What sealer should I use for my floors?

If you're a home owner with natural stone floors you've probably heard about the importance of sealing your stone. A stone sealer will extend the life of your stone floor and provide one of several advantages. It can be difficult to understand what stone sealers are and how to choose the best one for your stone floor. This article will describe the different types of sealers and on which stone to apply them.

Stone sealers come in a variety of options depending on the type of stone you have, the level of protection you require, and your budget. Despite the wide variety of stone sealers available, the market is divided into two types of sealers. These sealers are referred to as coaters and impregnators.

Coaters simply coat the surface of the stone, creating a temporary barrier against water and dirt. Impregnators will penetrate the surface of the stone and line the pores, preventing liquid from penetrating and allowing the stone to retain its natural beauty.

 

Impregnating Stone Sealers

An impregnating stone sealer, also known as penetrants, does exactly what its name implies: it penetrates or soaks into the porous surface of the stone and actively 'blocks' contaminants such as liquids and debris from entering it. The best impregnating stone sealers are semi-permeable and allow it to expel any water vapour once sealed – in other words, they keep the stone 'breathable.' They are made of fine particles and soak into the stone without leaving any appearance on the surface, so they do not change the appearance of the stone. Only a colour-enhancer will give the stone a permanent dark wet-look appearance.

 

Water-Based Sealers vs. Solvent-Based Sealers

Impregnating stone sealers are typically either solvent-based or water-based. This is the carrier in which the active compounds are dissolved. The solvent or water penetrates the stone's surface before evaporating, leaving the active chemicals to protect the stone.

Solvent-based stone sealers are generally more expensive yet more effective than water-based stone sealers. The particles are smaller and so they can soak deeper into the stone, offering a better protection. They typically last longer and provide superior performance. However, because these sealers are solvent-based, they aren't always appropriate for use because they can take days to cure. They also emit very strong odours that aren't always ideal in the home. 

Which impregnator to use will be determined largely by the room in which your floor is located and the substances with which it is most likely to come into contact. We recommend using an oil repellent sealer in the kitchen and a water-based sealer in the other rooms.

A water-based impregnator would be ideal for sealing exterior stone, such as a patio or stone sculpture. Stagnant water, such as puddles, will eventually penetrate the stone's surface, but will evaporate due to the stone's ability to breathe. Using an oil repellent outside may cause water to become trapped, resulting in stone moulding.

Topical Stone Sealers

Topical stone sealers are applied to the stone's surface. Because the substance is thicker, they do not soak into the stone. Most topical sealers produce a gloss surface, and although some sealers are offered in matt, they could still create a shiny surface if too many coats are applied. Topical sealers are typically applied to porous tiles such as Victorian tiles, terracotta, concrete and calcium-rich stone such as limestone or travertine. Here's an example of a travertine floor which has two very thin coats of wax sealer. It offers a honed surface, which is very slightly shiny. 

Luxury vinyl tiles such as Karndean and Amtico also look fresh with a new coat of topical sealer, but great care must be taken not to apply too many thick coats otherwise the floor could look a little tacky. Perfect application requires great skill, so you may need to hire a professional.

This type of sealer doesn’t stick to smoother tiles such as granite or ceramics and would flake off over time.  

Most topical stone sealers are water-based and made of polymers, allowing them to be removed with a floor stripper if necessary. They are not permeable at all so the tile must be bone-dry before applying the first coat, otherwise water might get trapped underneath and cause a patchy appearance.

The benefit of topical sealer is that the thicker coat protects the tiles from high traffic. Because the coating can wear off over time, many home-owners re-coat the tiles on a regular basis. Over many years these coatings become very thick and difficult to remove. Some home-owners even use yacht varnish to coat their slate tiles, which makes cleaning and restoration services very time-consuming and costly. A single room could easily take two to three days to strip and re-coat.  

Average price of stone sealers

Impregnating sealers can cost from £80 to £260 per 5L bottle. The more expensive sealers can sometimes offer a warranty of up to 15 years. Topical stone sealers are significantly less expensive than impregnating stone sealers, starting from £30 for a 5L bottle. Good quality topical sealers can be much more costly, especially the brands that are used for block paving driveways, which need to withstand heavy traffic.

 

Here are some answers to some commonly asked questions about stone sealers.

Is it necessary to seal natural stone before grouting?

Yes, you should seal your natural stone before you begin grouting. If you don't use a sealer first, the grout may be absorbed into the floor and affect the overall finish.

 

How Long Will Stone Sealer Last?

A stone sealer will typically last 3-5 years before needing to be reapplied. The porosity of the stone, as well as the quality of the sealer used, will all have an impact on how long your sealer will last.

 

Is it necessary to seal natural stone?

We recommend sealing all natural stone floors to ensure they last a long time and look their best. Because natural stone is very porous, liquids, bacteria, and other noxious substances can be absorbed and end up staining the surface. By applying a natural stone sealer to the floor, you will create an invisible protective barrier that will keep these nefarious things at bay.

 

Does sealer darken the stone?

Some of the impregnating sealers we discussed above may change the colour of your natural stone. Some sealers will darken the stone, while others will not change it at all. This is why it's critical to do your homework before selecting a natural stone sealer for your floor.

About Tile Cleaning Agents

Lustrous floors exude confidence and style in any setting, domestic or commercial. Tile Cleaning Agents offers advanced floor cleaning solutions to help you achieve a spotlessly clean, perfectly finished floor at affordable costs.  Our cleaning and restoration services extend the life of your flooring by providing a powerful and effective service, yet is gentle enough to use every few years, or whenever you feel your tiles are looking a little dirty or tired.   

Aside from providing a variety of stone floor cleaning services, we enjoy sharing our knowledge and experience gained from years of assisting customers in successfully extending the lifespan of their floors. Read more on the Tile Cleaning Agents Blog, browse our website here: Stone cleaning and restoration specialists or contact us for any floor cleaning and restoration queries.