so they should be treated more frequently to make sure they remain adequately protected. Countertops and high use cooking spaces should be retreated annually. Shower tile and bathroom flooring that is exposed to water daily should be retreated annually, or sooner if you notice water absorption by the tile or grout. For indoor applications, a floor finish will help protect your sealer and can be refreshed as frequently as desired. For outdoor applications, resealing every 1-3 years will help keep your surfaces pristine and most resilient to the elements.
How do you prepare the surface for sealing?
Always be sure surface is clean, dry, and free from any dirt, grease, oil, wax, or other contaminant.
If you are using cleaning products on the surface before sealing, make sure that they have been thoroughly washed off the surface, leaving no trace behind. Allow the surface time to dry completely. The more porous the material, the longer time required to dry.
Read the entire label before using. Always test the sealer on a small piece of material or a small inconspicuous area to determine suitability. Ensure the area is well ventilated. Ideal surface temperature should be between 60°F and 80°F. Product works best when it is the first substance applied to the surface, insuring proper penetration.
What is the coverage area of the sealers?
For very porous surfaces: 1st coat: 100-200 sq.ft./gallon. 2nd coat 250-400 sq. ft./gallon.
For average density surfaces: 1st coat: 200-300 sq.ft./gallon. 2nd coat 400+ sq. ft./gallon
For very dense surfaces: 1.5-2x avg. density coverage
Generally, the sealer will go twice as far on the 2nd coat as it did on the 1st coat.
How do you apply the sealer?
Most sealers can be applied with a spray applicator, brush, short nap roller, or lint free rag. See product label for specific instructions. Apply liberally with a heavy first coat. Avoid puddles by wiping up excess. Use the application method that makes the most sense for the area you are working. For Spray Applicator- Hold about 10 inches from surface and spray uniformly and evenly while saturating the surface thoroughly. For Brush/Short Nap Roller- paint/roll on evenly with overlapping strokes. Use a brush or roller suitable for solvent based material. With Lint Free Rag- wipe on evenly and uniformly.
How long should I wait between coats?
Refer to individual product label for drying time and coating instructions, as different products have different curing times.
Will the sealer change the appearance of the surface?
Typically, topical sealers will enhance or brighten the natural characteristics of the surface to which it is applied. Impregnating sealers will leave the surface natural looking, with no change in appearance or color.
Will sealer make the surface slippery?
Topical sealers can make some surfaces slippery when sealed and wet. Each type of stone is unique, so it’s best to test the sealer on your material to determine if it will be suitable. If minimizing slippage is a major concern, using an impregnating sealer will keep the surface natural, with minimum change to the natural surface texture. When using a topical, color enhancing sealer, a micro polymer additive like CAT GRIP can be added to the sealer to provide a textured finish and increase the slip resistant properties of the surface.
What is the best sealer to use in a shower?
For a shower, a solvent based impregnating sealer is the best option. In areas that are exposed to moisture on a daily basis, there is a greater risk of water getting under topical sealers. If the topical sealer is not maintained correctly, water could penetrate areas where the sealer has worn, and cause a milky white appearance to develop over time. With our impregnating below surface sealers, there is no risk of moisture getting under the sealer and causing issues, and any moisture will breathe out of the stone. We recommend Catalina Chemical's MAGIC or PLUS to seal showers.
What is the best sealer to use in a kitchen?
The best sealer to use in a kitchen depends on what part of the kitchen you are sealing.
For granite counter tops and tile back splash: For best results, use a penetrating sealer that will seal below the surface, while protecting from oils and grease. In our product line, this would be PLUS: Water & Oil Repellant and Protector.
For kitchen floors: For floors, any sealer can be used to give you the desired finished look. If you are especially concerned with frequent spills, a topical, deep penetrating sealer like Teratone 467 would be most effective.
What is the best way to clean my natural stone surface?
A neutral pH cleaner is the safest and most effective way to clean natural stone surfaces. Many store-bought cleaners contain harsh ingredients that could damage, etch, or diminish the look of natural stone surfaces. Neutral pH cleaners do not contain abrasive ingredients, so they will not damage the glossiness of polished or coated surfaces. Catalina Chemical's Neutral Cleaner Concentrate is a gentle but effective neutral cleaner for all of your natural stone surfaces.
How do I maintain a polished surface?
The best way to maintain a polished surface is to clean regularly with a neutral pH cleaner. For best practices, reference our Polished Surface Maintenance Guide.
