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There are many factors to consider when you decide to seal natural stone tiles, and each one may have an effect on what type of sealer you use, or perhaps don’t use at all. Sealers will protect against daily activity if applied correctly and maintained, but not all stone should be sealed. Also, a layer of sealer can affect the way your tile looks and be easily scratched.
Ask These Questions When You Buy Natural Stone Tile
- Where am I putting this tile? What will happen to it in this location?
- How hard is this stone? Does it absorb liquids or scratch easily?
- What kind of finish does the tile have? Polished, matte, honed, etc?
- Do I want to change the color or texture of the stone?
- Does this stone have a resin applied already? Will sealant react with it?
- How am I planning to maintain this tile?
Each of these questions help an expert guide your choice of tile and whether or not you should add a sealant to your installation. There is a professional overview of sealers for natural stone by The Marble Institute of America written in layman’s terms that does a good job of explaining the various types of products on the market.
Don’t Forget This Important Tip
Every sealant product is a different combination of chemicals, and these chemicals react and change when applied to create a specific result. You must follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep track of what you used and when you applied it because using a different product later may cause a problem.
Always ask the distributor/manufacturer about issues you are not sure you understand. Sealers do not always need to be applied, but they are created for installations that do need extra protection. In those locations, the right sealer can make a big difference in how much you like your natural stone tile.
Éco Dépôt Céramique offers expert advice along with a great selection of natural stone tile in our Montreal showrooms. If you have a question about tile, come in and see us!