Do Stone Sealers Really Work?

For the most part, yes. . . but how well depends on the natural characteristics of the stone.

Even then, “work” is a relative term in that properly sealed natural stone countertops are highly stain resistant, but not stain proof. Regular maintenance and good old common sense is required to help avoid staining on most stones.

But there is an increasing number of granites, primarily from India, that are so porous that even after absorbing multiple coats of sealer still do not exhibit the level of stain resistance consumers expect.

The most common of these among the current crop of super-popular granites include:

Glacier White
Kashmir White
New Kashmir White
Colonial White
Wine River

While highly popular, beautiful, and attractively priced, these stones are leaving customers with unmet expectations in the area of stain resistance. Of course, nearly all white and lighter colored stone will stain more easily than darker stone so they must be treated with even more care.

Natural stone is porous rock, some more so than others. The pores close when highly polished but, depending on the particular stone’s natural characteristics, there can still be some open pores after polishing. Pores absorb water and other liquids that can stain if not sealed with a stone sealer. Leathered or honed stone is much more difficult to seal because the process opens pores and makes the stone more susceptible to surface staining even when sealed with the best sealer on the market.

Fabricators across the world are still waiting for the magic sealer that will guarantee every granite or piece of natural stone is completely stain proof. Until that day comes, we seal every granite counter with what we believe to be “best in class” and sell an optional sealer offered with a manufacturer’s warranty.