How To Tell If You Need A Stone Sealer

The Water Test

Do I Need A Stone Sealer? Every multi mineral stone is somehow porous. While there are stones that absorb liquids like sponges, there are stones that are naturally so dense that no liquid is thin enough to be absorbed by them.

How does the average consumer know if their stone should be sealed?
It's quite simple and down to earth:

1. Spill some water in a couple of spots on the stone to be tested.


2. Let it sit for 10 minutes or so.


3. Wipe it dry and observe if the areas under which the water has been sitting have become (temporarily) any darker than the rest.


4. IF SO, and if the stone is installed in an environment where staining spills are likely (i.e.: a kitchen), the application of a good quality sealer for stone is recommended.


5. IF NOT, or if the stone is to be installed where the likelihood of spillage is minimal or nil altogether, it would be a totally useless exercise that will only help put the kids of the impregnator's maker through college.

Hints & Tips

• Use a couple of tablespoons of water in a small area.
• This test is well known in the stone industry and is used to determine if you need to seal your stone, when it needs to be resealed, and if your Natural Stone is perfectly sealed.

You'll Need

• Water.
• Clean white rag or paper towels.

You'll find More Sealing & Staining Stuff Below:

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


• Penetrating vs Topical. Which one should you use?


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