5 Best Wet Look Sealers For Natural Stone

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There is much to consider if you are looking into getting that polished wet look for your natural stone pavers. It is not as easy as picking up a random sealer from a rack and calling it a day. There is also a myriad of sealer brands in the market fighting for your attention. Luckily for you, we have researched these expert-approved and reliable sealers that can elevate your natural stones: both in form and function!

Here are the 5 best sealers that can give your natural stone that wet look:

1. Essential Limestone Sealer Satin Finish
2. FILA Surface Care Solutions Paver Sealer
3. Dominator SG+ High Gloss Paver Sealer
4. Black Diamond Stoneworks Wet Look Stone Sealer
5. Sika Stone Protector Water Based Sealer

Your sealers are an important part of paver maintenance as they prevent weed growth. They also protect your surface from debris, discoloration, and staining, making your outdoor area consistently pleasant. If you are interested to learn more about beautifying your paving surfaces with sealers, continue reading below!

Best Wet-Look Sealers for Natural Stones

Wet-look sealers do not only protect the natural stones on your surface but also give it that polished look. Some sealers have a satin finish, while some make the pavers look wet without too much gloss. Having a wet look also restores the colors of your paver, increasing its vibrancy and saturation when properly applied.

Experts believe that using water-based sealers is better than applying solvent-based sealers both for safety and functionality reasons. Here are some of the most expert-approved sealers on the market.

1. Essential Limestone Sealer Satin Finish

Natural stones are prone to staining and darkening because of their porous form. This sealer is specially formulated for natural stones, particularly limestone pavers. It creates a glossy finish on the surface, making it look effortlessly polished on top of its protective properties that will beautify your space all year round.

2. FILA Surface Care Solutions Paver Sealer

This sealer works great on marble and bricks as it gives a wet look that has a satin finish. It is water-based, which means it effectively penetrates the pores improving its color and protecting it from stains and bacteria. This sealer will preserve your bricks and make them consistently add value to your home.

Dilute the product with water for natural stones that have low absorbency.

See wet look sealer by FILA on Amazon.

3. Dominator SG+ High Gloss Paver Sealer

If you want your pavers to have an unquestionable shine, this sealant is for you. The Dominator SG+ High Gloss Sealer will make your pavers glossy and elegant with its effective coverage and low-slip factor.

This product also features UV protection and no harsh odors, making it safer to use. Take note that this sealant is on the shinier side (SG+ meaning high gloss). They do have other sealant options that contain no gloss (NG+) or low gloss (LG+).

Check out Dominator wet look sealer on Amazon.

4. Black Diamond Stoneworks Wet Look Stone Sealer

This sealer is a tried-and-true option for more sophisticated natural stones such as marble, travertine, granite, and slate. It is also a more affordable option compared to others, and it effectively protects the surface from chemicals, oil stains, and weed growth.

This is especially ideal if you want to prevent erosion and shifting across your pavers. With all these benefits, it fulfills its job perfectly both in aesthetics and function.

See wet look sealer by Black Diamond on Amazon.

5. Sika Stone Protector Water Based Sealer

This water-based sealer is compatible with any type of natural stone. This product is stain-resistant and will give your patio, walkway, or driveway a glossy finish that will make your space look polished.

It will effectively protect your surface from accidental spills and keep your outdoor landscape looking clean and elegant. Note that it will not do well with non-porous or non-natural stones.

Things to Consider When Choosing The Right Sealer

In order to choose the right sealer, you need to factor in the following: the paver material itself, the cost, its functionality, and how it holds up to unpredictable weather patterns.

Here are some of the things you will need to consider to ensure that your sealer works perfectly with the surface.

Stone compatibility

You need to make sure that your sealer is compatible with your stone. Some natural sealers are better to be used in particular natural stones: expensive stones such as marble, onyx, and limestone are more prone to stains and scratches; granite and quartz are less porous and require less maintenance.

Topical sealers work best with more porous stones while penetrating sealers work more ideally with stones like marble and quartz.

Finish

Wet look sealers have varying levels of gloss. You will need to figure out the level you prefer, whether you want your pavers to have a wet look without shine. This type of sealer will make your surface look vibrant and polished but will somehow look matted.

A sealant with a low gloss will have these qualities as well but will have a slight shine that can capture the eyes. A sealant with a high amount of gloss will make your pavers look more expensive and sophisticated: that is if it is your taste.

Cost

You need to figure out whether the cost of the sealer is up to your budget. Some paver stones require specific types of sealant, and some may be more expensive than others. Some paver stones are also more absorbent which could affect the amount of sealant applied.

Avoid wasted sealer by calculating the square footage of your perimeter that requires sealing. Select the sealant volume that best suites your coverage area.

Stain Resistance

One of your sealer's primary functions is to prevent accidental spills from permanently staining your paving surface. This factor will mostly depend on your lifestyle; which usually stains your hardscapes. If you often host barbecues, you will need to look for sealers that are oil-resistant. If you have pavers along the driveway, you will need sealants that are resistant to chemical or oil spills.

Stability from weather changes

Seasonal changes can prove to be challenging on your outdoor hardscape, especially across your pavers. Summer months will make the ground expand, while winter months will make the ground contract. Make sure that your sealers can go with the movement so your pavers will avoid breakage during these seasonal movements.

UV resistance

UV rays can sometimes cause discoloration on your pavers. Low-quality sealers will make your pavers look unnaturally yellow when exposed to the harsh sunlight, so make sure your sealers can withstand UV rays, especially during the summer months.

A high-quality sealer should also be able to withstand high traffic areas.

Moisture-resistant

Moisture buildup is an enemy of porous natural stones. Good sealers should be able to prevent this, along with the prevention of bacteria and moss accumulation. Natural stone sealants need to be breathable to prevent your sealants and pavers from being damaged.

Drying Time

If you live a particularly busy life, you will need to factor in the sealant's drying time. Off course, you cannot tread over your sealant while it is curing, so it may put a damper on your plans. Make sure the sealers you choose easily dry so you can enjoy your paving surface faster.

Reapplication Cycle

Over time, your sealant can deteriorate because of regular use. You will need to make sure you are comfortable with your sealant's lifespan. If you want your sealer to last longer, you will need to regularly maintain your pavers by cleaning away dirt.

Note that the shine on glossy sealers tends to lose its luster every two years.

Read: "How Long to Wait to Seal Pavers."

Topical Sealers Vs. Penetrating Sealers for Natural Stones

Topical sealants are more of a coating, sitting on top of the surface. It is more effective applied on top of man-made pavers like concrete. It may have a satin finish, but it may not be able to protect your natural stone pavers.

Penetrating sealers are more breathable, allowing moisture vapors to smoothly escape and prevent bacteria accumulation within the stones. Natural stones tend to be more porous, so it needs a sealer that can effectively seep through the smallest cracks to protect them.

Read: "Do Pavers Need To Be Sealed? [And How To Tell If Yours Are Sealed]."

Final Thoughts

Natural Stone Pavers already look elegant, but you will need to consistently care for them to keep their luster. Sealing your stone pavers is part of this practice, as it not only protects but also makes your outdoor space look more appealing.

Make sure your pavers are maintained so you can enjoy them all year round!