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.
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.
For lower traffic areas, like a kitchen backsplash or bathtub surround, you should re-seal your natural stone tiles every few years. Depending on the amount of traffic, some installers choose to re-seal their natural stone tiles every 18 months, while others choose to re-seal their tiles every 4 to 5 years.
However, if the edges of the water droplets are spread out (or worse, start to soak into the stone), then it's time to reseal. Always do this test in conspicuous areas for best results. Since sealer wears off with use, the areas that get the most wear will need to be resealed sooner than out-of-the-way places.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A matt stone sealer will not change the colour or appearance of a stone floor. A polished stone sealer will add a slight sheen to the surface of most stone tiles.
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don't require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.
Both tile and stone flooring offers extensive durability, with product lifespans ranging from 50 to more than 100 years.
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.
With the proper maintenance and upkeep, manufactured stone veneer siding can last anywhere from 20-75 years, and at least as long as the house it's built on. Stone veneer is a “faux stone” manufactured out of cement and natural aggregates. It's as beautiful and sturdy as the natural rock it emulates.
Acrylic Concrete Sealers: Acrylic sealers last 1-3 years before they need to be re-coated. Epoxy Coatings: Epoxy coatings last 5-10 years before they need to be re-coated. Urethane Coatings: Urethane coatings last 5-10 years before they need to be re-coated.
Once the polymeric sand cures (about 30 days), pavers and joints should be sealed with a quality sealant to protect the pavers from stains and the joints from erosion and insect infiltration.
Apply a drop of water 1 inch in diameter to the stone surface. Allow the water to stand on the stone for 5-30 minutes. If the surface is unsealed, the water will absorb into the stone and darken the surface (absorption speed will depend on porosity of the stone).
Impregnators are water-based sealers that penetrate the surface of the stone. Although this solvent acts as a repellent against anti-stone substances, it still allows the surface to “breathe.” The majority of impregnators won't change the stone's appearance, are long-lasting and are not affected by UV lighting.
The standard advice is that patios generally need to be re-sealed at least once every three years, so if it's been that long since you last did yours, this might be a good time to do it.
Stone Care Color Enhancer / Sealer darkens the natural color of honed granite, marble, travertine tile and all natural stone to provide a deeper, richer color while also adding a slight "sheen" known as the "wet look". This product also serves as a light impregnating marble & granite sealer.
Granite, slate, marble, travertine, and other natural stones require regularly sealing to help avoid staining and water intrusion. This task is easy to do and doesn't take very long, but should be planned over 2-3 days to allow the stone to dry after cleaning and applying the sealant.
Our top pick, BEHR PREMIUM Wet Look Concrete Sealer, can be used on multiple surfaces indoors and outdoors. It is also easy to clean and apply. Rust-Oleum Moisture Stop Fortifying Sealer is an excellent budget-friendly option that can be applied quickly and creates a waterproof barrier that protects your concrete.