To be safe, let me say that for the most part, all stone surfaces should be sealed for maximum protection. The worst case when you are dealing with a stone that is not very porous is that the stone will absorb very little sealer to achieve maximized protection.
Penetrating sealers are considered by most experts to be the best type of sealers for Sandstone, Limestone, Slate, Granite and Travertine.
When used in outdoor applications such as an eating area, an outdoor kitchen, or high traffic areas such as a walkway or a patio, natural stone becomes susceptible to staining and erosion. Sealing makes the stone more resistant to stains and allows for easier cleaning.
For rocks that will be left outside, we recommend using Mod Podge Outdoors which is perfect for protecting crafts that will be outside and exposed to the elements.
Water Will Discolor Them
Even something as simple as leaving a cold glass with condensation on your unsealed counters can change them. That's because water can penetrate the stone and leave behind water marks, permanently altering the appearance of your counters and potentially making them look dirty.
Not sealing a stone countertop or floor tiles — which get the heaviest traffic and are the most susceptible to wear and tear — leaves the surface vulnerable to absorbing foreign substances, which can weaken the stone and potentially lead to the growth of bacteria.
One of the reasons soapstone is so popular is because it does not require sealing like other natural stone countertop materials. Soapstone is a non-porous natural stone, which means it does not absorb liquids or stains like other porous stones such as marble or granite.
Oil-based: Oil-based sealers last longer, but they have a strong smell and may leave a sticky residue behind. Penetrating: Penetrating sealer seeps into the granite's pores to protect it from the inside out. Water-based: This type of sealer evaporates faster than other granite sealers and doesn't have a strong odor.
We recommend a professional grade sealer for your interlocking pavers. There are two main types of sealer to choose from; water based, and solvent based. Water based sealers are penetrating sealers that will penetrate the porous areas of the paver providing protection through the surface of the paver.
Because they are porous, natural stone tiles should be sealed with a penetrating sealer. Penetrating sealers, like Miracle Plus 511 Porous Plus, penetrate tiles to repel moisture from within, and prevent staining while still allowing vapors to escape.
When cleaning natural stones like marble, limestone, and onyx, you can't reach for your regular cleaners like white vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, or abrasive cleansers. These cleaners are too acidic for natural stone and can damage or etch the stone (although some can help remove rust from concrete).
Impregnating sealers (also known as penetrating sealers) are designed to penetrate below the surface and protect from within the stone while still allowing the miniscule pores of the stone to allow moisture vapor to escape.
A – On average, a stone sealer will last between 3-5 years before it will need to be reapplied. The quality of the sealer used and the porosity of the stone will all have an effect on just how long your sealer will last.
Clean as you grout to minimize water contact on stone. Be sure stone is clean and dry before sealing. - Wait at least 24 hours, or more.
Ultimately, you can expect to enjoy between three and five years of protection from a high-quality sealer. With that said, a big part of answering the question, “How long does paver sealer last?” will depend on environmental factors such as weather and foot traffic.
Myth: Sealing will change the color of my stone.
Typically, impregnator sealers neither change the color of natural stone nor add shine. If you are sealing a polished limestone, travertine, marble, or granite, the impregnator will not change the color and will not add shine.
Natural Stone, which includes marble, travertine, limestone, granite, onyx, quartzite, and is even part of some terrazzo contains pores. These pores are the openings in the stone that allow it to “breathe” and release moisture and gas. If your natural stone does not breathe it will eventually deteriorate and stain.
Natural stones hold a network of tiny interconnected channels (sort of like the body's capillaries), which permit penetration by liquids and gasses. These channels act like a sponge, drawing liquids in over time. The amount of absorbency varies depending on the exact type of stone.
Seal rocks with aerosol spray sealers
There are many different spray polyurethane sealants available. You can choose either a glossy, glaze, matte or satin finish depending on what you prefer your rocks to look.
Smooth stones may also be brought to a high, wet-look shine with oil. Jojoba oil is one good choice, as it will not become sticky or rancid as some kitchen oils will. Thoroughly soak the rocks in oil and allow 5-10 minutes for it to soak in. Then gently remove excess oil with an absorbent cloth.