Desert Tile and Grout Restore
Best Natural Stone, Tile, and Floor Refinishing & Restoration for Glendale, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Maricopa County
Best Stone, Tile, and Floor Refinishing & Restoration for Glendale, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Maricopa County
Desert Tile and Grout Restore
Best Stone, Tile, and Floor Refinishing & Restoration for Glendale, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Maricopa County
ARIZONA'S BEST STONE, TILE, AND GROUT CLEANING SERVICES
The Importance of Stone Sealing as Part of Your Maintenance Routine
Keeping your natural stone in pristine condition calls for periodic stone sealing. Here's why it's important and how to go about it.
In a recent study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), it was discovered that over 57% of US homeowners and buyers prefer the look of natural stone in their homes.
Natural stone has many redeeming features, it's aesthetically pleasing and durable and if you look after it right, will last for decades. However, not everyone understands the importance of stone sealing to keep its longevity.
Many people are put off doing natural stone maintenance as they think it's unimportant or complicated to do. However, that's not the case.
In this article, we tell you about the importance of caring for natural stone and how to go about it as part of your maintenance routine. Read on to find out more.
Why Is Stone Sealing Important?
Natural stones like marble and granite offer an unmatched look of luxury when used in the home. However, if you dont care for them properly, they can begin to look dull and lackluster.
Doing regular maintenance on your stone is essential to keep it looking great. Stone sealing is an important factor as it helps to preserve the appearance of your stone surfaces.
Benefits of Sealing Stone
There are numerous benefits to sealing stone surfaces. Here are some of the key reasons why its important to make this part of your maintenance routine Whether you have a natural stone landscape, or worktops;
- Sealed stones look cleaner
- They have a more polished look
- Makes your stoneware easier to clean
- Can help to prevent mold and mildew growth
- Less likely to suffer from staining or etching
- Sealing stoneware is a relatively straightforward process
- Well-maintained stone improves the look of your property
- Sealed stone increases its longevity
Sealing Natural Stone
Each type of natural stone has a different level of porosity. What that means is that some can stain, and etch or scratch easier than others. It's because of this porosity of the stone it's recommended to seal your stone to help keep them looking flawless.
There are different factors you will need to consider before purchasing the correct sealer for your stone, such as its density, durability, and how it might affect your stone aesthetic.
There are two main types of sealing options for sealing your stone. These are topical sealers and impregnators.
Topical Sealers
This is a coating applied to the surface of the stone to protect it. They can be used on floors and countertops and protect them against oil, water, and general dirt.
Topical sealers are made of acrylic, natural wax, and plastic base and are available in permanent and strip-able varieties. You will need to consider which one opt for before purchasing, like the name states, one is permanent and can be difficult to remove if youre ever intending on changing the finish.
Pros of using topical sealers are:
- It's good value
- Straightforward to apply
- Varying options for shine and luster
- Provides resistance to slips
Cons of using topical sealers are:
- Low-quality coatings can change the aesthetics of the stone
- Reapplication often involves harsh removal of the existing coating
- The surface coating may be prone to scratches and scuffs
Impregnators
Impregnators can be solvent or water-based. They work by penetrating the surface of the stone. This process of sealing stone acts as a repellant against dirt and stains yet still allows the stone to breathe.
Two impregnators are commonly used. These are either oleophobic or hydrophobic. Oleophobic sealers are designed to repel oil and grease. Hydrophobic sealers are used to repel water-based spills, like coffee and rainwater.
Pros of using Impregnators are:
- Generally, dont change the appearance of the stone
- Lasts for years before a reapplication is necessary
- Not affected by UV light (such as the sun)
Cons of using Impregnators are:
- May be flammable
- Not generally eco-friendly
- More difficult to apply compared to topical sealers
- Not as cost-effective as topical sealers
Simple Sealed Stone Maintenance Tips
Apart from the types of sealing stone design options we've just mentioned, there are some other simple things you can do to maintain the look of your stone after its been sealed. Following these guidelines will help keep your stone looking beautiful.
- Do not expose your counters to harsh or acidic chemicals
- Wipe up any spills immediately to prevent staining
- If a stain does happen, use a specially formulated cleaner to remove it
- Sweep floors regularly to remove any debris that may scratch
- Dust and dirt can dull the finish of sealed stone, so use a soft cloth to remove dust from surfaces
- Use mild soap or detergent with a soft cloth for deeper cleaning
- Scratches and chips can damage the surface of the sealed stone so repair these as soon as possible
How Long Does the Sealant Last?
If you have properly applied the sealant and maintained your stone surface, then you can expect between 1-3 years of life from it.
This does depend on the type of sealant used, as well as the general wear and tear of your stone - for example, stoneware in a hallway will see much more wear than a stone fireplace.
The life of your sealant can also depend on the type of stone, and the climate you live in.
If you've not resealed your stone for more than 3 years, then we suggest doing it. It might look on ok visually, but its better to be safe than sorry. Its a good idea to reseal your stone every few years even if it looks ok.
Is Your Stone Sealed Correctly?
How are your stone fittings looking? Are your floors and worktops properly maintained, or are they looking dull and need some life put back into them?
At Desert Tile & Grout Restore we've been restoring, repairing, cleaning, polishing, and stone sealing since 1996. We aim to bring your stoneware back to its former glory, priding ourselves on the quality and the care we provide.
Speak to one of our knowledgeable team today to find out how we can help rejuvenate your home.
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