Sealing Stone Tiles: Essential Expert Advice

Keeping your natural stone tiles in excellent condition requires proper care and maintenance, and sealing plays a vital role in this process. Whether your tiles are enhancing indoor spaces or braving the elements outdoors, sealing is essential for preserving their beauty and durability. But how often should you seal them, and which type of sealer is best? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the expert insights and tips you need to ensure your tiles remain protected and looking their best.

• Sealing stone tiles is essential for longevity and protection.
• The different kind of sealers available 
• Learn how to identify when your tiles need resealing.
• Professional sealing offers enhanced results, but DIY is possible with the right tools.

How often your stone tiles need resealing depends on several key factors, like the type of stone, its location, and how much daily wear and tear it experiences. For indoor tiles, resealing every three to five years is usually sufficient. That said, if your tiles are in high-traffic zones like hallways or kitchens, you might need to bump that up to every two to three years to keep them protected.

Outdoor stone tiles, however, are a whole different story. Constant exposure to rain, UV rays, and temperature shifts means they require more frequent attention. Typically, outdoor tiles need resealing every year or two to keep their protective layer intact. A good habit? Regularly check for signs that the sealant is wearing off. If you notice water no longer beads on the surface and instead absorbs into the stone, it’s time to grab that sealer!

Choosing the right sealer for your stone tiles is key to getting the best results. With so many options available, it’s important to match the sealer to your specific needs. For most homeowners, impregnating sealers are a go-to favourite—and for good reason! These sealers penetrate deep into the stone’s pores, forming a long-lasting barrier against water, oils, and stains, all while preserving the stone’s natural look. It’s like giving your tiles an invisible superhero cape, protecting them from life’s messy surprises without compromising their beauty.

Surface sealers, in contrast, create a protective layer on the surface of your tiles, offering a glossy or matte finish to suit your style preferences. These are especially popular for decorative purposes, as they enhance the tile's appearance while providing an added layer of protection. For outdoor tiles, it’s important to choose sealers specifically designed to handle the challenges of UV exposure, rain, and temperature changes. Not sure which sealer is right for you? Take a look at our carefully selected collection of high-quality sealers and cleaners to find the perfect match for your tiles.

Sealing your stone tiles properly requires a few careful steps to ensure the best results.

• Start by giving your tiles a thorough cleaning using a pH-neutral cleaner. This will remove dirt, grease, or any residue that could interfere with the sealer's ability to bond effectively. Make sure to let the tiles dry completely—moisture, even in small amounts, can mess with the sealing process.
• Before applying the sealer to the entire surface, always test it on a small, hidden area. This simple test helps you check whether the sealer works well with your tiles and ensures it won’t cause any unwanted changes to their look.
• Once you're confident in your sealer choice, grab a clean, lint-free cloth or an applicator brush to apply the product evenly. Work in small sections to avoid streaks or uneven coverage, making sure every inch of the tile is adequately coated.
• Allow the sealer to penetrate the stone for the time recommended by the manufacturer, and then gently buff off any excess with a clean cloth. This step is key to preventing sticky residue or streaks.
• Finally, give your tiles plenty of time to cure. Let them sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours, allowing the sealer to set and form a strong protective barrier.

For a more in-depth guide, be sure to check out our blog on how to seal and maintain natural stone tiles, or even watch our Youtube video on how to seal natural stone tiles.

Additionally, when ordering your sealer, make sure you consider the amount of coats your stone requires so you have enough for the area you are covering. 

A common question among homeowners is whether sealing will alter the natural look of their stone tiles. The answer largely depends on the type of sealer you use. Penetrating sealers are designed to maintain the original appearance of the stone, as they work below the surface without leaving a visible layer. Another great option in this category is a colour intensifier sealer—a matte finish impregnating sealer that enhances the natural beauty of your stone tiles, we recommend this for tiles that host an array of colours such as our Natural Sheera Multcolour Slate Tile range or our Brushed Multicolour slate tiles. Surface sealers, by contrast, can change the aesthetic by adding a glossy or matte finish. These finishes can enhance the depth of colour and texture, making them an excellent choice for decorative stones. If appearance is a primary concern, always te st the sealer on a small area to ensure it aligns with your expectations.

It’s a common question, and the answer is a definite yes! Indoor and outdoor sealers are designed with different needs in mind. Indoor sealers typically focus on protecting your tiles from stains caused by spills, dirt, and everyday use. Many of these sealers are also formulated to enhance the natural beauty of the stone, giving it a polished or matte finish.

On the other hand, outdoor sealers are built to handle much harsher conditions. From UV rays and rain to extreme temperatures, outdoor sealers need to stand up to it all. They often include added components to fight off moss, algae, and other outdoor growths that can damage your tiles over time. Choosing the right sealer for the specific environment where your tiles are located is essential for ensuring they get the specialised protection they deserve.

Once your tiles are sealed, keeping them in top shape is easy—just remember to stay consistent with maintenance. Clean your sealed tiles with a pH-neutral cleaner to maintain the sealer’s effectiveness without wearing it down. Be sure to avoid abrasive tools like steel wool or rough brushes, as they can scratch the surface or damage the sealant. For tough, stubborn dirt and stains, Grimex is an excellent choice—it helps tackle those hard-to-remove spots.

For high-traffic areas like entryways, consider using rugs or mats to shield your tiles from dirt and scratches. Regularly checking your tiles is also important. If you notice that spills are no longer beading up on the surface and instead soaking in, it’s time to think about resealing. For more detailed tips, our guide on cleaning and caring for stone tiles offers plenty of extra advice.

Outdoor stone tiles are constantly exposed to the elements, making them more vulnerable to wear and tear. Sealing these tiles is especially important to protect them from frost, which can cause cracking, and UV rays, which can fade their color over time. Plus, outdoor tiles are prone to moss and algae growth, particularly in damp or shaded areas. By applying a high-quality outdoor stone tile sealer, you create a protective shield that not only repels moisture but also helps prevent the growth of unwanted organisms. Regular resealing, along with routine cleaning, ensures your outdoor tiles stay looking great and remain in top condition. For more tips on maintaining outdoor tiles, check out our blog on caring for outdoor floor tiles.

Sealing stone tiles can be a rewarding DIY project for those who enjoy hands-on tasks. With the right tools and a clear understanding of the process, it is entirely possible to achieve professional-looking results. However, for large areas or intricate stone patterns, hiring a professional may be a more practical option. Professionals bring expertise, access to industrial-grade sealers, and the ability to complete the job efficiently. While DIY sealing can save money, professional services often deliver superior durability and finish. Ultimately, the choice depends on your confidence and the scope of the project. You can also check out our Youtube Video on how to seal natural stone tiles. 

Knowing when to reseal your tiles is essential for maintaining their protective barrier. A simple way to check is the water test. Just sprinkle a few drops of water on the tile’s surface and see if it beads up or gets absorbed. If the water no longer forms droplets, it's a clear sign that the sealer has worn off, and your tiles are due for resealing. Another telltale sign is the appearance of stains or discoloration, which indicates that the stone is no longer properly protected. Taking care of these issues promptly will help prevent long-term damage and keep your tiles looking their best.

Take a look at our Youtube video on how to check if your natural stone tiles need sealing for a better visual representation. 

Sealing stone tiles is an essential step to protect and enhance their natural beauty, ensuring they remain both functional and visually stunning for years to come. At Stone Tile Company, we take pride in offering high-quality stone tiles, sealers, and maintenance products designed to help you keep your flooring clean, protected, and looking like new for longer. Whether you are sealing indoor tiles to protect against spills or outdoor tiles to withstand harsh weather, our premium range ensures you have everything you need for perfect results.

For those looking to explore our natural stone collection, we invite you to request a free sample to see the quality of our tiles firsthand. You can also visit our showroom to get personalised advice and inspiration for your next project. For even more ideas, follow us on Instagram and Pinterest, where we share stunning designs and creative tips to inspire your home transformations.

Choose Stone Tile Company for expert advice, high-quality products, and outstanding support in maintaining your stone tiles' timeless beauty.