Why Sealing Your Porous Hard Surfaces is Essential
By Matt Nash
With over 20 years in the stone care industry, I’ve learned that protecting porous surfaces like natural stone, bricks, tiles, and concrete doesn’t have to be complex or costly. The right sealant can make a huge difference in both durability and ease of maintenance, and I’ve developed products that make it simple for homeowners to maintain their surfaces effortlessly—without the need for professionals.
Our sealants are PFAS-free and use water-based technology, offering a safer, more sustainable solution. Ten years ago, I recognised the dangers of harmful "forever chemicals" and made the decision to develop products that are both effective and safe. While others mocked that choice at the time, we are now ten years ahead of the curve, providing safer, more effective solutions that will outlast the chemicals set to be banned in just a few years.
A 98% Improvement in Durability
We’ve rigorously tested our sealants, using the most porous material we could find, and comparing sealed vs. unsealed surfaces. The unsealed sample lost 6.7% of its mass from exposure, while the sealed sample only lost 0.1%—that’s a 98% improvement in durability. This is thanks to our sealants’ ability to significantly reduce water absorption, preventing problems like efflorescence, cracking, corrosion, and calcification.
Preventing Water-Related Damage
Sealing your surfaces helps prevent water-related damage such as:
- Efflorescence: White, powdery deposits from moisture carrying salts to the surface.
- Corrosion: Salt crystals expanding in the pores, eroding materials like concrete and natural stone.
- Calcification: Mineral buildup that can degrade surfaces over time.
- Cracking: Moisture penetration leading to expansion, contraction, and cracks.
Our sealants block moisture from getting in, keeping your surfaces protected from these damaging issues that shorten their lifespan.
Simpler, Easier Maintenance
Sealing your surfaces makes maintenance easier than ever. Once sealed, dirt, oils, and stains are less likely to penetrate, making cleaning faster and simpler. This means less time spent scrubbing and more time enjoying your surfaces. And the best part? You can easily maintain them yourself, without needing to rely on professionals.
Professional Grade, Trusted Across Australia
Our sealants aren’t just effective—they’re professional grade. Over the years, they’ve been used, tried, and tested on thousands of residential and commercial projects across Australia, including high-profile sites like the Victoria Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne International Airport, The Block, and many more. Whether it's a busy airport terminal or a family home, our products have proven their reliability in some of the toughest conditions.
The True Cost of Replacement
You don’t have to look far to see the true cost of neglecting surface protection. I recently asked a Victorian landscaper for a quote to install 50m² of limestone paving, including demolition, excavation, and removal of old materials. The total came to $47,251.98, or $945.04 per m²—a significant cost that could have been avoided with the right protection.
Over the years, I’ve seen countless surfaces fail prematurely simply because owners didn’t invest in sealing. The cost of replacement—whether for paving, tiles, or other porous materials—is far higher than the cost of proper sealing and maintenance. Sealing your surfaces is a fraction of the price of full replacement and will significantly extend the lifespan of your materials, saving you money in the long run.
Protect Your Investment with Ease
Sealing your surfaces is one of the best ways to ensure they stay in excellent condition, resisting water damage, stains, and environmental wear. And the great news is, it’s easy to do it yourself. Our sealants are simple to apply and are trusted by professionals nationwide, making it easier than ever for homeowners to protect their surfaces with minimal effort.
If you’re ready to keep your surfaces looking great and extend their life for years to come, call me at 1300 781 652. Let’s make maintaining your surfaces simple, cost-effective, and long-lasting.
Matt Nash
Founder, Prestige Surfaces