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Best Sealer for Limestone
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How We Found the Best Sealer for Limestone
Customer Reviews
Product Testing
Team Experience
Table of Contents
At Cleaning King, we know the value of preserving your natural stone surfaces. From marble, to granite and limestone, they all have a propensity to take on stains from harsh compounds. Whether you are protecting limestone countertops, wall tiles, or floors, you are going to face some issues with keeping them stain free.
Limestone is a natural stone, and as such is very porous. It may not seem that way, but under the microscope you will notice millions of tiny pores in the stone that occur naturally during the millenia long process of the stone forming. Those pores will absorb liquids such as oil, and can become etched by acidic compounds like tomato sauce or lemon juice. These stains become an eyesore on what would otherwise be a gorgeous limestone surface.
So, how do you prevent these stains and problems from occurring? Well, that is where stone sealers come in. Stone sealers are compounds designed to fill in those surface pores and prevent them from absorbing liquids and getting etched by acids. These sealers act as a protective coating, and do it without damaging the natural beauty of the limestone itself.
When it comes to cleaning and protective compounds, our team at Cleaning King takes things very seriously. We have sat down and reviewed and evaluated a number of limestone sealers on the market. We want to talk with you about the ones that we believe are the best of the best, as well as what else you should consider when buying stone sealers.
So, without further delay, let’s dive into our review of the best sealer for limestone!
Best Sealer Content
Our Reviews - Best Sealer for Limestone
Best Overall
Best Sealer for Limestone – Best Overall
StoneTech Bulletproof Sealer is perhaps the top of the line in performance and overall value for our list. This is an all purpose stone sealer that makes a little go a long way in terms of coverage area. It is a water based sealer, which some experts will say to avoid due to its absorption rate, but this particular sealer does miracles in the realm of stone sealing.
StoneTech Bulletproof Sealer works on all types of natural stone, from slabs to tiles. It also performs well as a grout sealer which will help to protect the grout between limestone tiles where needed. Overall you are going to get a pretty strong seal across all surfaces from bathroom tile to kitchen countertop. An added bonus is the fact that this sealer emits low VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
One thing to note about the StoneTech Bulletproof Sealer is that it is likely one of the most expensive options on the market. It is certainly the most expensive product that we personally reviewed. However, the overall performance and protection is more than worth the cost when it’s all said and done. StoneTech Bulletproof Sealer will keep your stone surfaces guarded from stains and unwanted etching for years to come.
Stand-out features include
- Amazing protection against acidic compounds.
- Versatile across all different types of stone.
- High quality guarantee.
How much Bulletproof Sealer will I need?
Cleaning King Recommends applying two coats for best results
Up to 112 ft2 /pint (10.4 m2 /473 mL) for a single coat application
Up to 225 ft2 /quart (21.9 m2 /946 mL) for a single coat application
Up to 900 ft2 /gallon (83.6 m2 /3.8 L) for a single coat application
Up to 4500 ft2 / 5 gallon (418 m2 /18.9 L) for a single coat application
Up to 49,500 ft2 /55 gallon (4,599 m2 /208L) for a single coat application
Best for Bathrooms
Best Sealer for Limestone – Best for Bathrooms
Miracle Sealants 511 Impregnator Stone Sealer is an impregnating sealer which is slightly different from a surface sealer. An impregnator sealer is designed to absorb extremely well into a stone surface and provide superior protection from deep stains under constant exposure and abuse. This is generally ideal for areas such as outside tiles or bathroom tiles.
Miracle Sealants 511 Impregnating Stone Sealer is a pretty high VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds – see later in article for details) stone sealer that is designed to penetrate very deeply into the stone. We find that it performs extremely well here, especially when protecting against constant water exposure. However, it does not perform exceptionally well as a grout sealer–this should be done separately with a more tailored grout sealer.
Overall Miracle Sealants 511 Impregnator Stone Sealer is perfect for those who need extra exposure protection from moisture and staining. This impregnating sealer can protect your limestone tiles and surfaces from damage for up to 20 years! It is also safe for use in the kitchen area, although the high VOC content might be advised for use with caution.
Stand-out features include
Pros
- Protection for up to 20 years.
- Deep protection against moisture and stains from limescale buildup.
- Multi-surface versatility.
Cons
- Not ideal for grout on limestone tiles.
Budget Option
Best Sealer for Limestone – Budget Option
DuPont has been manufacturing stone sealants for quite a long time. They have a wide range of options to choose from ranging from stone impregnators to premium sealers. The basic stone sealer by DuPont is a pretty simple and slick option for those who don’t have a whole lot of money to spend on sealing or re-sealing their limestone surfaces.
DuPont Stone Sealer applies easily and leaves behind a nice and attractive shine that will look easily as good as any higher quality stone sealer. It is certified to protect your limestone for up to 2 years, and comes backed with a warranty for that timeframe. This is a topical sealer, not an impregnating sealer (more on that below).
One downside to the DuPont Stone Sealer is that it doesn’t seem to hold up as well against extremely acidic liquids such as tomato based sauces or other acidic foods and compounds. This can be helped by ensuring that you clean up all spills as quickly as possible. However, it is important to note when going with a more budget option. All in all, though, this is still a pretty great stone sealer for the cost.
Pros
- Very cost efficient and inexpensive.
- Has a nice gloss that looks high-grade.
- Protects grout reasonably well.
Cons
- Not as long lasting as higher end sealers.
Most Durable
Best Sealer for Limestone – Most Durable
AquaMix Sealer’s Choice Gold comes from a pretty prestigious name in the stone sealer ‘game’. AquaMix is known for producing high-quality stone sealers and stone sealer products and has been involved in the process for decades. With this in mind, they have become quite the household name for professionals and DIYers alike.
The AquaMix Sealer’s Choice Gold is a water based sealer using AquaMix’s latest ‘microbond’ technology. This sealer is pretty low on VOCs and remains lower than many competing sealer products within the same price point and quality range. Overall this is a pretty low impact sealer (in a good way).
AquaMix is known for producing stone sealers that go on smoothly and don’t leave behind any cloudiness or streaking. The Sealer’s Choice Gold is no exception to this standard either. The sealer goes on smoothly and leaves a very beautiful matte finish behind that remains smooth for many years to come as an impregnating sealer. Overall this is a great choice for stone sealer all around. It is reliable, from a trusted manufacturer, and comes backed by years of expertise and the AquaMix guarantee.
Stand-out features include
- Lasts up to 15 years.
- Leaves a gorgeous natural matte finish.
- Dries very quickly.
Best Warranty
No products found.
Best Sealer for Limestone – Best Warranty
Stone Pro makes a wide rage of stone sealant and treatment products to take advantage of. However, for limestone sealing we believe that their Porous pro sealant is the absolute best out of their lineup. This impregnating sealant is designed and formulated for extra porous stone surfaces like limestone. Limestone is known for having a more porous surface than other stone surfaces, and thus requires a specialized sealant oftentimes.
Stone Pro brings with it a very nice glossy finish to every treated surface. If you are fond of the shiny look on your bathroom or kitchen surfaces, this is the sealant for you in the long run. It enhances natural color, and brings the best out of your limestone while protecting it for years to come.
The best feature of the Stone pro Porous Pro limestone sealer is the 25 year warranty. This is by far the most generous of any stone sealer we have features on this list. While it may not provide the best final result in terms of appearance (matter of opinion), the warranty for protection is unparalleled.
Stand-out features include
- Nice glossy finish that doesn’t cloud or fade.
- Long lasting protecting.
- Amazing warranty protection.
A Buyers Guide to choosing the best sealer for limestone
Two Different Types of Sealer.
Now that we have gone over our personal favorite stone sealers for limestone, we should take the time to look at what you need to know in order to make the choice. To do this, we need to break down the two different types of sealer and what they do.
- Impregnating.
Impregnating sealers are exactly what they sound like. They are sealers that are formulated to penetrate deep into the pores of the limestone and provide protection down into the substrate of the stone. This is ideal for achieving long lasting and deep protection. They are mostly transparent, allow the stone to ‘breathe’, and don’t change the surface appearance of the stone in any way.
Impregnating stone sealers generally provide a more natural look when applied and set. They make the stone appear totally untreated in most cases, and provide protection from oils and acidic fluids that might damage the inner pores of the stone. They are built for heavy duty workloads, and provide over a decade of protection in general.
- Topical.
Topical stone sealers are designed to solely protect the stone from the surface. They do not penetrate into the pores, and instead create a thick coat over the slab or tile. This is generally considered less than optimal except in some specific situations. Topical sealers do not allow the stone to breathe, and do not last as long as impregnating sealers.
One thing to note about topical sealers is that they often create a thick enameled shine appearance and feel. This can be slippery, but does give the stone a look of being highly polished solid. Topical sealers will need to be applied quite regularly as well. These are typically used on surfaces that are designed to look beautiful but not take a ton of abuse over time.
What to consider when choosing the best limestone sealer
Surface Needs
Another thing to consider when purchasing stone sealer is the actual needs of the surface being sealed and treated. Not all limestone surfaces are created equal. The treatment of limestone on stairways versus kitchen countertops will be quite a bit different after all. This will require you to consider exactly what you need the sealer to do over time.
If you are using the limestone sealer on a kitchen countertop, then you need stone sealer that protects against this environment. This means that it will guard the stone against oils and acidic compounds such as food ingredients. The sealer also needs to be food grade and safe to use on food prep surfaces–this is crucial!
If the surface is going to be outdoors, say in a garden, then you will want a sealer that protects against excess moisture and dirt. This sealer will also not need to be food grade, but will need to be extremely tough and long lasting. These are just a few things you need to think about when purchasing sealer for your limestone.
Take the time to consider exactly what kind of use will be facing the limestone surface, and how it needs to be protected. That line of reasoning will go a long way towards helping you get the best limestone sealer for your needs.
Pre-Cleaning Your Limestone.
If you are installing the limestone freshly yourself, or if you are resealing existing limestone, you still need to ensure it is properly cleaned. Microscopic dirt and grime leftover from previous use can result in the sealer adhering poorly and even highlighting the existing dirt and stains that are in the pores of the limestone.
Limestone should be washed as thoroughly as possible. This can be done with high powered pressure washers that are designed to clean stone surfaces just like limestone. This will help to ensure that the dirt and buildup is flushed out and the sealer will provide the coverage and protection you bought it for without a hitch.
As with anything, proper application is going to be the key to a successful and beautiful result. Always take the time to prepare your limestone for sealing and be patient enough to make sure it is done right. When in doubt, contact a professional to make sure your limestone surface has been cleaned thoroughly and prepared for a good sealing!
Conclusion – Best Sealer for Limestone
Limestone is a gorgeous material that brings a lot of class and character to any room or garden. Whether you have limestone countertops or limestone tiles in your garden, the appeal is timeless. That is why our team at Cleaning King wishes to ensure that you protect your limestone surfaces as best as you can.
When it comes to our choice for the best sealer for your limestone, we believe the StoneTech Bulletproof Sealer is the best stone sealer for overall value and look over time. It will last you for years to come, penetrates deeply into the surface, and provides a long lasting protection against the harshest of outside forces.
Cleaning Kings Choice - Best Sealer for Limestone
Best Sealer for Limestone - FAQs
Topical sealers will generally last around 2-3 years before needing to be resealed. Impregnating sealers can last as long as 15-20 years before needing a complete redo.
If you are using a high quality impregnating sealer, you are very unlikely to see any color change. However, some lower quality topical sealers can change the surface color of the limestone by making it look wet or damp at all times. This makes the stone appear darker or more ‘washed out’. So, be careful which sealer you are using!
Limestone sealer can be applied in a variety of ways, You can use a paint roller, a chemical grade paint sprayer, a paint brush, etc,. You will need to ensure the surface is free of old sealer and completely cleaned. Apply the sealer in an even coat, allow it to sit for the recommended manufacturer time and then wipe it gently with a clean dry cloth.
Removing old limestone sealer is a pretty straightforward process. In order to re-seal your limestone, you want all of the old sealer stripped away. This is best done by using specialized diamond encrusted pads and a rotary machine. This will strip away the top layer of sealer and allow you to repolish the limestone before sealing it again. There are some chemical cleaners that help strip away old sealer–but these can be harmful to your health.
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound. Solvent-based marble tile sealers with higher VOCs may emit toxic fumes. It is suggested that you properly ventilate the sealed area for a few days after applying sealant. Most people won’t react to the fumes. However, it may cause concern for people with respiratory problems.
