A Guide To Sealing And Maintaining Your Sandstone Pavers

A GUIDE TO SEALING AND MAINTAINING YOUR SANDSTONE PAVERS – Many homeowners have chosen to use natural sandstone pavers in their home because of the attractiveness of the material and the wide variety of colours that it is available in (including tan, yellow, red, grey, pink, brown, white and black; these colours generally relate to where the stone has come from). Even though sandstone is relatively durable, it does still possess some level of porosity that could allow spills and stains to soak deep into the grain. To help prevent this sort of damage, you need to ensure that you seal and maintain your stone.

There are a number of sealers that you could choose to use on your sandstone  but the most common is an impregnating one, which is a thin liquid that actually penetrates the surface of the stone. These sealers are available in either water or solvent based formats; water based ones are much easier to apply and doesn’t produce any fumes, making it the more preferable option. The reason that impregnating sealers are so popular is that it prevents contaminants (like water) from being absorbed by the sandstone whilst allowing it to get rid of any moisture it has retained. After a certain amount of time, your stone will need to be resealed to ensure that its protection is intact.

When it comes to maintaining your sandstone, there are a number of steps that you can take to ensure that it retains its beauty and is resistant to stains and other damage.

 Any spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible; this will minimise the chances of stains and other types of damage from occurring.

 Hot objects, such as pots and pans, should never be placed directly onto the surface of the sandstone; make sure that you place them on a chopping board or heat mat instead.

 Kitchenware has actually been known to scratch sandstone surfaces, so you should place any china, ceramic ware, silverware and even glasses onto placemats and coasters instead.

 In the bathroom, toiletries (such as lotions and creams) should be placed on a tray and not directly onto the sandstone’s surface.

Finally, when it comes time to clean your sandstone pavers you should be wary of products that contain acids, as these are completely unsuitable for use on this material. You should also avoid the use of vinegar, bleach and ammonia on your stone. Never attempt to use scouring pads or powders on your sandstone, as these are known to scratch the surface; you should even be wary of using your vacuum (make sure that the brush attachment is firmly in place)!