Bluestone pavers are a hallmark of sophisticated Australian outdoor design. Their dense composition, unique character, and stunning deep-grey tones create an atmosphere of timeless elegance for any patio, pathway, or pool surround. You’ve made a significant investment in this premium, beautiful material. So, the crucial question is: how do you keep it looking pristine for years to come?
This brings us to one of the most common queries we receive from customers who have chosen our popular Harkaway Bluestone: “Do I really need to seal my bluestone pavers?”
For most Australian conditions, the short answer is a resounding yes. Sealing your bluestone pavers is one of the most effective ways to protect your investment from stains, weathering, and moisture damage. This guide will walk you through the why, when, and how of sealing bluestone, ensuring your outdoor space remains a stunning feature of your home.
Understanding Bluestone: Why This Tough Stone Still Needs Protection
Bluestone is incredibly hard-wearing, but it’s important to remember that it is a natural stone. Like many natural materials, it has a degree of porosity. Think of it as a very dense sponge; while it’s not highly absorbent, it can still slowly draw in liquids, leading to potential issues, especially in a typical Australian backyard.
Stains from Outdoor Living
Your beautiful bluestone patio is the heart of your outdoor life, but that also makes it a target for stains. Common culprits include oil and grease spatters from the BBQ, accidental red wine spills during get-togethers, and the persistent tannins that leach from fallen gum leaves and berries, leaving stubborn brown marks.
Moisture and Salt Damage
For homes with pools or those in coastal areas, moisture and salt present a significant challenge. Bluestone pavers used as pool coping are constantly exposed to saltwater splashes. As the water evaporates, it can leave behind salt crystals within the stone’s pores, a process called efflorescence, which can cause the surface to deteriorate over time.
Weathering and UV Degradation
The harsh Australian sun is relentless. Over years of exposure, intense UV rays can gradually fade the rich, deep colour of natural stone. A high-quality sealer often includes UV-inhibiting properties, acting like sunscreen for your pavers to help preserve their original colour.
The Great Debate: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Sealing
To make an informed decision, it’s essential to look at both sides. While we strongly recommend sealing, understanding the considerations is key.
The Key Benefits of Sealing Bluestone (Pros)
- Superior Stain Resistance: This is the number one reason. A sealed surface causes liquids like oil and wine to bead up on top, giving you precious time to clean them before they can penetrate and cause a permanent stain.
- Simplified Cleaning & Maintenance: Sealed pavers are far easier to clean. A simple sweep and occasional wash-down are often all that’s needed to keep them looking their best.
- Inhibits Mould & Algae Growth: By reducing moisture absorption, sealing makes it harder for mould, mildew, and algae to get a foothold, especially in damp or shaded areas of your garden.
- Protects Against Salt Attack: For poolside or coastal paving, a sealer provides a crucial barrier against the damaging effects of salt efflorescence.
- Preserves or Enhances Natural Beauty: Depending on your choice of sealer, you can either maintain the stone’s original raw beauty or deepen its colours for a richer, more vibrant look.
- Increases Longevity & Property Value: Protecting your pavers from the elements ensures they last longer and continue to add value to your property.
The Potential Considerations (Cons)
- Upfront Cost: A high-quality sealer and potentially the labour for application are an additional cost. However, it’s best to view this as an insurance policy on your much larger paving investment, preventing costly restoration down the line.
- Potential Change in Appearance: This is a common fear, but it’s entirely controllable. The key is choosing the right type of sealer, which we’ll cover next.
- Periodic Reapplication: Sealing isn’t a one-time job. To maintain protection, you’ll need to reapply the sealer every 3-7 years, depending on the product used and the amount of foot traffic the area receives.
Your Guide to Choosing the Right Bluestone Sealer
The fear of ruining the look of your bluestone is valid, but modern sealers offer more choice than ever. The two main decisions you’ll make are the sealer type and the desired finish.
The Professional’s Choice: Penetrating (Impregnating) Sealers
For a dense stone like bluestone, a penetrating sealer is the industry standard and our professional recommendation. Unlike older topical sealers that just form a film on the surface, a penetrating sealer’s molecules absorb deep into the stone. It forms a breathable, protective barrier from within, blocking liquids out while allowing any trapped moisture vapour to escape. Crucially, it does not alter the texture or slip resistance of the paver.
Natural Look vs. Colour-Enhancing Finish
Once you’ve chosen a penetrating sealer, you have a choice of finish:
- Natural Look Sealers: Perfect for purists who love the original, unaltered matte finish of their bluestone. This type of sealer is virtually invisible once cured, providing protection without changing the aesthetic.
- Colour-Enhancing Sealers: If you want to make your bluestone’s colours “pop,” an enhancing sealer is an excellent choice. It deepens and richens the stone’s natural tones, often creating a sophisticated, “wet look” that highlights its unique character.
Unsure which is right for you? Contact us today.
How to Seal Bluestone Pavers: A Simple DIY Guide
Disclaimer: Always read and follow the specific product’s instructions. We strongly recommend testing the sealer on a spare paver or an inconspicuous area first to ensure you are happy with the result.
- Step 1: Deep Clean the Surface: The pavers must be completely free of dirt, grime, stains, and debris. Use a specialised stone cleaner and a stiff brush if necessary.
- Step 2: Ensure Pavers are Bone Dry: Allow the pavers to dry completely after cleaning, which may take 24-48 hours. Sealing a damp paver can trap moisture, leading to a cloudy finish.
- Step 3: Apply the Sealer Evenly: Use a high-quality roller, brush, or garden sprayer to apply a thin, even coat of the sealer according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Step 4: Allow Proper Curing Time: The sealer needs time to cure and form its protective bond. This can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, during which the area should be protected from foot traffic and rain.
Our Verdict: Sealing is a Smart Investment for Your Bluestone
While unsealed bluestone can still perform for years, the demanding Australian environment makes sealing a wise and proactive choice. The small upfront cost provides invaluable protection against stains, simplifies maintenance, and preserves the beauty and longevity of your stunning bluestone pavers. It’s a crucial finishing step to ensure your investment looks as good in a decade as it does today.
Protect your patio, pool deck, or pathway for years to come. Browse our exceptional range of bluestone pavers and sealants online, or visit a BuildMart store to see the quality for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How often do I need to reseal bluestone?
Typically, you should reseal high-traffic areas and those with full sun exposure every 3-5 years. For less-used, sheltered areas, a high-quality penetrating sealer can last up to 7 years or more.
Q2: Will sealing make my bluestone pavers slippery?
No, not if you use a penetrating sealer. Because these sealers work from within the stone, they do not create a film on the surface and therefore do not change the paver’s natural slip resistance.
Q3: What is the best sealer for bluestone around a saltwater pool?
A premium, salt-resistant penetrating sealer is essential. Look for products specifically formulated for use around saltwater pools to provide the best possible protection against salt attack and efflorescence.
Q4: How do I know if my existing bluestone is already sealed?
A simple test is to pour a small amount of water onto a paver. If it beads up on the surface, it’s likely sealed. If it darkens the stone and soaks in quickly, the paver is either unsealed or the previous sealer has worn off.