Are All Stone Sealers Created Equal or Do They Serve Different Purposes?

Natural stone is one of the most durable and beautiful materials you can have in your home or business — but even the strongest stone needs the right protection. Many people assume all stone sealers are basically the same, but in reality, stone protection is a specialised science. Different stones, environments, and finishes require different types of sealers, and using the wrong one can lead to staining, deterioration, or premature failure.

At Stone Lab, we see the results of incorrect sealing all the time — peeling coatings, trapped moisture, stains that won’t budge, and surfaces that simply don’t last. The truth is simple: not all sealers are created equal, and they absolutely do not serve the same purpose.

Below is a clear breakdown of the main categories of stone protection and how they differ.

1. Penetrating Sealers (Impregnators): Protection From Within

Penetrating sealers absorb into the stone’s pores rather than forming a film on the surface.

What they do

• Repel water, oils, and contaminants

• Maintain the stone’s natural appearance

• Allow the stone to breathe naturally

• Provide long‑lasting protection without altering texture

Best for

• Indoor, Outdoor stone

• High‑traffic areas

• Porous materials like sandstone, limestone, and concrete

• Situations where a natural, matte finish is preferred

Penetrating sealers are the backbone of long‑term stone protection, especially in harsh environments.

2. Consolidating Treatments: Strengthening Weak or Crumbling Stone

Some stones — especially older, porous, or salt‑damaged materials — need structural reinforcement before sealing.

What they do

• Strengthen the stone’s internal matrix

• Reduce crumbling, flaking, or powdering

• Stabilise the surface before applying a protective sealer

Best for

• Sandstone

• Old terracotta

• Salt‑exposed stone

• Heritage or fragile surfaces

Consolidation is often overlooked, but it’s essential when the stone itself is deteriorating.

3. Topical Sealers & Coatings: Surface Film Protection

Topical sealers form a visible film on the surface. These can be matte, satin, or glossy depending on the desired finish.

What they do

• Provide a topical barrier

• Enhance colour

• Provide abrasion resistance

• Offer strong chemical protection

Best for

• Indoor stone

• Decorative surfaces

• Low‑porosity materials

• Areas where aesthetics are a priority

Important

Topical coatings require maintenance and can peel if applied incorrectly or used on the wrong stone.

4. Enhancing Sealers: Colour Enrichment Without a Glossy Film

Enhancing sealers penetrate the stone while also deepening its natural colour.

What they do

• Highlight grain, texture, and variation

• Provide stain resistance

• Maintain a natural, non‑film finish

Best for

• Basalt

• Slate

• Travertine

• Stones with interesting patterns or colour variation

These are ideal when you want the stone to “pop” without looking shiny.

5. Finishing Waxes: Aesthetic Enhancement & Wear Layer

Finishing waxes are used as a sacrificial layer on top of sealed stone.

What they do

• Add a protective wear

• Facilitates in easier cleaning

• Enhance colour or sheen

• Refresh older coatings

Best for

• Indoor floors

• Terracotta

• Natural stone

• Surfaces needing periodic rejuvenation

Waxes are part of a maintenance cycle rather than a one‑off treatment.

6. Maintenance Products: The Most Overlooked Part of Stone Protection

Even the best sealer won’t last if the wrong cleaners are used.

Proper maintenance includes

• Neutral cleaners for everyday care

• Alkaline or acid cleaners for specific issues

• Anti‑mould treatments for damp areas

• Products designed not to strip or damage sealers

Incorrect cleaning is one of the biggest reasons sealed surfaces fail prematurely.

So… Are All Stone Sealers Created Equal?

Not at all.   Each type of sealer serves a different purpose, and the right choice depends on:

• Stone type

• Porosity

• Indoor vs outdoor

• Desired finish

• Exposure to water, salt, UV, or chemicals

• Maintenance expectations

At Stone Lab, we match the correct chemistry to the correct stone — ensuring long‑lasting protection, better performance, and a finish that looks exactly the way it should.