Sealing is the most misunderstood part of owning natural stone. It does less than people expect, and it matters more in some places than others.

What a sealer does

Most stone sealers are impregnators. They soak into the pores and make the stone repel liquid, so a spill sits on the surface long enough to be wiped up instead of soaking straight in.

What a sealer does not do

It does not stop etching. If an acid touches marble, it reacts with the stone whether or not the stone is sealed. It does not make the surface scratch-proof, and it does not last forever.

This is the single most common misunderstanding, and it leads to people believing a sealed marble counter is protected from wine. It is not.

Which stone needs it and how often

Granite and quartzite are dense and need it rarely, often only every few years. Marble is more porous and wants it more often. Limestone and travertine are the most porous of the common stones and need it most.

The honest answer for frequency is: test it. Put a few drops of water on the surface and leave them for fifteen minutes. If the stone darkens where the water sat, it is taking liquid in and it is time to reseal. If the water beads and the stone is unchanged, leave it alone.

Where it matters most

Around the sink, behind the cooktop, and anywhere food is prepared. Those are the spots that see oil, acid and standing water. A bathroom vanity that only meets water and hand soap is far less demanding.

Doing it

Clean the stone and let it dry completely, apply the sealer evenly, let it soak in for the time on the label, then wipe off everything that has not been absorbed. Sealer left to dry on the surface leaves a haze that is a nuisance to remove.

Ask us what to use on the specific stone you bought. The right product depends on the material and the finish.