Sealing Granite & Natural Stone

To Seal Or Not To Seal?

Sealing granite and natural stone with penetrating sealers, (also called impregnators), protects the structure of a natural stone.

Sealers protect your stone from within. They soak into the stone and fill in any open voids or pores so that a staining agent cannot. Or at least they make it really hard for a staining agent to soak in!

Not all stones need to be sealed. Does Yours?

What Happens If You Seal A Stone That Doesn't Need To Be Sealed?
You waste your time and your money. This stone is so dense that NO sealer is absorbed into the stone. You apply the sealer and then you wipe it all back off.

Or, you don't get all of the sealer off of the surface of your stone and a film is left behind.
Translation: BIG MESS.

What Happens If You Don't Seal A Stone That Needs To Be Sealed?
It stains. Thankfully, most stains can be removed by you.

Applying Sealer

Sealing is simple to do and doesn't require a stone specialist. An impregnator or penetrating sealer is recommended for sealing granite countertops, vanities, showers, and more.

Don't be cheap when it comes to buying sealer!!! You just spent a ton of money on your stone. Buy a long lasting and a good quality sealer.

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Here's How It Works:

When sealing granite or natural stone, the sealer is applied directly to the stone with a soft cloth, a brush or even a sprayer.

1. The sealer absorbs into the stone,


2. the resins fill in any openings between the minerals,


3. and finally, the carrying agent evaporates up and out of your stone.


4. Any sealer that hasn't absorbed into the stone is wiped off.

NO SEALER should be left on the surface of your stone. An impregnating sealer does not and should not leave a coating or film on top.

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Something to be aware of:
The stone below the surface will be protected, however, there is no surface protection. Never is with an impregnating type of sealer.

This means calcareous natural stones such as marble, onyx, limestone, and travertine can still etch or dull if acidic products are used, spilled or left on your stone.

A sealer does not protect your stone from hard water deposits either. Why? Hard water is on the surface of the stone - not inside. Hard water deposits are easily removed by you.

Advantages Of An Impregnator Sealer

1. An impregnator sealer or penetrating sealer penetrates into the stone and attaches its protection to the stone walls within the pore structure.


2. Does not alter the color or sheen of the stone. (if it says color enhancer, it DOES alter the look!)


3. Does not need to be re applied after each cleaning.


4. It's not on the surface so it won't scratch or scuff.


5. This type of sealer does not need to be re applied as often as a topical sealer because there is no surface coating to wear off.

Disadvantages Of An Impregnator

1. Penetrating sealers do not protect the surface of the stone from scratching, etching or hard water deposits.

Penetrating natural stone and granite sealers are durable. These sealers require periodic reapplication based on the frequency of your deep cleanings and also the brand of sealer used.

Some manufacturers recommend sealing granite and natural stone yearly, while others recommend every five to ten years. Read the recommendations on your product before applying.

Here are some excellent water AND oil repellent sealers for your natural stone.

You'll find More Sealing & Staining Stuff Below:

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


• Still not sure what a sealer is? Definition Of A Sealer For Stone.


• Penetrating vs Topical. Which one should you use?

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