Cleaning & Sealing Natural Stone

CLEANING

Natural thin stone veneer is incredibly durable and requires minimal maintenance. Caring for natural thin stone veneer is simple and easy. The stone is completely natural and will not chip or peel. The only recommended steps are periodic inspection and cleaning similar to your routine window and exterior checks. Look for rare cracks or signs of damage in the mortar or stone during your inspection. Cleaning can be done with a low setting on a power washer or by a hand brush. Minor dirt can be hosed off. It is imperative not to use any type of acid, muriatic or otherwise, on natural stone.

SEALING

Protecting natural stone veneer from moisture, sunlight, and stains is accomplished through the application of a stone sealer. Sealants add a protective layer to your stone while making cleanup and maintenance easier. Stone installed outside or stone that will be exposed to moisture, sunlight, or possible stains should be sealed. The sealant layer helps prevent stains from rain, dirt, or spills. It also reduces the effects of the sun on the colors of the stone.

Water-based sealers are the most popular because they penetrate the stone easier, are easier to apply, and clean up with soap and water. They are typically applied by brush or sprayer, depending upon the surroundings. The surface should be clean and loose chips should be removed. Be sure to test your sealer on some extra pieces or an inconspicuous area and allow it to dry before treating the entire surface. There are two general types of sealers: a dry or natural look sealer that will not impact the appearance of the stone itself and a wet sealer that will provide a glossy look.

The photos below show our standard Galaxy natural stone veneer with and without a sealer. Left: Natural Galaxy with no sealer. Right: Galaxy with a wet sealer application.