Natural stone tiles bring timeless elegance to homes, but WA's unique climate presents specific challenges for stone care. From our intense summer heat to coastal salt air, proper sealing and protection are essential to preserve your investment. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to seal, protect, and maintain your natural stone surfaces.
Why Natural Stone Sealing Matters
Perth's climate can be particularly harsh on natural stone. Natural stone surfaces like marble, granite, limestone, slate, sandstone, bluestone, terrazzo and travertine are composed of millions of tiny capillary pores that absorb liquids, oils and grime from spillages or everyday wear and tear. Without proper sealing, your beautiful stone floors can quickly become stained, discoloured, or damaged.
The Perth Climate Factor
Our harsh climate means your stone faces:
- Intense UV exposure during summer months
- Coastal salt air affecting properties near the ocean
- Red dirt and sand tracked in from our iconic Perth landscape
- High foot traffic during our outdoor lifestyle months
Quick Guide: Essential Natural Stone Sealing Steps
Before diving into the details, here are the key steps every homeowner should know:
Before Installation:
- Patch test all sealers on a spare tile or inconspicuous area first – some sealers can darken your stone's appearance
- Consider grout colour carefully – dark grout can stain light-coloured stone like white marble or limestone during installation
- Order extra tiles for testing and future repairs
During Installation:
- First seal before grouting – apply sealer to clean, dry tiles at least 2 hours before grouting to prevent grout staining (wait 24 hours after tiles are bonded)
- Clean thoroughly – remove all grout haze completely using a stone-safe residue remover
- Second seal after grouting – final sealing protects both tile and grout lines
Ongoing Maintenance:
- Use pH-neutral cleaners only – never vinegar, bleach, or acidic products
- Wipe spills immediately – especially coffee, wine, and citrus
- Reseal every 2-5 years depending on traffic and location
- Test seal annually – water should bead, not absorb
Remember: Always patch test any sealer or cleaning product in an inconspicuous area first. Results can vary based on stone type, porosity, and finish.
Understanding Your Natural Stone Type
Before you begin sealing, it's crucial to identify your stone type. Each variety has unique properties and porosity levels:
Common Perth Stone Types:
Limestone: Highly porous and popular in Perth homes, particularly sensitive to acidic substances
Travertine: Features characteristic holes and requires careful sealing
Marble: Elegant but susceptible to etching from acids
Granite: Dense and less porous, but still benefits from sealing
Slate: Naturally textured with varied porosity
Sandstone: Very porous and commonly used in Perth outdoor areas
The Complete Stone Sealing Process
Step 1: Initial Cleaning (Critical First Step)
Never seal dirty stone. Contaminants trapped under sealant will become permanent problems.
What You'll Need:
- Soft-bristle broom or vacuum with brush attachment
- pH-neutral stone cleaner (never use vinegar, lemon juice, or acidic cleaners)
- Soft microfibre cloths or mop
- Bucket of clean water
Cleaning Process:
- Remove all loose dirt and debris by sweeping or vacuuming
- Mix pH-neutral cleaner according to manufacturer instructions
- Mop or wipe the stone surface in small sections
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Dry completely with soft towels
- Allow 24-48 hours for the stone to dry completely before sealing
Pro Tip: If you've recently had tiles installed, you'll need to remove grout haze first using a stone-safe cement residue remover.
Pre-Grout Sealer/Grout Release:
Porous tile and stone can be stained by grout during installation. Sealing the tile before grouting will make grout removal much easier. Apply sealer according to directions after tile has been bonded for a minimum of 24 hours, or apply to front face of tile before installation. Wait a minimum of 2 hours before grouting.
Step 2: Test Your Stone's Porosity
Perform the water test to determine if sealing is needed:
- Pour a small amount of water onto the stone surface
- Observe for 5-10 minutes
- If water beads up: Your stone is already sealed
- If water absorbs: Your stone needs sealing immediately
Step 3: Choose the Right Sealer
Professional services in Perth commonly use an impregnating water-based sealant that is highly durable, provides better non-slip properties and offers superior resistance against blemishes, while lasting for up to 15 years.
* Always test a small area first to ensure satisfactory results.
Sealer Types:
Penetrating (Impregnating) Sealers:
- Absorb into the stone
- Don't alter appearance
- Provide long-lasting protection (10-15 years)
- Best for most Perth applications
- Maintain natural slip resistance
Topical Sealers:
- Sit on the surface
- Can enhance colour or add shine
- Require more frequent reapplication
- May affect slip resistance
For Perth Homes, Choose Based On:
- Indoor areas: Transparent penetrating sealer
- Outdoor entertaining areas: Water-based penetrating sealer with UV resistance
- Pool surrounds: Chlorine-resistant formulation
- Colour enhancement: Colour-enhancing penetrating sealer for faded stone
Step 4: Apply the Sealer Properly
Ideal Conditions:
- Temperature: 10-30°C (perfect Perth spring/autumn weather)
- Low humidity
- No rain forecast for 24-48 hours (for outdoor areas)
- Stone completely dry and clean
Application Method:
- Protect Surrounding Areas: Tape off edges, cover adjacent surfaces
- Apply Sealer: Using a clean paint pad, roller, or spray applicator, apply an even coat
- Work in Sections: Cover 1-2 square metres at a time
- Allow Penetration: Let sealer soak in for 5-15 minutes (follow product instructions)
- Remove Excess: Wipe away any pooled sealer with a clean, dry cloth
- Second Coat: For high-porosity stones like limestone, apply a second coat after the recommended waiting period
- Cure Time: Allow 24-48 hours before using the surface
- Full Cure: Wait 5-7 days before heavy use or exposure to water
Safety Note: Work in well-ventilated areas. While water-based sealers are safer, always follow manufacturer safety instructions.
Protecting Your Sealed Stone: Daily Maintenance
The Perth Stone Care Routine
Daily Care:
- Sweep or vacuum with soft brush attachment to remove sand and dirt
- Wipe up spills immediately, especially coffee, wine, and citrus juices
- Use coasters under drinks and trivets under hot dishes
Weekly Care:
- Damp mop with pH-neutral stone cleaner
- Dry with soft cloth to prevent water spots
Monthly Care:
- Deep clean with stone-specific cleaner
- Inspect for areas needing spot resealing
What to NEVER Use on Natural Stone
❌ Vinegar or lemon juice (acidic and will etch the stone)
❌ Bleach (can discolour and damage sealant)
❌ Ammonia-based cleaners (dulls the surface over time)
❌ Abrasive scrubbers (scratches the surface)
❌ General-purpose household cleaners (often too harsh or acidic)
❌ Steam cleaners (can break down sealant)
Perth-Specific Protection Tips
- Use doormats: Capture red Perth dirt and sand before it reaches your stone
- Protect from sun: Use blinds or curtains to prevent UV fading on marble and limestone
- Manage outdoor areas: Hose down outdoor stone regularly to remove salt build-up
- Pool areas: Rinse stone weekly to prevent chemical staining
When to Reseal Your Natural Stone
Resealing frequency depends on several factors:
Indoor Areas:
- High-traffic zones (kitchens, entries): Every 2-3 years
- Bathrooms and wet areas: Every 3-5 years
- Low-traffic areas: Every 4-6 years
Outdoor Areas:
- Pool surrounds and entertaining areas: Every 1-2 years
- Patios with cover: Every 2-3 years
- Exposed paving: Annually
Signs Your Stone Needs Resealing:
- Water no longer beads on the surface
- Stone looks dull or faded
- Stains penetrate more easily
- Patchy or uneven appearance
- Grout lines darken or stain
Common Perth Stone Problems and Solutions
Problem: Red Dirt Staining
Solution: Prevent with regular sweeping and immediate cleaning. For existing stains, use a stone-safe poultice.
Problem: Salt Damage (Coastal Properties)
Solution: Regular rinsing and resealing more frequently (annually).
Problem: Efflorescence (White Powder)
Solution: This indicates moisture issues. Address drainage problems before resealing.
Problem: Etching from Acidic Spills
Solution: Immediate clean up. Severe etching requires professional honing and repolishing.
DIY vs Professional Stone Sealing in Perth
When to DIY:
- Routine resealing of previously sealed floors
- Small areas (under 20 square metres)
- Indoor residential applications
- When you have proper products and time
When to Call Perth Professionals:
- New stone installation
- Stone restoration required
- Large commercial areas
- Outdoor areas with drainage issues
- Mixed stone types requiring different treatments
- Historical or very expensive stone
Investment Protection: Consider that quality stone tiles cost $60-$300+ per square metre. Proper sealing protects this significant investment.
Choosing Stone-Safe Products
Recommended Product Types:
- Lithofin products (stone-specific range)
- Deepshield sealers (Australian-made)
- LTP stone care products
- Any product specifically labelled "pH-neutral" and "safe for natural stone"
Where to Buy in Perth:
Visit our Trade Centre and chat to Paul about what solution is best for you:
InStyle Ceramics, 105 Norma Rd, Myaree 6154
Seasonal Stone Care in Perth
Summer (December-February):
- Monitor outdoor stone for heat damage
- Increase cleaning frequency for outdoor areas
- Protect from harsh UV exposure
Autumn (March-May):
- Ideal time for outdoor resealing projects
- Prepare for winter rain
Winter (June-August):
- Address any moisture or drainage issues
- Clean indoor areas more frequently
Spring (September-November):
- Perfect weather for major sealing projects
- Inspect and prepare outdoor areas for summer
Environmental Considerations
Choose water-based, non-toxic sealers that are:
- Safe for families and pets
- Biodegradable where possible
- Low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Environmentally responsible
Many Perth stone care professionals now use Australian-made, environmentally friendly products that meet these standards.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Stone Investment
Natural stone is a premium choice that adds significant value to Perth homes. With proper sealing and maintenance, your stone surfaces will maintain their beauty for decades. The key is:
- Seal properly from the start (ideally before or immediately after installation)
- Use only pH-neutral, stone-safe products
- Clean up spills immediately
- Reseal on schedule based on usage and location
- Address problems early before they become permanent
Whether you choose to DIY or engage professional services, investing in proper stone care protects your home's value and ensures your natural stone remains a stunning feature for years to come.
About InStyle Ceramics: Located in Myaree, we're Perth's premier destination for Italian and European tile collections, including stunning natural stone options. Our qualified interior designers can advise on the perfect selection for your project and provide expert guidance on care and maintenance. Visit our showroom at 105 Norma Rd, Myaree, or contact our team for personalised advice.