This post is about sealants for light-colored marble, light granites, limestone, and other light-colored cool-tone stones.
The sealers are intended for food-contact areas like countertops, stone serving boards, and stone bowls, as well as areas like stone tile backsplashes.
Some of them can also be used on stone floors.
My post on all-natural oil-based sealers for stones focuses on walnut oil (and other natural oils) that work best on dark-colored, medium-tone (or beige-toned) stones since they do darken and yellow the stones slightly.
There is no 100% natural sealer for white and light-colored stones. This should be considered early on if it’s a new build for someone chemically sensitive.
Light-colored stones are also much more likely to be porous compared to some darker-colored stones that can be naturally dense enough to not require a sealant in food prep areas.
Manufacturers of natural stone countertops usually recommend a penetrating or impregnating sealant every few years (depending on the type of stone, the use, etc).
Most sealants do not fully disclose their ingredients, but I have dug into the literature to see what is likely in them. Most of them use fluoropolymers (per- and polyfluorinated substances, aka PFAS) as the main technology.
If you are avoiding PFAS (“forever chemicals”), there are only a few sealants on the market for countertops that I know of that are not based on PFAS and are 0-VOC.
These six sealers are ones I have researched, compared, and I actually tested four of them myself. They are the safest, lowest off-gassing options out there right now.
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1. TRINOVA GRANITE SEALER
This is a great option, geared mainly at countertops, that does not contain PFAS.
Trinova Granite Sealer is a sealant and maintenance solution for all natural stone surfaces, including marble.
The ingredients are fully disclosed, they are: Water, Silicone Microemulsion, 5-chloro-2-methyl-isothiazolin-3-one (Preservative), 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (Preservative), Magnesium chloride (Impurity).
This was tested by the Green Science Policy Institute and confirmed free of PFAS.
They said in an email that it is 0-VOC.
Where to use
Stone countertops.
2. AFM MEXESeal
Mexeseal is another good sealer for stone floors. It’s not food safe so it’s not for use on countertops.
It’s an ultra-low-odor, water-based clear sealer suitable for interior flooring over porous terra cotta or stone tile and masonry surfaces.
It leaves a satin or medium-gloss finish.
It’s not for areas that get very wet like shower floors.
VOC levels are 36 g/l and the ingredients are Water, Modified Polyurethane Aqueous Dispersion, Acrylic Emulsion Copolymer, Dipropylene glycol methyl ether, Ester Alcohol.
It is free of PFAS.
Where to use
Terracotta, masonry and stone floors. In terms of stone, it can be used on any stone that is not polished like Granite, Limestone, Sandstone, Slate, Stone, Marble.
3. Party Foul
Party Foul Sealer is another water-based PFAS-free sealer for stone.
You can use it indoors and outdoors, on granite, marble, travertine, natural stone and more.
Party Foul Sealer should not leave your floors slippery. Just apply sealer, wait 30 minutes then buff off residue. No showering for 48 hours.
We do recommend using bathroom mats or towels as typical or normal solutions for preventing slips.
The ingredients are not listed.
Sealers With PFAS
1. Sealer’s Choice Gold
Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold by Custom Building Products is a water-based sealant for natural stone.
It’s low odor, low VOC, and has been a favorite among the chemically sensitive.
What are the Ingredients
These types of sealants contain proprietary fluoropolymers (a type of PFAS) as the main technology along with alcohols and ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether.
More on those ingredients below.
Microban was Added…
This product hasn’t always had Microban – that was added more recently.
The company would not disclose which chemical Microban refers to in this instance, but by looking through the Microban website it’s most likely silver. It could possibly be zinc pyrithione.
Testing a Sample
I tested this sealant on previously unsealed quartzite. It’s fairly low odor when wet (though not extremely low odor).
I did find that by the next day, I personally could not pick up any off-gassing. I can see why it has been well-liked among the chemically sensitive in the past.
All chemically sensitive folks should test out a sample before proceeding to seal a slab in their house.
Where to Use it
On light-colored, cool-tone stones that would be discolored by natural sealers (like walnut oil), including white and grey marbles, light grey granite, travertine, and limestone.
(Of course, it works well on porous dark-colored stones as well, I just prefer to use a natural oil-based sealer on most dark natural stones).
You can use it on unsealed and previously sealed countertops that are due for re-sealing. As well as light-colored stone tiles in the shower, bathroom, backsplash, and floors.
2. Granite Gold Sealer
Granite Gold Sealer is another water-based sealer that is low odor and low VOC.
What’s in it
While this sealer probably uses similar technology to Sealer’s Choice Gold, the two smell quite different.
Still, it likely has the same base of ingredients: proprietary fluoropolymers (a type of PFAS) as the main technology along with alcohols and ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether.
More on those ingredients in their own section below.
Test Results
It’s difficult to quantify which of these two PFAS-based sealers is better for folks with chemical sensitivities; it’s hard to compare these two objectively.
You may want to test both options – sensitivities are very individual.
I personally found this one a little harsher than Sealer’s Choice Gold when wet, but as soon as it was dry (which was very fast) I found it to be great.
3. Stain-Proof Waterborne Dense Stone Sealer (Formally META-CREME)
This product uses a different formula than the previous two. Stain-Proof Waterborne Dense Stone Sealer is a water-based silanes and siloxanes impregnating sealer.
It does contain PFAS.
It’s similar in odor and VOC levels to the previous two. It’s still low odor compared to solvent-based sealants and it could work for chemically sensitive folks after testing for individual tolerance.
(If you have a really wet area like the base of the shower, the company recommends this product for porous tiles in that area).
What’s in it
The company provides a full (or almost full) ingredients list in their SDS: octyltriethoxysilane, triethoxytridecafluorooctylsilane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, alcohols C12-16 ethoxylated, alcohols C12-14 ethoxylated, dimethylsiloxane/[(2-aminoethyl)amino]propylsilsesquioxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane.
Test Results
I certainly did find the odor mild and fairly quick to off-gas, but I did not test this at the same time as the three above to compare it to those.
When testing it for durability I wasn’t that happy with it. It didn’t hold up well to marring from vinegar and it wasn’t easy to touch up those areas.
I have some photos of that testing in my natural stone sealer post. But that is not unique to this sealer, calcium-rich stones like marble, travertine, and limestone are very vulnerable to acid etching. It was interesting how well the natural walnut oil protected against vinegar since, as far as I know, no chemical sealers can protect against acids.
Composition of Fluoropolymer-Based Stone Sealers
What’s Really in Them?
We don’t have a full disclosure of ingredients from any company making a fluoropolymer-based stone sealant as far as I know.
The following is based on piecing together disclosures from various companies and from looking at patents.
Fluoropolymers are a type of PFAS.
A fluoropolymer in stone sealants could mean any of the following:
- polyvinylfluoride (PVF)
- polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
- polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
- polychlorotrifluoroehtylene (PCTFE)
- perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA)
- fluorinated ethylene- propylene (FEP)
- polyethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE)
- polyethylenechlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE)
- perfiuoroelastomre
- chlorotrifluoroethylenevinylidene fluoride
- perfluoropolyether (PFPE)
- perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA)
- Based on Patent
The ingredients probably look something like this:
- Water
- Ethanol
- Ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether
- Fluoropolymer aka mixed perfluoroalkylethyl phosphate salts
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Source Pharos
Do You Really Have to Seal Your Countertops?
Countertop sealers last around 2-5 years. Sealers break down over time. The resin is degraded by cleaning products and by general use.
Porous stones are more susceptible to stains and will require sealing more often (1-3 years).
Check the density and integrity of the past sealant with a simple “water drop test”.
Each stone is different, and sealers and quality of application vary – you have to do a water drop test to determine if or when to seal your stone.
Water Drop Test:
- Stone must be clean and free of dust
- Place a single drop of water (quarter size) on the stone
- Length of time to absorb: <1 minute porous; >1 minute non-porous
- Perform three tests for the first 2,000 ft2 and at least one for each additional 3,000 ft2
Source MCM Natural Stone Inc and ASTM F-3191
Be sure that you are not using cleaning products that etch the stone and break down the sealants (no vinegar, no hydrogen peroxide, etc), here are non-toxic cleaning and disinfecting products for real stone.
Adding More Protection
You can also add a wax to polish your stone countertop.
A brand like Rock Doctor makes a carnauba and mineral oil-based wax polish that works with their fluoropolymer water-based sealer.
Unfortunately, their polish also has added fragrance to it though.
Alternatives to Using These Synthetic Sealants
- Use a dense stone that does not require any sealant. Look at Ubatuba, Black Galaxy, Absolute Black or Blue Pearl granite, Slate, some Quartzites, and other dark-colored dense stones. Dense stones normally shouldn’t be sealed or may only need one application of sealant.
- Use walnut oil to seal a medium to darker-colored or warm-toned stone.
- Choose a countertop that doesn’t need a sealant at all like quartz, Dekton, and others in the main countertop post.
Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.
Sarah
Awesome research. I need to re-seal my granite countertops. Long overdue. (Can’t stand granite and wish we could replace it altogether…) Just wanted to add to the water bead test, that there’s a second issue that may arise: The water may bead very well, but there may be small areas in the stone that are pitted. This is the case with our countertops. Water still beads very well, yet looking at the granite from a particular angle, you can see the surface is a bit etched and, worse, there are very small areas that are a bit gouged out where liquids and other food can collect and therefore not hygienic. Any small areas like that are always in the blackest veins of the granite which is interesting. Anyway, the bead test can be good but I suggest also checking for the pits.
Alana
https://ecospaints.net/Browse-All/Stone-Tile-Sealer
Have you seen the Ecos stone and tile sealer? Ingredients listed as water, silicone, sodium salt. Just wondered why it isnt on your list. Thank you.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
“Not suitable for polished, or honed marble, granite or similar stone”
Amy
We love Simple Coat, is has no smell whatsoever, definitely a clean product, just saw the company went out of business. Now to find a similar replacement…
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Yeah it was good, it used to be on this list. I’ll be trying a new one for my countertops as well.
Lucy
Thank you for this ver educational article. I’m trying to seal our new marble floor and stand up shower in the kids bathroom and wanted PFAs free alternative. I came across Party foul PFAS FREE sealer. I contacted the company and they confirmed it. What are your thoughts on it. Anyone used it before ?
Brooke
Hi Corinne!
I have a light colored granite, do you still recommend Simple Coat over the Tinova Granite Sealer? Even without the ingredients listed?
Thanks so much!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
depends on shade of granite, walnut oil “soapstone sealer” is my top pick overall as it’s totally natural. otherwise i dont have a preference between those two.
Marble
Hello,
My relatives have light marble tiles/slabs in their shower and are looking on advice as to whether they should seal it. They are concerned about the potential for water ingress since it is quite a porous stone and the marble shows signs of rust staining etc. Unfortunately, there seems to be a lot of controversy online re whether to seal stone in this context or not and I’m confused! One school of thought is that although it is semi-porous, the stone should breathe and be left without a sealant, so it can dry out and the other school of thought is that sealing it will prevent water ingress and staining. However, Some people are reporting water stains getting ‘trapped’ under sealants etc. which doesn’t sound good. What is your stance on this?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
i would seal the tiles but not the grout
Marble
hello,
Okay thanks. Is this because there is a risk of water ingress through the marble tiles and slab or is your recommendation of a sealant more for potential stains?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
since ceramic tiles are non porous except at the grout lines, and that works well for mold prevention then i would go with the same system as that by sealing the marble. however the waterproofing layer is behind the thinset that is what is preventing water damage and mold. that is the part that is often done wrong so i would focus more attention there.
Courtney
TRINOVA GRANITE SEALER links to Molly’s suds product.
Feel free to remove my comment once fixed.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
thank you!
Bruce Richards
Thanks for the great work on this!
We have newly installed light-colored, honed, quartzite kitchen countertops. My wife selected them working with our decorator, but there was no consideration given to health and safety considerations at the time.
I want to use a low VOC sealant, and reluctantly will accept PFAC given the few alternatives. Because quartzite is so porous, I’m not sure water-based sealers will work well. I want to consider Sealer’s Choice Gold (water-based) or Stain-Proof Waterborne. Installer wants to use Stain-Proof, but not the water-based, and I’m sure it would work well, but it is NOT low VOC. Regarding Sealer’s Choice, the Microban concerns me on a surface that can come in contact with food. My reading suggests Microban may be harmful and just another one of those misleading consumer marketing ploys. Trinova looks decent, but not sure it would work well on quartzite. And we have lots of countertop space, and I think that has to be reapplied at least once a month! They also claim it leaves an attractive shine (which could be a nonstarter because it’s honed). Any thoughts or further recommendations?
Corinne Segura
You can definitely use waterbased, the PFAS sealers on this list are very effective, more effective than the first two that are PFAS-free. Microban, depends on which chemical, could be silver, as that is actually their main chemical now so not that concerning. Way less concerning than PFAS.
Amanda
Hello
I have underfloor hydronic radiant heating being installed in my kitchen. I was planning on using limestone tiles for the flooring. Is there any issue with the heat and a sealant. What would be best for this application?
Thank you for your website and sharing all your knowledge!
Corinne Segura
the problem with SimpleCoat is that it may not be that durable on floors as that is what someone else reported in the comments, don’t know if it was on this thread. I also just added a second option that it also PFAS free.
Amanda
I saw someone mention AFM Safecoat Mexeseal. Would this be good to use on limestone with radiant heat under it?
Thank again in advance!
Corinne Segura
it’s funny bc ive been meaning to add that one to the post and change the post to not only be about countertops. Yes that is a good one for stone. You will have to ask the company if it works under radiant heat and how long you need to wait before turning it on, but I think every sealer on the list will.
Laura Tomlinson
This is a great breakdown. Doing research for this as I work in commercial interior design and also came across this post on Trinova Granite Sealer: https://greensciencepolicy.org/news-events/blog/are-there-forever-chemicals-in-your-kitchen-counter It is PFAS free but still contains Silicone Microemulsion which still makes it not a perfect contender.
Pleased that they disclosed all of the ingredients, interested if you also came across it in your research?
Corinne
Similar to SimpleCoat then, but SimpleCoat is 0 VOC.
Beth
Dammit, Really discouraged to read about the PFAs in all these sealants. I just bought $1600 worth of travertine tile for my bathroom and am now wondering what to use to seal it. Darkening the color a bit might be okay. Am wondering what people have used on beige color travertine. Using on walls and also shower floor, but have time to pivot and use something different for my shower floor
amy
I just spoke with someone from Mexaseal and they said that it can be used and had been used in showers, its not meant for submerged water. What are your thoughts?
Corinne
Shower walls ok, shower floor no, says owner of AFM.
Heather
Ecos paint has a stone and tile sealer that looks to be free of the forever chemicals. just tried it on some white marble coasters I have and didn’t have any staining problems. might be another option. didn’t notice any smell.
I’d be interested to hear the opinion on it of someone more knowledgeable on the topic!
Corinne
not for use on honed marble, granite or similar stone
John
Hi Corinne,
I contacted the company that sells the Waterborne Dense Stone Sealer (Meta-Creme) via email. They stated that the product does in fact contain PFAS. They wouldn’t let me know exactly what specific fluoropolymer is used, but they stated that it contains a long chain fluoropolymer. I just wanted to let you know. I am not sure if this is a recent addition to the product.
Corinne
Oh wow, thanks so much for the update, I have changed that until I can follow up with them.
John
No worries. In addition, I contacted the company that markets AFM Safecoat® MexeSeal and they stated via email that the product does not contain PFAS. Maybe it is something to look into?
Corinne
The post really started out as sealer for stone countertops which is why Mexeseal is not on the list. I have used that and I should list it as it’s good for stone floors.
Holly
Hi there! I was curious if you have heard of or tried AFM Safecoat Mexeseal for sealing marble? I am buying the simple coat sealer, but before I used it wanted to see if you thought the AFM option was better or not. I have a small piece of marble for an antique vanity that needs some type of sealer and felt like going with simple coat was probably the best bet. Thank you so so much. Your research has been VERY helpful to me throughout our remodel work.
Judy
Hello. Are there any non-toxic sealants for wood countertops?
Would resin off-gas after curing if used as a wood counter sealant?
Holly
She has a post on this if you just search for it, but I used the half and half tung oil based sealer from Real Milk Paint and it was incredibly easy to use and works well so far. Water beads up and stays on the surface. It goes a long way and is easy to tell when your surface reaches full saturation. There are many other options as well. Daddy Vans has some stuff I use on cutting boards that would probably work too.
Anne-marie Skolaude
Hi Corinne,
I have a floor of cement tiles sealed with several applications of aqua mix sealer gold. I am trying to limit my family’s exposure to pfas chemicals and products. Is there anything that I can do to cover over the sealer?
Thanks so much,
Annemarie