Sealers

Why seal?

Natural stone, terrazzo, concrete and cement grout are porous. Water, oil, wine and coffee soak in and leave marks that are hard to shift. A penetrating sealer soaks into the surface rather than sitting on top as a coating, and slows that absorption, so spills stay on top long enough to wipe away.

Porcelain is different. It absorbs very little water and needs no sealing, though the grout between porcelain tiles can still take a sealer.

Natural look or colour enhancing?

• Natural look sealers such as Aqua-Seal Gold+ and Spray'N'Seal protect the surface without changing its colour. Choose these for honed marble, limestone and travertine when you like the stone as it is.
• Colour enhancing sealers such as Enhance'N'Seal deepen the tone and bring out the pattern, much like the stone looks when wet. They suit darker stone, tumbled pavers and outdoor areas.

Test either type on a spare piece first, as every stone reacts differently.

Where to use them

• Marble, travertine and limestone in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Terrazzo and other natural stone floors.
• Pavers and pool surrounds outdoors.
• Grout lines in showers and splashbacks.

Small packs suit a vanity top or a few square metres, and 4 litre packs suit full floors and outdoor areas. Seal stone after it is laid and grouted, and before the room goes into everyday use, so it is protected from the first spill.

Apply it properly

Most sealing problems come from rushing. Clean the surface first, strip any old sealer if needed (see surface treatments), and let it dry fully. Use a proper applicator so the sealer stays wet for the time on the label, then wipe off the excess. Keep the surface clean with a pH neutral product from cleaners. Work in sections you can finish before the sealer starts to dry, and keep people and pets off the floor until it has cured as the label directs.