STEP Three: What is being sealed?

Choose the letter of the UNSEALED Surface To Be Sealed:  

  • See your surfacing in the  Pros/Cons And Pictures Of All Surface Types  section for the absorption range and pictures of the sealers on that surfacing.
  • For 2 different surface types in the same area - select per the least absorbent one. This will allow for additional sealer in the more absorbent part to create an even finish.
  • There is no need for confusion or problems brought about by misidentification of a surface type, yet it happens all too often. If you would like to see why this is the case and how to properly identify a surfacing material ..... click here!
  • Also - How to:    Determine Absorption     Determine Acid Sensitivity
A.  GROUT ONLY - low to medium absorption G.  BRICK - smooth side - low to medium absorption:
      (See J. for dense brick)
B.   PAVERS, concrete/clay - low to medium absorption: H.  STONE, Manufactured - medium to high absorption:
C.   CONCRETE TILE - low to medium absorption: I.   CONCRETE - low to high absorption: SLABS, EXPOSED AGGREGATE, BLOCK (precision, split, slump, ground face, capping)
D.   TERRACOTTA TILE -medium to high absorption: J.  DENSE - very low absorption: Tile (quarry, porcelain) - Brick (flashed) - Honed Limestone - Stone (slate, quartzite, bluestone) - Agglomerates
E.  MEXICAN TILE, unpainted, uncolored - high absorption: Saltillo & others K.  STONE, POROUS - high absorption: Limestone, Flagstone, Sandstone, Cantera, etc.
F.   BRICK, rough side - medium to high absorption:
      (See J. for dense brick) 		L.  MARBLE / LIMESTONE, POROUS - medium absorption: Tumbled, smooth sawn, some Travertines
M.  MARBLE / LIMESTONE / GRANITE - very low or no absorption: Honed, Polished

CAUTION: Above applies to surfaces that have NEVER been treated with a sealer.
If a sealer (even one of ours) has been applied, see     for "Redoing a Previously Sealed Surface".

Now, click on "Step Four" above.