Shop The Look: Moonstone Grey Imperiale 12x24 Marble Tile
Many people believe that once their tile is installed, the work is done–but that’s not necessarily the case with natural stone tile. It’s crucial to reseal natural stone regularly in order to maintain its appearance and prolong its lifespan. Today, we’ll explore exactly how often to reseal your natural stone tile. Plus, we’ll provide a simple test that will tell you whether your tile needs to be resealed.
Scroll to the bottom of this blog post for a discount code that will help you save on natural stone tile samples!
-
Why does natural stone tile need to be sealed?
Shop The Look: Autumn Cascade Honed Random Strip Mosaic Tile
Sealing natural stone tile is vital to protect its surface from contaminants like water, oil, chemicals, dyes, and grout. As stains are nearly impossible to remove from natural stone, it’s ideal to prevent them from developing in the first place.
In addition, sealer offers protection from bacterial growth, keeping mold and mildew from growing. It can also protect against acid erosion, which can be especially important for kitchen floor tile, where acidic liquids like tomato sauce, fruit juice, coffee, and wine may spill.
Aside from protection, a sealer can add slip resistance to natural stone tile. It also makes the tile easier to clean and maintains its overall appearance, keeping it looking brand-new.
-
What kind of sealer is best for natural stone tile?
Shop The Look: Calacatta Aureo Opus Pattern Marble Mosaic Tile
An impregnating or penetrating sealer is the best option for natural stone tile. Natural stone is porous, and a penetrating sealer goes deep within the stone to repel moisture and prevent stains from within. This type of sealer also offers protection without changing the tile’s appearance.
As far as specific products go, it’s best to ask your contractor or refer to the tile manufacturer’s guidelines. They may recommend certain products for the type of natural stone tile you have. In general, though, a penetrating sealer intended for use on natural stone is a good choice.
Natural stone tile should be sealed twice during the installation process: once before grouting to prevent grout from sticking to the tile’s surface, and once after the grout has cured.
Although sealer provides excellent protection to natural stone tile, it doesn’t make your tile 100% immune to damage. Regular cleaning can prevent dust, dirt, and debris from building up. Any drips or spills should be cleaned as soon as possible with a mild, pH-neutral soap.
How often do you need to reseal natural stone tile?
Shop The Look: Aurora Onyx 2x2 Mosaic Tile
The short answer to this question is: It depends! The two most important factors to keep in mind are the amount of traffic the tile receives and the type of space it’s installed in. Here’s a quick overview:
-
High-traffic areas should be resealed yearly.
-
Extremely high-traffic areas, such as those in commercial spaces, should be resealed twice a year.
-
Low-traffic areas, such as backsplashes or accent walls, should be resealed every few years.
A simple test to determine whether your natural stone tile needs to be resealed
Shop The Look: Altessa Calacatta Gold 11x11 Chevron Mosaic Tile
There’s a very quick and easy test that will tell you whether it’s time to reseal your natural stone tile. Drip some water onto the tile and wait for about 30 minutes. If the water has absorbed into the tile’s surface, darkening its color, then you need to reseal your tile. If the water beads up on the surface or evaporates, resealing isn’t necessary.
Can you reseal natural stone tile on your own? Steps for DIYers
You can reseal natural stone tile on your own if you prefer, but you can also hire a pro. Here’s a quick outline of the process:
-
Thoroughly clean the tile with a pH-neutral cleaner and let the tile dry completely.
-
Test the sealer on a small area to ensure it works well with your tile.
-
Use an applicator brush or a clean, lint-free cloth to evenly apply the product, working in small sections for even coverage.
-
Let the sealer penetrate the tile for the time recommended by the manufacturer.
-
Buff off any excess sealer with a clean cloth to prevent sticky residue.
-
Give the sealer at least 24 hours to set, cure, and form a strong protective barrier.
Find Beautiful Natural Stone Tile at Tilezz.com
Tilezz.com has a wide range of natural stone tile in various materials, sizes, and shapes, as well as porcelain, ceramic, glass, and luxury vinyl options. Explore our full product range here, or check out our blog for interior design inspiration and DIY installation guides. You can also follow us on Pinterest!
Discount Code
Natural stone tile can be a significant investment! It’s often helpful to buy several samples so that you can see how each option looks in your home before committing to the full purchase. Use code XJF6RNZY5BJJ to get 30% off when you purchase four or more samples.
Please note that this code does not apply to full-size tiles and can only be used with samples.
Suggested Reading
Hardwood Vs. Wood-Look Porcelain Vs. LVT: Which Is Best For Your Home?