In the natural stone industry, there are a number of debates. One of these being whether or not you should seal stone surfaces in wet areas like bathrooms. Here are a few important factors to keep in mind when choosing between sealing and not sealing.
What do sealers do?
There are a few different types of sealers on the market and each product is designed for a different type or types of stone. If you choose to seal
your surfaces, make sure that you do so with the right sealant. Impregnators are also known as penetrating sealers because they literally penetrate
the stone surface and fill the pores so that the stone is not prone to stains. These surfaces will also not absorb water when the surface is splashed
or even washed down. That said, water in its vapour form can penetrate the stone and it can often have even more devastating effects than splashes
themselves.
Some possible problems
If water particles penetrate the sealed stone, a number of problems may occur. For example, if the stone contains iron, these particles can oxidize.
Stone surfaces can also contain natural salts which can dissolve when water becomes trapped in the stone. This can result in the stone becoming
pitted and it will take on a darker appearance too.
Sealing various stone surfaces in your home can prove beneficial for a number of reasons. However, in certain environments, it might be best to leave
the stone as it is. If you are ever unsure, discuss your needs with your stone worktop supplier and get some expert advice.