Natural Stone Sealer

Comparison

Getting ready to use a natural stone sealer? Do you know which type of sealer to use?
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of a penetrating sealer to a topical sealer.

PENETRATING SEALER	TOPICAL SEALER
ADVANTAGES	ADVANTAGES
The sealer penetrates into the stone and attaches it's protection to the stone walls within the pore structure. It doesn't alter the color or sheen of the stone. It doesn't need to be reapplied after each cleaning. The sealer is not on the surface so the coating won't scratch or scuff. A penetrating sealer does not need to be reapplied as often as a topical sealer because there is no surface coating to wear off.	Some topical sealers contain additives that produce non slip characteristics. This is great for natural stone flooring. The sealer creates a protective barrier between water and oil contaminants, foot traffic and the stone. Topical sealers protect the stone 'somewhat' from surface scratching and etching caused by acidic materials such as orange juice and coke. If you like the shiny, glossy look, a topical natural stone sealer produces a gloss that can be buffed. This allows for the maintenance of a high gloss surface.

PENETRATING NATURAL STONE SEALER	TOPICAL NATURAL STONE SEALER
DISADVANTAGES	DISADVANTAGES
Penetrating sealers do not protect the surface of the stone from scratching or etching.	Topical sealers alter the appearance of the stone by adding a gloss sheen. They may also deepen the color of your stone. This is not so great for an honed natural stone surface. Moisture is trapped within the stone. The protective barrier doesn't allow the stone to breathe. Because topical sealers create a film on the surface of the stone, it tends to show scuffs, marks, and paths in heavy traffic areas. These marks are removed during the reapplication process. This type of sealer requires continual reapplication as it wears in heavy traffic areas. The old sealer needs to be removed before applying a new coat of sealer. The process of stripping the old topical sealer can harm the surface of some stones. This also adds higher costs to maintaining your natural stone.

ADD Shine

ERASE Scratches

Get Rid of Mold & Mildew

REPAIR Etch Marks

You'll find More Sealing & Staining Stuff Below:

• To Seal Or Not To Seal? That is the question.


• More info on topical sealers.


• Already have a stain? Here's a professional grade stone stain removal poultice.