Choosing the right sealer can make a significant difference to the appearance, protection and ongoing maintenance of stone, tile and concrete surfaces. But with natural look, enhancing and coating sealers available, knowing which product is right for your surface isn’t always straightforward.
The right choice depends on the material you’re working with, where it is being used and the finish you want to achieve. A marble benchtop, outdoor bluestone area and concrete floor, for example, may have very different sealing requirements.
In this guide, we’ll explain the main types of sealers, where they’re commonly used and highlight professional sealing products available from Onyx Surface Care and Tools to help you choose the right option for your project.
Natural Look Sealers – Protection Without Changing the Appearance
Natural look sealers are designed to protect porous surfaces while maintaining their original colour and appearance. Unlike surface coatings, penetrating sealers absorb into the material to help reduce the absorption of water, oils and other contaminants that can cause staining.
They are commonly used on natural stone surfaces such as marble, limestone, travertine, granite, sandstone and bluestone, as well as porous tile, grout and concrete.
A natural look sealer is a good choice when you want to protect the surface without creating a glossy or visibly coated finish. The best product will depend on the type and porosity of the material, its location and the level of protection required.
Premium natural-look penetrating sealer designed to help protect stone, tile and grout from stains while maintaining the surface’s natural appearance. PFAS-free formulation with no forever chemicals.
Premium penetrating sealer designed to provide long-lasting protection for porous stone and masonry surfaces while retaining their natural appearance. Helps protect against water, oil and staining without creating a surface coating.
High-performance impregnating sealer designed to help protect absorbent ceramic and porcelain surfaces against oil, grease, water and staining while maintaining their natural appearance.
Enhancing Sealers – Protection with Richer Colour
Enhancing sealers are designed for surfaces where you want protection while also bringing out the natural colour, character and variation of the material. They can deepen the tones of stone and create a richer, more pronounced appearance compared with a natural look sealer.
They are commonly used on materials such as slate, bluestone, sandstone, limestone, travertine and other suitable porous natural stone surfaces where colour enhancement is desired.
Because enhancing sealers intentionally alter the appearance of the surface, always consider the type of stone and desired finish before application. Testing the product on a small, inconspicuous area first is recommended to make sure the finished appearance is suitable.
Premium enhancing sealer designed to deepen and enrich the natural colour of stone while providing long-lasting stain protection.
Professional colour-enhancing sealer designed to enrich and deepen the natural tones of porous stone while helping protect against staining.
Coating Sealers – Surface Protection & Finish
Coating sealers work differently from penetrating sealers by forming a protective film on the surface. Depending on the product, they can provide additional protection while also changing the sheen, colour or overall appearance of the material.
They are commonly used on suitable porous surfaces such as concrete, terracotta, slate, pavers and selected stone or masonry surfaces where a surface coating is appropriate.
Because coating sealers remain on the surface, choosing the right product depends on the material, location, existing treatments and the finish you want to achieve. Always check product suitability and test a small area before application.
Protective coating sealer designed to provide a durable, low-sheen finish on suitable porous surfaces. Ideal when you want surface protection with a subtle finish rather than a high-gloss appearance.
Professional solvent-based coating sealer designed to protect suitable porous surfaces while enhancing their appearance. Provides a durable surface finish for applications where added protection and visual enhancement are required.
Which Type of Sealer Should You Choose?
The right sealer depends on the surface you are working with, where it is located and the appearance you want to achieve.
Choose a natural look sealer when you want protection while keeping the surface as close as possible to its original colour and finish.
Choose an enhancing sealer when you want to deepen the natural colours and character of stone while also providing protection.
Choose a coating sealer when the application calls for a protective surface film and a particular finish or sheen.
Before choosing any sealer, consider the material, porosity, indoor or outdoor location, exposure to moisture and staining, existing treatments and the desired finished appearance. Always check the individual product specifications and test on a small, inconspicuous area before treating the entire surface.
Need Help Choosing the Right Sealer?
Not sure which sealer is right for your surface? The Onyx Surface Care and Tools team can help you choose a suitable product based on your stone or surface type, location and the finish you want to achieve.
Explore our full range of stone, tile and concrete sealers, or contact our team for product advice before you get started.
