Frequently Asked Questions

Natural stone is porous, which means it can absorb damaging liquids such as oils and salts. These contaminants can contribute to staining, efflorescence, salt attack, loss of strength, reinforcement rusting and picture framing.

Sealing natural stone can greatly reduce these effects and, in some cases, help eliminate them.

Sealers can generally be divided into two categories: impregnating / penetrating sealers and topical sealers.

Impregnating sealers work within the pores of natural stone, allowing the stone to breathe while helping maintain its natural strength. They provide a natural-looking finish and an effective barrier against harmful oils and other liquid-based contaminants.

Topical sealers create a physical barrier over the surface of the stone. They are designed to withstand normal surface wear and are usually available with a gloss or matt finish. However, topical sealers can make a surface slippery when wet, although anti-slip agents can be added.

The amount of sealer you need depends on the area being sealed and the porosity of the natural stone.

First, calculate the number of square metres that need to be sealed. Your stone supplier can also provide guidance on the recommended amount of sealer for your particular stone or material.

Different sealers are designed for different applications.

For example, some sealers are designed to repel water, while others repel both oil and water. Some are formulated for dense stone, while others are designed for more porous materials.

The wide variety of natural stone types is one reason there are so many different sealing products available.

Pre-sealing can help protect natural stone from grout and other construction-related staining during installation.

It is highly recommended for outdoor areas and pools because of their higher exposure to moisture. Pre-sealing can also help protect the stone from moisture coming from underneath, providing additional resistance rather than relying only on a surface coating.

Porous stone should also be pre-sealed before being laid.

Regular maintenance is important for keeping your sealed surface looking good and helping maintain its protection.

Clean up spills as soon as possible and regularly clean and scrub the sealed surface. PH Neutral Cleaner is a biodegradable and phosphate-free product designed to help maintain sealed surfaces while cleaning and helping extend stain resistance.

As you apply sealer, the pores of the stone gradually become filled. After multiple coats, excess sealer may begin to remain on the surface.

To remove the residue, use a clean white cotton rag and gently buff the surface in a slow motion while the sealer is still moist but not fully cured.

For areas where the residue is difficult to remove, a cleaning agent may be required.

Every surface can be slightly different. Even if you have previously used a particular sealer, the result can vary depending on the surface and conditions.

A small test trial should therefore be carried out before completing the full job. This helps confirm that you will achieve the desired result.

Elite Coatings-Sealers offer a range of water-based, low-VOC and non-VOC penetrating sealers that meet or exceed the standards set out in APAS Standard AP-D181 REV.11.

You can purchase products through the online shop.

You can perform a simple water test.

Place approximately one tablespoon of water on the treated surface and leave it for 5 minutes. Observe if the water absorbs into the stone or sits on top.