Topical Sealers are coatings, (film formers) designed to protect the surface of stone against water, oil, and other contaminants. They are formulated from natural wax, acrylic, and other plastic compounds.

Topical Sealer creates a protective film on the surface of the stone, to protect it from foot traffic, soil, dirt, oil, and stains. The bad thing is, this protective film does not allow the stone to breathe.

Topical Sealer coatings are classified into two general types:
Strippable Topical Sealer.

Permanent Topical Sealer.

Strippable coatings, are formulated to be easily stripped or removed from the stone. These coatings are made of polymers such as acrylics, styrene, and polyethylene. Strippable coating is usually water-based. Many of the janitorial coatings available on the market are water-based, polymer-type products designed for resilient tile floors and not for stone. Read the label carefully and/or consult with the Manufacturer prior to application.

Permanent coatings, once applied, later will be very difficult to remove. They’re made of solvent-based or water-based polymers such as polyurethane and epoxies. These Permanent Coatings are not normally recommended for stone.

When a topical sealer is applied, the maintenance often shifts from a focused on the stone care, to a focused on the maintenance of the sealer (for example: stripping and reapplication the sealer).

Permanent coatings are solvent based sealers and very difficult to remove. Permanent coatings are not recommended for Natural Stone Countertop sealing.

If a coating is used on a countertop where food is to be used, verify the coating is approved for food use.

How often you need to reapply the Natural Stone sealer: depends on usage of your Natural Stone. The more Stone is espoused to traffic and occurrences of soiling, the more often your topical sealer needs to be reapplied. And if you reapplying Strippable type of Topical Sealer, the old sealer must first be removed.