We often are asked about sealing natural stone. How do sealants work? Are they necessary and which is best to use for the natural stones we supply?
Monarch Stone International is the leading importer of an impressive collection of antique reclaimed cobblestone and curb from Europe; Historic European Cobblestone. This authentic, antique reclaimed stone does not require a sealer, as it is already weathered, worn and hundreds of years old! This natural aged antique patina is what makes genuine cobblestone and curb so charming and beautiful.
For the other types of natural stone our company supplies, visit Monarch Stone International. We recommend our customers speak to their installer or a sealant professional for more information about sealing their natural stone. According to the editors at Stone World Magazine, they feel all stone and tile products –even porcelain tile –benefits from sealing. However, according to MIA/BSI, in some cases it makes sense to seal the stone, in others not. Once properly sealed, the stone will be protected against everyday dirt and spills. In other cases, it is best to leave the stone untreated. Topical sealers can alter the surface texture and finish as well as build up on the surface, creating a layer that is less durable than the stone. Generally, topical sealers are not recommended in exterior applications because they can trap moisture within the top layer of the stone, which may lead to surface deterioration during freeze/thaw cycles.
We recommend speaking to your installation company and a stone sealant professional to ensure which product will be appropriate and perform as promised, Request independent backup for all claims made by any company. It is very simple for manufacturers to supply their products to independent labs for testing. If the results favor the specific needs of an application, then test the products yourself on a sample piece of stone if possible.
For more specifics on the types of sealants available, read our blog: www.MonarchStoneInternational.com or visit the MIA/BSI website for more information on sealing new, natural stone for architectural and flat-work.
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