Even Natutral Cantera Stone Needs Surface Protection
Cantera stone is increasingly gaining popularity for various external flooring applications for residential properties. This type of paving material is naturally produced from volcanic ash over millions of years of  build up where the ashes and other natrual elements compress into natrual stones. Cantera stone pavers   have a natrual charm and a unique character enriched by thier natrual beauty and elegance. This particular type of paver can be used for any landscping pavement to achieve either a modern, traditional, contenporary or old world look. 

Although all natrual stone materials have natural capabilties and resistances, they still require further surface protection for longer and better life exptectancy. The best option in protecting cantera stone pavers from the elements is by applying sealers that are highly recommended for natrual stone pavers. The importance of sealing cantera stone pavers is paramount in ensuring their longevity.

The main elements that can effect un-sealed cantera stone pavers includes harsh weather conditions like sun exposure, snow and ice, constant rainfall, as well as stains and debris. High traffic surfaces such as driveways, pool surrounds and pathways should definatley be sealed to prevent wear and tear.

The Three Main Benefits Of Sealing Cantera Stone Pavers
There three main benefits of applying sealers to cantera stone pavers is for surface protection, the safety aspects and for a decoratvie finish. The function of a sealing product is to create a film like top layer as a barrier so no elements can penetrate through the cantera stone pavers surface. The second benefit of sealing products is for the safety aspects, as they create a rough surface layer which creates a non-slip surface. The third benefit is the decoratvie finish in which sealers can change the appearacne of the pavers surface in various textures such as low sheen, semi sheen and high gloss.

Two Categories To Sealing Products
Sealing prodcuts are divided in two categories for natrual stone pavers including cantera stone pavers, slate, flagstone and granite pavers. They are refferd to as; a penetrating sealar and a coating sealer. The penetrating sealing product is water based which is made from a formula containing acrylic polymers. This type of sealing product is highly recommended for all natrual stone pavers as it  penetrates through the pavers surface for better resistance to stains, debris and harsh weather conditions. Other advantgaes to penetrating sealing products is that they protect the surface from moisture build up, they create a non-slip surface and they bring out the natrual textrues of the cantera stone paver textrue.

The most crucial factor of selecting a sealing product is you must choose the correct type of sealer as there are so many different types of sealers that are specifically suitable to each type of paver material. Its highly adviseable to seek professional advice from the retailer consultant or manufacturer on which is the most suitable sealing product for cantera stone.

Protect And Seal Cantera Stone Pavers
For those who have had their pavements installed by a professional, the new pavement would have been sealed on completion. Most landscpers recommend to continue sealing pavement applications every few years. The following is a guideline on how you can continue to protect and seal cantera stone pavement applications yourself rather then hiring a proffessional.

Remove stains and debris by washing down pavement{for stubborn stains, consult with a professional for the type of stain remover that is suitable for cantera stone pavers}
Wait till area is fully dry
Start at the top end corner and work yourself down by pouring the sealing mixtrue in small portions and with a broom, sweep in the formula and make sure you dont miss any spots
Wait until the sealar has properly dried and apply a second coat in the same way
Do not walk on new sealed area until its fully dry.
It is highly recommeded that you follow the manufacturers instrcutions in prepartion and applying sealer coats.