Decorative stone like flagstone, limestone, paving stone and interior brick can add a ton of character and curb appeal to one’s home or living area.
As rock-solid and sturdy as these types of manufactured, stamped and cast stone products are, they do require some TLC in order to keep them looking like new and preventing them from chipping, flaking, cracking and fading from U.V. damage.
Why Use High-Quality Stone Sealants?
High traffic areas on patios, driveways, and paths and walkways can be especially susceptible to damage from the elements as the protective coating on the stone receives more wear, causing it to break down and become thinner.
Once the clear protective coating on the stone wears off it leaves the surface of the flagstone, limestone, paving stone or brick open to the elements. U.V. damage from the sun can cause efflorescence, causing the color to dust off the surface. And water can work its way into the interior of the stone and break it down causing it to crumble.
In areas with cold, harsh winters the damage from moisture is multiplied when the water expands and contracts during freeze and thaw cycles. This can actually cause the stone to break apart as if a chisel is being driven through it. Not Good!
In a nutshell, if you want your stone to last a long time and retain its color and integrity you need to use stone sealant every few years to protect it.
The Best Stone Sealers: Editors Top Picks
Here’s our round-up of tried and tested stone sealers used for a variety of applications from sealing natural stone, limestone, flagstone, driveway and patio pavers and even interior brick.
The best quality stone sealants will be easy to apply and create a durable, transparent coating that soaks into the porous stone or rock surface prior to drying to render it waterproof and protect it from U.V. and impact damage.
5 gal. Foundation Armor SX5000
Foundation Armor SX5000 is a solvent-based, low VOC, high solids Silane Siloxane sealer that can be used on unsealed interior and exterior concrete, brick, pavers, flagstone, and slate.
It helps to keep strong and stable concrete structures free from chemical attack and physical failure. Increase the life of your driveway or patio! Outperforms competitive products in every category.
Armor SX5000 sealer contains up to 10X more active ingredients than competing products. It is manufactured in the USA and contains no recycled or imported resins in our formulas.
Foundation Armor provides up to 7-10 years of protection against water absorption by filling in cracks, holes, and voids, thereby preventing water intrusion.
- This solvent based, low VOC stone sealer can be used on unsealed interior and exterior, vertical and horizontal concrete, brick, pavers, flagstone, and slate.
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Foundation Armor SX5000 is a one-step hydrophobic solution that penetrates deeply into the substrate. Then it forms a hydrophobic barrier within the pores of the stone or rock that reduces surface water absorption by up to 95%.
Applies easily with a pump sprayer to vertical and horizontal surfaces in two easy coats for optimal protection. Foundation Armor is ideal for sealing concrete, brick, pavers, flagstone, slate, and other masonry substrates.
Important Features:
- Foundation Armor SX5000 is a solvent-based, low VOC, high solids Silane Siloxane sealer that can be applied on unsealed interior and exterior concrete, brick, pavers, flagstone, and slate. Concrete, brick, pavers, etc.
- It helps to keep strong and stable concrete structures free from chemical attack and physical failure.
- It creates a hydrophobic barrier within the pores that reduces surface water absorption by up to 95%. by reacting chemically.
- Apply easily with a pump sprayer
- Coverage: It covers porous surfaces up-to 172 FT2 per gallon with a single coat. And up-to 200-225 FT2 per gallon in a single coat when surfaces are properly prepped and smooth.
It can also be used on exterior concrete slabs, retaining walls, and bridge decks. Foundation Armor SX5000 provides superior adhesion, improved durability, and maximum stain resistance on porous or smooth surface areas where one-coat coverage is essential and with the look consumers desire for their homes.
It covers porous surfaces up-to 172 FT2 per gallon with a single coat and up-to 200-225 FT2 per gallon in a single coat when surfaces are properly prepped and smooth.
Armor WL550 Stone Sealer 1 GAL
ArmorWL550 is a 1-part, low VOC, breathable liquid that chemically converts waterproofing systems and old coatings into an invisible, breathable film. Why? To protect your concrete from water absorption, freeze-thaw cycles, and the like. Armor WL550 is a penetrating, matte wet look water repellent sealer.
By penetrating deep into the stone or rock substrate and chemically reacting to form a hydrophobic barrier within the pores of the concrete, brick pavers, natural stone, and man-made porous materials, it creates a surface that is extremely resistant to water absorption (up to 95%).
- Achieve the Wet Look with this high qaulity stone sealer that can be applied over a variety of stone, rock, concrete and other surfaces.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
It will last for up to 5 years and will maintain the color and luminosity of your outdoor surfaces while reducing surface water absorption caused by rain and snow.
When it is applied according to directions given on the label, this product will help reduce pitting, spalling, cracking, and other damage caused by surface water absorption.
Important Features:
- ArmorWL550 is a 1-part, low VOC, breathable liquid that chemically converts waterproofing systems and old coatings into an invisible, breathable film.
- It penetrates deep into the substrate and chemically reacting to form a hydrophobic barrier within the pores of the concrete, brick pavers, natural stone, etc.
- Creates a surface that is extremely resistant to water absorption (up to 95%)
- It is applied by brush, roller, or spray bottle
- It will last up to 5 years
- Coverage: It covers porous surfaces up-to 175 FT2 per gallon with a single coat. And up-to 200-225 FT2 per gallon in a single coat when surfaces are properly prepped and smooth.
Foundation Armor WL550 enables professionals to prime and coat with one product. The unique chemistry of WL550 delivers extreme durability while offering exceptional performance with the performance and appeal of a two-coat system at 1-coat coverage. It covers porous surfaces up-to 175 FT2 per gallon with a single coat. And up-to 200-225 FT2 per gallon in a single coat when surfaces are properly prepped and smooth.
Miracle Sealants 511 Impregnator Penetrating Sealant
Turn your stone, tile, brick, or pavers into an outdoor work of art. Miracle Sealants 511 Impregnator Penetrating Sealers is the professionals’ trusted choice for protecting stone, tile, brick, and more in a wide variety of applications.
With this innovative, easy to use stone sealer, you can get deep into surfaces without affecting surface texture—and you’ll still allow water vapor to escape.
Miracle 511 Impregnator Penetrating Sealers is a revolutionary, easy-to-use sealer that dries invisible and does not alter the natural look of stone.
- Excellent exterior and interior stone sealer for surfaces including sanded grout, ceramic tile, porcelain tile, glazed tile, stucco, travertine, marble, slate, granite, terrazzo and more to protect against water, stains and slippage
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Miracle Sealants penetrates and fills porous surface voids providing a breathable, flexible seal to protect against water damage. It creates an invisible barrier that seals out water, stains, and slippage.
The many sealants Miracle produces allow for easy to use and safe application in and around food prep areas.
Important Features:
- Miracle Sealants 511 Impregnator Penetrating Sealers is the professionals’ trusted choice for protecting stone, tile, brick, and more in a wide variety of applications.
- It penetrates and fills porous surface voids providing a breathable, flexible seal
- An invisible barrier that seals out water, stains, and slippage
- Allow for easy to use and safe application in and around food prep areas
- It is ideal to use on a wide variety of stone types like grout, stucco, marble, travertine, granite, slate, terrazzo, ceramic, porcelain, and glazed tiles
- It spreads evenly and dries quickly. It helps you have a clean looking driveway and patio with no splotches or runs.
- Coverage: It covers up-to thousand 1000 sq. ft. per quart.
It is ideal to use on a wide variety of stone types like grout, stucco, marble, travertine, granite, slate, terrazzo, ceramic, porcelain and glazed tiles, etc., in kitchens and bathrooms, patios and driveways, and other interior and exterior surfaces. Expect beautiful results the first time—and with every application! It covers up-to thousand of 1000 sq. ft. per quart.
5 Gallon Dominator LG+ Paver Sealer
The DOMINATOR LG+ is the most advanced, highest UV protection paver sealer on the market. It’s formulated with exclusive pigment technology for void-free coverage and crystal-clear results.
LG+ Paver Sealer is a breathable, film-forming sealer that protects from oil stains, mold, mildew, and other spills while providing incredible UV protection on surfaces, including concrete pavers, brick pavers, and decorative concrete but not intended for clay or stone.
- Perfect stone sealer for getting the wet look with ultra intense U.V. protection to prevent color fade with this easy to apply stone and paver sealant.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
DOMINATOR LG+ has low slip potential, unlike most solvent-based sealers. DOMINATOR LG+ provides the ultimate shine and color enhancement formula while also being solvent-free and eco-conscious.
Breathe easy while applying DOMINATOR LG+ as there is no foul smell, which makes its application clean and seamless.
Important Features:
- DOMINATOR LG+ is the most advanced, highest UV protection sealer on the market. It’s formulated with exclusive pigment technology for void-free coverage and crystal-clear results.
- A breathable, film-forming sealer that protects from oil stains, mold, mildew, and other spillage
- Use on pavers, bricks, and decorative concrete surfaces but not intended for use on clay or stone
- The best sealer around for your surface that will last 3 years on exterior surfaces and 5 years on the interior before any touchups.
- Coverage: It covers surfaces up-to 250-400 square feet per gallon with a single coat application.
You will be able to add the best sealer around for your surface that will last 3 years on exterior surfaces and 5 years on the interior before any touchups. It covers surfaces up-to 250-400 square feet per gallon with a single coat application.
StoneTech BulletProof Sealer
StoneTech Professional BulletProof Sealer-this state of art sealer has been formulated with penetrating micro bonds, which helps protect your stone and tile against tough oil and water-based stains.
The micro bond penetrates through the surface tension of the stone, which helps create an invisible barrier that will help protect your stone or tile against the elements.
The StoneTech BulletProof® sealer is a unique, extra-strength stain protector for interior and exterior natural stone materials and grout. STONETECH BulletProof Sealer is formulated with advanced water-based fluoropolymers and effectively impregnates into the most porous natural stone, tile, and masonry surfaces.
- Bulletproof on interior and exterior natural stone and masonry surfaces. Grout safe as well!
- Delivers maximum protection for natural stones
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
It can be applied on natural stone such as marble, granite, limestone, slate, saltillo, bluestone, flagstone, travertine, and sandstone. This super-strong, moisture repellent barrier keeps your stone and grout looking like new for years to come.
A professional-grade sealer, STONETECH BulletProof Sealer, is better for you and the environment. It covers surfaces up-to 900 square feet per gallon with a single coat application.
Important Features:
- STONETECH BulletProof Sealer has been formulated with penetrating micro bonds, which helps protect your stone and tile against tough oil and water-based stains
- It is a super-strong, moisture repellent barrier that keeps your stone and grout looking like new for years to come.
- The StoneTech BulletProof® sealer is formulated with advanced water-based fluoropolymers.
- Use the StoneTech BulletProof SEALER to protect your stone, tile, grout, and masonry.
- Coverage: It covers surfaces up-to 900 square feet per gallon with a single coat application.
The Best Rated Natural Flagstone & Limestone Sealers
Flagstone and limestone have porous properties that are prone to damage from sunlight and exterior elements. High traffic areas are especially prone to damage like cracking, spalling, chipping and flaking. If the substrate was not properly leveled, these stone types can also shift over time and create areas where water will pool up and slowly dissolve the protective sealant coating on the surface.
Any of the stone sealants listed above will work great for cleaning and sealing natural flagstone and limestone.
The Best Patio Paving Stone Sealers
Sealants for protection patio stones are extremely important because patios tend to be extremely high traffic areas and they also tend to be located in areas receiving a lot of sunlight. Who doesn’t love chilling out on the patio during a nice warm sunny day having a cookout with friends and family?
Tons of fun, but also tons of traffic translates to tons of wear and tear! Leaving your patio stones bare naked without a coating of protective sealant can have them looking old, worn, cracked, and crumbling!
The top-rated patio paving stone sealers described above will work exceptionally well for sealing all types of exterior and interior patio paving stones, pavers and blocks. When sealing patio paving stones it is best to first pressure wash or steam wash the paving stones prior to application of the sealant.
Always pressure wash the edges of the patio, path or driveway first. The edges are usually the dirtiest area, so mulch, dirt, sand and gravel might end up on top of the paving blocks.
This way when the main area is cleaned all of this debris will be blasted off the paving stones with the pressure washer.
Make sure the paver blocks are completely dry prior to applying any sealant and follow the directions on the paving stone sealant container closely to ensure the best results.
Top Rated Interior Brick Sealant
Any of the top quality stone sealants outlined above will work well for sealing interior brick as long as they are listed as being safe for interior use.
While interior brick isn’t as prone to U.V. and weather damage since it’s inside and out of the elements, many people prefer to coat it with sealant to protect it from impact damage, give it a nice clean looking shiny appearance, and protect it from stains.
Interior brick sealant can also help to keep the grout more uniform and prevent it from degrading. It also makes the pieces of interior brick and the grout much easier to keep clean.
When applying interior brick sealant it’s important to vacuum the brick first, taking special care to remove any dust, dirt or grime that has built up in the texture of the bricks and the grouted seams.
Remember, any dirt or grunge on the brick is going to be permanently entombed under the clear protective sealant coating, so make sure it’s all nice and clean before applying the sealant.
The best quality interior brick sealants can usually be applied a bit thinner than exterior stone sealants because interior brick is not as exposed to the elements and is less prone to weatherization and damage from the sun’s ultraviolet light.
The most important thing to remember when working with any high-quality stone sealer is the quality of the substrate. In order for any rock, stone or brick sealant to properly adhere to the porous surface and soak into the interior to protect from cracking and flaking the surface must be clean.
A pressure washer and a wire bush can go a long way to clean the stone surface and scrape out any dirt, dust and debris. Once clean and dry, any of the best-rated stone sealants outlined in this article should do a wonderful job adhering to the exterior and creating a thin protective layer of clear resin that will provide waterproofing and impact resistance for years.
The frequency of applying new stone sealant is dependant on how much exposure to the elements the area sees, and how much foot traffic it is exposed to. More exposure and more foot traffic usually requires more frequent sealant application.