Most natural stone is porous, so it soaks up moisture, oil, and other agents that could spoil the look and feel of your stone. If you leave it untreated, ugly stains start to appear, which could mean replacing it altogether.
We searched the internet for the best natural stone sealers and have selected our favorite 10, rating them on performance, cost, and ease of application.
- Dries completely clear
- Will not alter the color of the stone
- Ready for recoats in just 10 minutes
- Dries instantly and is ready to use
- Massive coverage from a small bottle
- Food, family, and pet-safe
- 20-year satisfaction guarantee
- Covers 1,000 square feet
- Impregnating sealer protects below the surface
- Dries clear with a long-lasting shine
- Easy to apply via the spray applicator
- Cures in just 1-hour
- Water-based sealer that’s kinder to the environment
- Dries ready for recoats in just 20 minutes
- Works on other stone surfaces
- Seals stone and grout
- Works on white and colored grout
- Virtually zero odors
- 100% breathable for releasing trapped moisture
- Cures within 24 hours
- Easy spray application
- Dries for traffic use within an hour
- Low VOCs and odors
- Good for the environment & easy cleanup
- Brush, roll, or spray it on
- Rejuvenates faded surfaces
- 100 to 400 square feet of coverage per 1-gallon
- High-gloss finish enhances the stone
- Works indoors and out
- 600 square feet of coverage
The Best Natural Stone Sealers of 2024
There are many natural stone sealers to choose from, so narrowing down the field took a lot of research. Here are our favorite 10 sealers for natural stone.
Tenax Granite, Marble, Stone, and Concrete Sealer
Best Oil-Based Natural Stone Sealer
This sealer by Tenax comes in 1-quart containers, but you still get 160 to 180 square feet of coverage, depending on the surface quality. It covers polished natural stone like marble and granite, although it also works on almost all other natural stone surfaces.
This impregnating sealer is so invisible when it cures, you won’t even know it’s there until you spill something, and it sits on the surface rather than soaking in. It cures completely clear and will not change the color of the stone, and it dries within 5 to 10 minutes for recoats. However, it doesn’t gain its water-repelling qualities for another 24 hours.
The container size is a little on the small side, so it restricts you to little tasks, and the fact you need 2 coats reduces the coverage further.
Pros
- Dries completely clear.
- Will not alter the color of the stone.
- Ready for recoats in just 10 minutes.
- Maximum 180 square feet coverage.
Cons
- Limited coverage from a 1-quart bottle.
Product Specs
Quantity | 1-quart |
Coverage | 180 square feet |
Drying time | 10 minutes |
Type | Oil |
Use | Indoors and outdoors |
Price | $$ |
Our Ratings
Simple Coat Natural Stone and Stainless Steel Sealer
Best Natural Stone Sealer for Shower
This Simple Coat sealer looks small, but you’d be amazed what coverage it has. You get 3,000 square feet on stone and over 7,000 square feet on steel. That’s a lot of coats. It dries immediately, so you can use the shower straight after application.
It is made from sustainable raw materials, is ultra-concentrated to reduce packaging, and is non-toxic and biodegradable, so you can use it on food preparation surfaces. It is food, family, and pet-safe.
The only negative is that Simple Coat significantly changes the depth of color on your natural stone, so it’s worth testing it on a small patch before committing to using it. It’s also not a budget option, costing more than some 1-gallon sealers.
Pros
- Dries instantly and is ready to use.
- Massive coverage from a small bottle.
- Food, family, and pet-safe.
- Made from sustainable raw materials.
Cons
- Might change the color of the stone.
- Expensive for such a small bottle.
Product Specs
Quantity | 8 ounces |
Coverage | 3,000 square feet |
Drying time | Instant |
Type | Water |
Use | Indoors |
Price | $$$$ |
Our Ratings
Miracle Sealants Clear Impregnator
Best Natural Stone Impregnator Sealer
This sealer is ideal for use indoors and out, so when you’ve finished sealing the garage floor, you can use it on your feature natural stone patio. It works on porcelain, tile, granite, marble, and many other natural stone surfaces.
This is an oil-based sealer, so it protects against moisture and UV, and thanks to its impregnating qualities, it absorbs into the material.
It is food-safe, so you can use it on kitchen surfaces, and you get 1,000 square feet of coverage. You also get a 20-year satisfaction guarantee.
This sealer dries in 4 to 6 hours but fully cures in 72 hours, so you have a long wait before you can start using your surfaces. It works by forming a transparent layer that allows the stone to breathe so moisture still escapes and protects against anything penetrating.
However, because it is a solvent-based sealer, it is harmful to the environment, gives off odors, and contains VOCs.
Pros
- 20-year satisfaction guarantee.
- Covers 1,000 square feet.
- Impregnating sealer protects below the surface.
- Suitable indoors and out.
Cons
- Solvent-based, so bad for the environment.
- VOCs and odors are a problem.
Product Specs
Quantity | 1-quart |
Coverage | 1,000 square feet |
Drying time | 72 hours |
Type | Oil |
Use | Indoors and outdoors |
Price | $$ |
Our Ratings
TriNova Granite Sealer and Protector
Best Natural Stone Countertop Sealer
Thanks to the polymers, his spray-on granite and countertop sealant penetrates deep into the material to provide long-lasting protection. It dries clear and gives a lasting shine, enhancing the color of your surfaces.
While this is primarily a granite sealer and protector, it also works on other natural stones, like marble and quartz. It’s easy to apply; just spray it on and then wipe with a cloth after a couple of minutes and then allow 1-hour to cure before testing to see if it is impervious to water.
This topical sealer needs to be applied every month to keep on top of the protective seal it creates, which is one negative. However, it even works on tiles and grout for showers and baths.
This is intended for indoor use only, and thanks to the 18-ounce bottle, you are limited to the size of projects.
Pros
- Dries clear with a long-lasting shine.
- Easy to apply via the spray applicator.
- Cures in just 1-hour.
- Ideal for countertops, showers, and bathrooms.
Cons
- Needs to be applied every month.
- Limited project size.
Product Specs
Quantity | 18 ounces |
Coverage | Not stated |
Drying time | 1 hour |
Type | Water-based |
Use | Indoors |
Price | $$ |
Our Ratings
Granite Gold Water-Based Spray Sealer
Best Water Based Natural Stone Sealer
Water-based natural stone sealers are much better for the environment and your health because they have low VOC levels and rarely give off strong odors. It’s why they are so effective indoors and out.
This sealer is designed for use with granite, but it also works on marble, limestone, slate, and many more surfaces. And because it is a food-safe product, you can spray it on food preparation surfaces and kitchen worktops.
It’s biodegradable, pH balanced, and dries ready for recoats after just 20 minutes. The company recommends you use 2 to 3 layers for an effective seal and that you wait 24 hours for the formula to cure before polishing.
Pros
- Water-based sealer that’s kinder to the environment.
- Dries ready for recoats in just 20 minutes.
- Works on other stone surfaces.
- Food-safe, so ideal for kitchen countertops.
Cons
- Designed for small surface areas.
Product Specs
Quantity | 24 ounces |
Coverage | Not stated |
Drying time | 20 minutes (24 hours to fully cure) |
Type | Water-based |
Use | Indoors |
Price | $$ |
Our Ratings
The Floor Guys Grout and Granite Penetrating Sealer
Best Natural Stone and Grout Sealer
When you seal your natural stone, it makes sense to seal the grout too, which is what this Grout and Granite sealer from The Floor Guys does. And it is safe to use on white and colored grout.
It’s a water-based sealer with virtually no odors at all, so you can use it in enclosed spaces, and it cleans up with soap and water. It’s also better for the environment because it contains no volatile organic compounds.
It contains Fluoropolymer to repel both water and oil stains, and it won’t change the color of your natural stone. It can only be applied with a brush, which is a slight disadvantage because others go on with a sprayer, which is faster.
On the plus side, 1-quart will cover up to 500 square feet, and it dries in about 6 to 12 hours before your surfaces are ready for use.
Pros
- Seals stone and grout.
- Works on white and colored grout.
- Virtually zero odors.
- Water-based for easy cleanup.
Cons
- Only be applied with a brush, which is slower.
Product Specs
Quantity | 1-quart |
Coverage | 500 square feet |
Drying time | 6 to 12 hours |
Type | Water-based |
Use | Indoors |
Price | $$$ |
Our Ratings
Masonry Defender All-Purpose Brick and Stone Sealer
Best Exterior Natural Stone Sealer
When you need to seal your exterior natural stone, why not use an all-purpose sealer and give everything from concrete to brick a protective layer. It is 100 percent breathable, so it doesn’t form a hard barrier and lets trapped moisture to escape.
It’s water-based, so it washes clean with soap and water; plus, it is kind to the environment because it contains no nasty chemicals that pollute the ecosystem.
Because it lets the water escape, it prevents cracking, pitting, and delamination of the natural stone. Using this product is simple; just spray it on using a garden pump spray, making sure you apply 2 coats for complete protection.
When this sealer dries, it is entirely clear, so it won’t alter the appearance of the natural stone, and it resists the effects of deicing salts that cause cracking and pitting.
You get a maximum of 150 square feet from this 1-gallon can, and it cures in 24 hours. The only downside is the mixture is so thin because it goes on with a sprayer. If you want to brush or roller for better accuracy, you might struggle.
Pros
- Covers almost all types of stone and concrete surfaces.
- 100 percent breathable for releasing trapped moisture.
- Cures within 24 hours.
- Easy spray application.
Cons
- Can only be applied with a sprayer, reducing accuracy.
- Only covers 150 square feet, which is less than some products.
Product Specs
Quantity | 1-gallon |
Coverage | 150 square feet |
Drying time | 24 hours |
Type | Water-based |
Use | Indoors and outdoors |
Price | $$$ |
Our Ratings
Serveon Sealants H2Seal Stone Sealer
Best Mold Inhibiting Stone Sealer
Mold and mildew damage the surface of your natural stone and leaves nasty stains or white residue. This Serveon Sealer is fast drying and ready for traffic within an hour, and it lasts 3 and 5 years between applications.
With just one coat, it penetrates deep into the stone for top-class protection. You also get 450 square feet of coverage; plus, it has a low odor, resists saltwater, and can be used inside and out.
This is another water-based sealer, so it is low VOC and better for the environment, plus cleanup is a lot easier with soap and water.
Like the previous product, the formula is very thin, so you might struggle if you want to paint or roller on both coats.
Pros
- Dries for traffic use within an hour.
- Low VOCs and odors.
- Good for the environment and easy cleanup.
- 450 square feet of coverage from 1-gallon.
Cons
- Can only be applied with a sprayer, reducing accuracy.
Product Specs
Quantity | 1-gallon |
Coverage | 450 square feet |
Drying time | 1 hour |
Type | Water-based |
Use | Indoors and outdoors |
Price | $$$ |
Our Ratings
Black Diamond Color Enhancer and Sealer
Best Natural Stone Sealer and Enhancer
Sometimes your natural stone fades with the weather and sun, so a sealer that not only protects but enhances the appearance of the natural grain is the ideal product. That’s exactly what this Black Diamond sealer does.
Not only does it revitalize old stonework, but it also protects it from moisture and sunlight and helps to prevent mold and mildew growth. It’s also a water-based product, so it’s better for the environment and cleaning up after use.
It brings new life to faded surfaces, enhancing without changing the color. It goes on with a paintbrush, roller, and pressure sprayer, so applying it couldn’t be easier. You get 100 to 400 square feet of coverage, depending on the surface quality and its porosity.
There are limitations to this sealer and enhancer: it doesn’t work on granite or marble.
Pros
- Brush, roll, or spray it on.
- Rejuvenates faded surfaces.
- 100 to 400 square feet of coverage per 1-gallon.
- Seals and protects faded stone.
Cons
- Not suitable for use on granite or marble.
Product Specs
Quantity | 1-gallon |
Coverage | 100 to 400 square feet |
Drying time | 24 hours |
Type | Water-based |
Use | Indoors and outdoors |
Price | $$ |
Our Ratings
Black Diamond Stoneworks Wet Look Stone Sealer
Best Wet Look Natural Stone Sealer
If you want a high-gloss finish, this Black Diamond Wet Look sealer could be the best bet. It works on exposed aggregate, stamped, colored, or decorated surfaces to dry, durable, clear, and shiny without looking waterlogged and non-yellowing.
It works indoors and out, and you can brush, roll, or spray it on, making the application super-easy. You get enhanced protection against moisture, UV rays, chemicals, and wear and tear.
It also spreads well, with 600 square feet of coverage from a single gallon; plus, it dries to the touch in 30 minutes and cures in 24 hours. Like the previous Black Diamond product, this one doesn’t work on marble and granite.
Pros
- High-gloss finish enhances the stone.
- Works indoors and out.
- 600 square feet of coverage.
- Dries in 30 minutes and cures in 24 hours.
Cons
- Not suitable for use on granite or marble.
Product Specs
Quantity | 1-gallon |
Coverage | 600 square feet |
Drying time | 24 hour |
Type | Water-based |
Use | Indoors and outdoors |
Price | $$ |
Our Ratings
Product | Best | Quantity | Coverage | Drying time | Type | Use | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tenax Granite, Marble, Stone, and Concrete Sealer | Best Oil-Based | 1-quart | 180 square feet | 10 minutes | Oil | Indoors & outdoors | $$ |
Simple Coat Natural Stone and Stainless Steel Sealer | Best for Shower | 8 ounces | 3,000 square feet | Instant | Water | Indoors | $$$$ |
Miracle Sealants Clear Impregnator | Best Impregnator Sealer | 1-quart | 1,000 square feet | 72 hours | Oil | Indoors & outdoors | $$ |
TriNova Granite Sealer and Protector | Best Countertop Sealer | 18 ounces | Not stated | 1 hour | Water-based | Indoors | $$ |
Granite Gold Water-Based Spray Sealer | Best Water Based | 24 ounces | Not stated | 20 minutes (24 hours – fully cure) | Water-based | Indoors | $$ |
The Floor Guys Grout and Granite Penetrating Sealer | Best Natural Stone and Grout Sealer | 1-quart | 500 square feet | 6 – 12 hours | Water-based | Indoors | $$$ |
Masonry Defender All-Purpose Brick and Stone Sealer | Best Exterior | 1-gallon | 150 square feet | 24 hours | Water-based | Indoors & outdoors | $$$ |
Serveon Sealants H2Seal Stone Sealer | Best Mold Inhibiting | 1-gallon | 450 square feet | 1 hour | Water-based | Indoors & outdoors | $$$ |
Black Diamond Color Enhancer and Sealer | Best Stone Sealer and Enhancer | 1-gallon | 100 – 400 square feet | 24 hours | Water-based | Indoors & outdoors | $$ |
Black Diamond Stoneworks Wet Look Stone Sealer | Best Wet Look | 1-gallon | 600 square feet | 24 hour | Water-based | Indoors & outdoors | $$ |
Types of Natural Stone Sealers
Essentially, there are two types of stone sealer: water-based and solvent-based. But which is best, and why are they so different? Let’s take a look.
Water-Based
Water-based natural stone sealers have water as the main ingredient. It means they are kinder to the environment, have low VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and are safer to use.
VOCs are dangerous to your health and damaging to the environment, so using a water-based sealer will benefit you and the ecosystem. Most water-based sealers form a protective layer that repels water, UV rays and is resistant to scuffs and scratches.
Try and get a breathable water-based sealer that lets moisture evaporate from the stone rather than trapping it in.
Solvent-Based
Solvent-based natural stone sealers use solvent or oil as their main ingredient. They penetrate deep into the stone, protecting from within to repel water, UV, and wear and tear.
Solvents are not kind to the environment, so as a pollutant, it damages ecosystems as it leaks into the rivers and streams. You also need mineral spirits or thinner to perform a clean-up.
Penetrating Sealers vs. Topical Sealers
Penetrating sealers absorb deep into the fabric of the stone to repel water and UV and helps to prevent mold and mildew growth. You can get water and oil-based sealers that penetrate, although solvent-based, are the most rigorous and the best.
Topical sealers form more of a protective seal on the surface of the stone. They still impregnate to a certain degree, but nowhere near to the same extent as penetrating products.
Penetrating sealers last longer, perform better, and need less maintenance. Topical sealers are more prone to scratching and lifting, which means you need to reapply to them more frequently.
How To Choose the Best Natural Stone Sealer
What are the main features you should be looking for when selecting the right natural stone sealer? Here are some pointers.