Natural stone surfaces like granite, marble, travertine, and limestone bring timeless beauty and durability to any home or business. However, to keep them looking their best, regular sealing is essential. Sealers act as a barrier, protecting stone from moisture, stains, and wear. Over time, that barrier weakens, and knowing when your stone needs resealing can make the difference between easy maintenance and costly repairs. Today, we at Silver State Floor Restoration would like to offer a guide on how to tell if your natural stone needs resealing.
The Water Test
One of the simplest ways to check if your natural stone needs resealing is with the “water test.” Pour a small amount of water, about a tablespoon, onto the surface and wait 10 to 15 minutes. If the water beads up, your seal is still intact. But if the stone darkens or the water seeps in, it’s time for resealing. This darkening happens because the stone is absorbing moisture, which indicates that the protective seal has worn away.
Noticeable Staining or Etching
If you start noticing stains from wine, coffee, or oil that are harder to remove than before, it’s a strong sign your sealant has failed. Similarly, etching, dull spots or discoloration caused by acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar, can mean your stone is vulnerable. Once the seal wears thin, the stone becomes more porous and easily damaged by spills and cleaning chemicals.
Dull or Uneven Appearance
A properly sealed stone surface should have a consistent finish. When certain areas start to appear duller or darker than others, it may indicate uneven wear of the sealer. This often happens in high-traffic zones like kitchen countertops, entryways, or bathroom floors, where the surface is exposed to frequent use and cleaning. Resealing these areas helps restore uniform protection and appearance.
Increased Cleaning Difficulty
If you find yourself scrubbing harder to remove dirt or noticing grime settling into the stone’s pores, it’s another sign that your sealer has broken down. A sealed stone surface should be smooth and easy to clean, with liquids and debris staying on top rather than soaking in. Once sealing fails, cleaning becomes more challenging, and the stone may begin to look aged or dingy.
Time Since Last Sealing
Even if your stone looks fine, resealing should be part of your maintenance routine. Most natural stones should be resealed every 1–3 years, depending on the stone type, sealer quality, and level of use. Granite tends to hold sealants longer, while softer stones like marble or limestone may need more frequent care. Checking manufacturer recommendations or consulting a professional can help determine the best schedule for your specific surfaces.
Natural Stone & Tile & Grout Cleaning, Sealing, Polishing & More in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
Resealing your natural stone is a simple, proactive step that keeps your surfaces looking beautiful and protected for years to come. Ignoring the signs can lead to permanent staining, etching, and expensive restoration work. By performing a quick water test, monitoring for dullness or stains, and keeping up with regular maintenance, you can ensure your stone remains as stunning as the day it was installed. Call Silver State Floor Restoration to help you clean, seal, polish, and more the tile in your home or business.
