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10 Best Natural Stone Sealers of 2024

Updated
Protect and preserve your natural stone with these 10 fantastic sealers.

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.

Our Top Picks

We independently evaluate, assess and research all recommended products and services. If you purchase through the links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Tenax Granite, Marble, Stone, and Concrete Sealer
Best Oil-Based
Tenax Granite, Marble, Stone, and Concrete Sealer
  • Dries completely clear
  • Will not alter the color of the stone
  • Ready for recoats in just 10 minutes
Product Image of the Simple Coat Natural Stone and Stainless Steel Sealer
Best for Shower
Simple Coat Natural Stone and Stainless Steel Sealer
  • Dries instantly and is ready to use
  • Massive coverage from a small bottle
  • Food, family, and pet-safe
Product Image of the Miracle Sealants Clear Impregnator
Best Impregnator Sealer
Miracle Sealants Clear Impregnator
  • 20-year satisfaction guarantee
  • Covers 1,000 square feet
  • Impregnating sealer protects below the surface
Product Image of the TriNova Granite Sealer and Protector
Best Countertop Sealer
TriNova Granite Sealer and Protector
  • Dries clear with a long-lasting shine
  • Easy to apply via the spray applicator
  • Cures in just 1-hour
Product Image of the Granite Gold Water-Based Spray Sealer
Best Water Based
Granite Gold Water-Based Spray Sealer
  • Water-based sealer that’s kinder to the environment
  • Dries ready for recoats in just 20 minutes
  • Works on other stone surfaces
Product Image of the The Floor Guys Grout and Granite Penetrating Sealer
Best Natural Stone and Grout Sealer
The Floor Guys Grout and Granite Penetrating Sealer
  • Seals stone and grout
  • Works on white and colored grout
  • Virtually zero odors
Product Image of the Masonry Defender All-Purpose Brick and Stone Sealer
Best Exterior
Masonry Defender All-Purpose Brick and Stone Sealer
  • 100% breathable for releasing trapped moisture
  • Cures within 24 hours
  • Easy spray application
Product Image of the Serveon Sealants H2Seal Stone Sealer
Best Mold Inhibiting
Serveon Sealants H2Seal Stone Sealer
  • Dries for traffic use within an hour
  • Low VOCs and odors
  • Good for the environment & easy cleanup
Product Image of the Black Diamond Color Enhancer and Sealer
Best Stone Sealer and Enhancer
Black Diamond Color Enhancer and Sealer
  • Brush, roll, or spray it on
  • Rejuvenates faded surfaces
  • 100 to 400 square feet of coverage per 1-gallon
Product Image of the Black Diamond Stoneworks Wet Look Stone Sealer
Best Wet Look
Black Diamond Stoneworks Wet Look Stone Sealer
  • High-gloss finish enhances the stone
  • Works indoors and out
  • 600 square feet of coverage

Review Methodology: At Sensible Digs, we provide a comprehensive analysis and hands-on evaluation of the best natural stone sealers on the market. Our expert team employs a rigorous testing process, comparing different products based on key decision-making factors such as performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. We measure each sealer’s ability to protect and enhance various types of natural stone, and we share our real-world results with you. Our reviews are grounded in facts and experience, and we aim to help you understand what sets each product apart. Beyond this, we delve into the design choices manufacturers make and their impact on user experience. With our professional assessments, we strive to guide you in finding the right sealer to meet your needs.



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

Protection
4.5 / 5
Material Quality
4 / 5
Application
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

I'm really satisfied with how well this product performs. Despite the powerful odor that requires sufficient ventilation, it's effective at making my granite surfaces look brand new! I found it simple to apply after a thorough prep and clean with denatured alcohol. It's also gratifying to see it doesn't alter the grout color, just leaves a lovely shine on my marble. Even though I apply it once a year, the process is not overly tedious and it's worth it for the high-quality results.

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

Protection
4.5 / 5
Material Quality
4.5 / 5
Application
5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

Bought this product and found it to be quite effective on a variety of materials, from granite countertops to stainless steel appliances. It's comforting to know it's non-toxic, especially since I use it in areas that come into frequent contact, which is a bonus for those with sensitivities or young children. However, the bottle can get a bit greasy and it's somewhat pricey, but the results seem to justify the cost.

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

Protection
4.5 / 5
Material Quality
4 / 5
Application
3.5 / 5
Durability
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

I've used this sealer on multiple surfaces, including polished marble and grout, and it's proven its effectiveness every time. It requires a bit of elbow grease to clean the area thoroughly before application, and the smell can be quite strong, so be prepared for that. However, once applied, it dries completely within 12 hours and does a fantastic job at maintaining the appearance of the surface, even in high traffic areas. It might seem a bit expensive, but a little goes a long way and it's worth it for the industrial strength protection it offers.

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

Protection
4 / 5
Material Quality
4 / 5
Application
5 / 5
Durability
3 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

I've used this granite sealer on my new countertops and the results are astonishing. Applying it was a breeze, I just needed to make sure the surface was clean before spraying, waiting, and wiping it off. Not only did it make my counters shine, but it also protected them from water absorption - the water now beads up instead of soaking in and changing the granite's color. I also tried it on my marble tables with the same satisfying results. This product is really effective, it has even saved my white granite from potential red wine stains!

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

Protection
4 / 5
Material Quality
4.5 / 5
Application
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

Great experience with this sealer, especially how it enhanced the shine and smoothness of my counters. The application process was straight forward; spray on a small section, wipe into the surface, then buff quickly to avoid any dulling. There was a noticeable difference in how smoothly my cloth glided over the treated parts compared to untouched sections, insinuating effective sealing. The only downside was the leaky bottle, which proved to be quite messy and problematic during application.

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

Protection
4.5 / 5
Material Quality
4.5 / 5
Application
3.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

Love how this tile and grout sealant saves me from a lot of scrubbing, and it's easy to apply with a small paint brush. Though it does emit an odor, opening a window and wearing a mask can easily solve this issue. After fully curing, water beads up and rolls off, proving its effectiveness, but it might require more than one bottle for larger areas.

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

Protection
4.5 / 5
Material Quality
4.5 / 5
Application
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

I'm delighted with the results from using this concrete sealer. It was simple to apply, drying quickly and providing an impressive water-resistant layer, as evidenced by the water beading on the surface. It works equally well on different surfaces, from brick driveways to patios, and even on my quartz countertops, maintaining their matte look while making them easy to clean. However, it's worth noting that the product can initially dry in odd patterns, but a subsequent clean smooths it out - and despite this minor hiccup, I'm thrilled with its performance.

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

Protection
4.5 / 5
Material Quality
4.5 / 5
Application
3.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

This sealer took my travertine marble tables and sandstone flagstones from drab to fab with just a couple of applications. Despite my initial skepticism, I noticed a significant difference in how easily the grime came off after pressure-washing. This sealer even came in handy to spruce up some poor tile work and faux rock made from cement. However, it's worth noting that this product is not a glossy top-coat; it soaks into the material and does not leave a poly coating, so don’t expect a vibrant sheen or color enhancement.

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

Protection
4 / 5
Material Quality
4 / 5
Application
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

My experience with this sealer has been quite satisfactory, although it took some time and effort to apply. Unlike my conditioner which dries quickly, this product is a proper sealer and required over 24 hours to fully dry, so I had to plan accordingly to avoid walking on it too soon. The slight 'wet look glow' it gives to my slate floors is pleasing and has proven to be long-lasting, with no unsightly haze as some reviews had warned. The application process was a bit tedious, needing to wipe off residue after about 10 minutes, but the results have made my floors look like new again and I believe it will make maintenance easier in the long run.

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

Protection
4 / 5
Material Quality
4 / 5
Application
4.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

I've had quite a journey with this sealer, and overall, I'm pretty happy with the results. I've used it over time on my flagstone decking, which was looking quite worn, and it's definitely brought the rich colors back to life. However, I had some issues with the application of the product this year, as it seemed to clog in the pump sprayer, which was a bit frustrating. Despite this, it's still a reliable product that does the job well, though it might not provide a perfectly clear finish.

Product Comparison Chart

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.

Indoors or Outdoors

Indoor and outdoor surfaces have different demands placed upon them. Exterior surfaces have to cope with the weather and are more prone to staining from oil, gasoline, and water. In contrast, indoor surfaces need to deal with staining from wine, cooking oil, coffee, and food.

You can’t use toxic sealers inside the home, especially on food prep areas like kitchen countertops. Outdoor surfaces are not subject to the same restrictions.

What Type of Finish Do You Want?

Most people choose a natural stone because they like the way it looks. When they apply a sealer, the last thing they want is for the surface appearance to change.

Some sealers dry to leave a high-gloss finish, often called the “wet look,” while others dry flat, with no sheen. Look for a sealer that has a non-yellowing formula, as this stops it from changing color in the sunlight.

The best sealers leave the surface looking cleaner and brighter without changing the natural colors.

Ease of Application

Most sealers are sprayable, meaning they are thin enough to disperse via a garden pump spray tool, which is the most convenient way to lay down a couple of layers. If you are sealing natural stone walls in the garden, this is the ideal method.

If you need more accuracy, there is always a paintbrush or roller. Both are effective techniques, but they do take longer than spraying. If you are working against the clock, this method will slow you down.

Coverage

How far the sealer spreads also makes a difference, especially when weighing up the costs. Some sealers cover 150 square feet per gallon, while others spread up to 500 square feet.

The type of surface you have can change how the sealer covers. A rougher surface decreases the spread, while smooth stone will increase the reach. Don’t forget that most manufacturers recommend 2 coats, so you need to double the coverage, although the second coat should go further because you’ve already painted on one layer of sealer to make the surface smooth.


FAQs

Should Natural Stone Be Sealed?

Natural stone is porous, even marble and granite, so over time, water absorption damages and stains the surface leaving it looking less than perfect. Sealing the stone stops this from happening.

A great way to decide if you should seal or not is to do a small water test by pouring it on your untreated granite. If you don’t see water beading, you have a porous surface, and damage will occur.

Seal the granite and then retest to see if you get water beading. If you do, the sealer is doing its job.

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How Do You Seal an Outside Natural Stone?

The easiest way to seal outside natural stone is to use a sprayer and apply it in even but thin layers. A couple of coats should be enough to give you all the protection you need. You can paint it on, but the task takes longer, and you risk not getting the job finished.

How Long Does Stone Sealer Last?

It depends on whether you apply the sealer indoors or out. Indoor surfaces should be protected for between 3 and 5 years, although some manufacturers guarantee their sealer for 7 to 10 years. Outdoors, you should get 1 to 3 years of protection.

Again, this varies between products and product types.

How Do You Make Natural Stone Shine?

The easiest way to get a high-gloss shine on your natural stone is to use a wet look sealer. It dries crystal clear and has a high-gloss finish.

Should I Seal My Natural Stone Backsplash?

Absolutely! Your backsplash is subject to the same punishment from water and wear and tear, so sealing it is the best way to protect it.


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About the Author

Mark Weir

Mark spent 24 years working in real estate, so he knows his way around a home. He also worked with contractors and experts, advising them on issues of planning, investments, and renovations. Mark is no stranger to hands-on experience, having renovated his own home and many properties for resale. He likes nothing better than seeing a project through to completion.