Why should you reseal natural stone tiles, and when should it be done?

• A. To maintain protection according to stone type and manufacturer; reseal as recommended.
• B. Never reseal after initial installation.
• C. Reseal only after every cleaning.
• D. Reseal only if water penetrates.

Answer: (D)

Natural stone sealers wear down over time, so you reseal only when the protective barrier is no longer doing its job. The clearest, practical cue is how water behaves on the surface. If a drop that’s placed on the tile soaks in, darkens the stone, or no longer beads, that means the seal has weakened and needs to be refreshed. This gives you a concrete, observable signal tied to the stone’s actual condition rather than a fixed timetable. Following this rule helps maintain stain resistance and water protection, and you’ll still heed the stone type and manufacturer guidance for any specific intervals. In short, reseal when water penetrates, because that shows the seal has worn and the barrier needs restoring.