Stone sealer is used for travertine, marble, limestone, and shellstone. This sealant protects surfaces from stains, dirt mold, mildew and other contaminates that are potentially harmful to the material. Marble is an extremely dense stone formed by calcareous sedimentary deposits formed in seas or lakes around 100 million years ago. Marble has many uses today as stone sealers are used to protect the natural beauty of this stone.
Without this protective barrier it would be difficult to keep stains from being absorbed into the stone, and over time this would cause damage to the surface and appearance of the stone. This article is going to cover travertine, marble, limestone, and shellstone which all have a porous nature that requires a protective barrier in order for you to protect their natural beauty.
Natural stone is a beautiful addition to any space, including patios and driveways. The main problem with natural stones is that they are porous and flat surfaces make it easier for stains and dirt to get stuck in the stone. In order to protect against this, there are many types of sealers available on the market today. Stone sealer protects marble, travertine, limestone, and shellstone. These sealers protect surfaces from stains, dirt, mold, mildew and other contaminates that are potentially harmful to the material.
Enhancing and natural stone sealers and densifiers protect and beautify stones. They offer a protective layer to stone surfaces in order to protect against stains, dirt, mold and mildew that can potentially harm the natural beauty of the stone. There are different types of sealers available on the market like penetrating sealers, topical sealers and impregnators.
Penetrating stone sealers soak into the stone pores and protect from within, they are often used to treat granite countertops, ceramic tiles and other natural stones with a smooth or pitted surface. Topical sealers sit on top of the stone surface but don't penetrate the material. This type is very common for use with natural stones because it is easy to apply and comes in clear, transparent colors.
Impregnators offer the longest lasting protection against stains, dirt, mold and mildew by filling the pores of the stone. They are often used for natural stones like marble because it creates a uniform appearance on all surfaces.
The first step before using stone sealer is making sure there has been a thorough cleaning of the stone. This involves removing any loose dirt or grime with a stiff brush and a solution that doesn't contain chlorine bleach. If there are stains on the surface of the stone they can be removed using an acidic cleaner like vinegar, then rinsed away with clean water.
Once the stone has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, it can be sealed. Penetrating sealers are applied liberally with a brush or roller and allowed to sit on the surface of the stone for at least 20-45 mnutes before rinsing off any access. Topical sealers are typically sprayed onto the stone surfaces, they come in clear or opaque colors depending on preference. Impregnators are applied with a brush or roller, allowed to sit for 10-20 minutes and then wiped with a clean, dry cloth. It is important to wait at least 12 hours before walking on the stone surface after it has been treated with sealer.
What is Marble?
Marble is a natural stone that has been formed by calcareous sedimentary deposits formed in seas or lakes around 100 million years ago. Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite limestone. Marble is an extremely dense stone and because of this it can be carved into any shape from fine detailed sculptures or even into flooring, countertops and wall cladding. When marble is polished it is extremely bright white in color with a very shiny surface. Marble has many uses todays stone sealers are used to protect the natural beauty of this stone.
What is Travertine?
Travertine is a type of limestone that is formed by natural springs and rivers. The formation of Travertine usually occurs when the waters are saturated with calcium carbonate in the form of calcite which is deposited when these waters reach a certain level in the earth's surface. Many ancient civilizations used this stone for its characteristic beauty, including the Egyptians who carved many impressive structures from travertine.
The same qualities that make this stone beautiful also make it a favorite stone for carving and building, and inclusions in the stone such as fossils and plant material add to its visual interest and uniqueness. Travertine is naturally extremely porous so when we apply stone sealers we are protecting not only the natural beauty of the stone but also protecting it from stains, dirt, mold and mildew.
What is Shellstone?
Shellstone is a type of limestone that has been formed by the shells of sea creatures called foraminifera. These small organisms produce shells whose chemistry can change in different environments creating sedimentary layers composed almost entirely of their shells. These natural stones are found in coastal areas of all the world's oceans. However, one area where shellstone are located is along the shores of the Great Lakes.
While this stone was popular for its unique appearance during the 19th century it has faded out of favor due to production costs, however it still finds use in building, countertops and flooring. Marble is produced by the metamorphosis of limestone which is a sedimentary rock formed from the recrystallization of organic materials such a seashells.
Most shellstone was formed 100 million years ago when large areas on the earth's surface were covered by seas and lakes that contained high levels of calcium carbonate in solution.
What is limestone?
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate in the form of calcite or aragonite. In its natural state limestone is white in color with a very fine grain and has been used for centuries as a building material. Limestone has been prized for its beauty throughout history, where it was used to create elaborate castle walls and floors along with ornate columns and building facades.
When polished limestone is bright white in color with a very shiny surface when applied stone sealers preserve the natural beauty of this stone. Limestone has been used for centuries as a building material and its abundance and easy access have resulted in wide spread use.
Limestone occurs naturally and is composed primarily of calcium carbonate in the form of calcite. When polished limestone is bright white in color with a very shiny surface when applied stone sealers preserve the natural beauty of this stone.
What is Flagstone?
Flagstone is a type of sandstone found in sedimentary deposits. These flagstones are usually formed from fine-grained sediments such as mud or silt that have been deposited by water or wind which then solidifies into stratified layers of sedimentary rock which can be split into flat slabs for roofing, flooring and other uses.
Due to their hardness and durability, flagstones have been used in construction for thousands of years by many civilizations. As a polished stone flagstone is bright white in color with a very shiny surface when applied stone sealers preserve the natural beauty of this stone.
What is Granite?
Granite is a common type of felsic intrusive igneous rock that is granular and phaneritic in texture. This very hard stone is most commonly found in the continental plates as they form mountain ranges. Granite is composed mainly of quartz, alkali feldspar and plagioclase feldspars with small amounts of mica and amphiboles. When polished granite is bright white in color with a very shiny surface when applied stone sealers preserve the natural beauty of this stone.
Why Stone Should Be Sealed
Stone sealers are used to protect the natural beauty of this stone. Scratches, stains, dirt, mold and mildew can easily ruin a marble or limestone surface. A stone sealer can provide protection from these contaminants by keeping out moisture as well as sealing the pores of the material which prevents oil-based chemicals, dirt and most stains from adhering to the surface.
A stone sealer will allow most oil-based contaminants to be removed with simple soap and water. Limestone may need to be sanded every year or two before applying a new coat of stone sealer in order to maintain its polished look.
Cleaning Stone Before Sealing It
Stone sealers are used to protect the natural beauty of this stone. When cleaning a limestone or marble surface for sealing, it is important to avoid using anything with abrasive properties such as scouring pads and powdered cleaners. While these products may seem harmless, they can actually create small scratches and etchings in the surface of the stone that can become more pronounced over time. Instead, use only gentle cleaners with warm water for maintenance cleaning on these surfaces.
How Often Should You Seal Your Stone?
Stone sealers are used to protect the natural beauty of this stone. A good rule of thumb is to reseal your stone approximately once a year, but the frequency will depend on the amount of foot traffic and exposure to chemicals such as oil or gas that come in contact with your stone.
If you have porous stones such as limestone it will require more frequent sealing than non-porous materials such as granite. Another way to know when you should reseal your stone is to look for stains or discoloration of the surface. If you notice any of these issues, it's time for a cleaning and another coat of sealer.
Types Of Sealers & How They Work
Stone sealers are used to protect the natural beauty of this stone. There are several types of stone sealers available depending on the type of stone you need to seal and what level or protection is desired, as well as how long it needs to last. There are water-based, oil-based and solvent-based sealers available for a wide range of stone types and purposes.
Water-based sealers are typically clear and provide light to moderate protection from water, oil-based sealers will provide more protection, while solvent base stone protectors can be used on absorbent stones such as travertine and limestone and will give the longest lasting protection.
Our recommendation for sealing travertine and marble is the #1 Best Seller – Seal RX Enhance. It adds to the natural beauty of the natural stone and produces a slight sheen. Seal RX HD is a great option if you want to the to protect the natural stone but keep the appearance untouched. Both stone stealers have a 5 year warranty! They're both environmentally friendly and safe to use on virtually any stone surface.
Why Natural Stone Should Be Sealed
Travertine, marble, limestone, and granite should be sealed to protect the natural beauty of these stones. Stone sealers are used to waterproof limestone and marble surfaces by penetrating deep into the pores to create a barrier against staining, dirt, mold and mildew.
Most stone sealers can also help prevent absorbent stones like travertine or granite from absorbing grease and oil which will cause discoloration over time. Seal Rx Enhance stone sealer is an investment and will ensure that your travertine, marble or limestone surfaces look as beautiful as the day they were installed for years to come.
Visit The Paver Sealer Store for more information on stone sealers!
