Sealants!!! - I thought it was a dead cert

[matt_north]

Hi All

Apologies because i think the answer will be straight forward, yet the opposite of what i thought.

After laying 50sqm of fossil mint and melting my own head with sorting drainage direction etc i thought all the decisions were done. Patio laid, wait two months then put the sealer on. But having read up on sealers i'm thinking i shouldn't put a sealer on at all. I have no shaded spots (except under some soon to be constructed Plant Trough Containers), no over hanging plants etc. The only reason i was thinking i should put it down is to stop stains from burger grease and red wine etc.

My question is has someone had experience of how hard such stains are to get out of unsealed fossil mint indian stone? And is the general consensus still that sealing is not necessary?

Any reassurance would be appreciated.

Thanks
Matt

[Tony McC]

If the odd bit of burger fat is the worst you're likely to experience, I wouldn't waste my money on a sealant. The grease will scrub out with warm, soapy water.

In any circumstances, I usually recommend leaving paving for the first 6-12 months, see how it gets on with the environment, and then take a decision on whether or not to seal. I'd let it get through this summer and autumn, leave the winter to weather it, and then review the situation this time next year.

[matt_north]

Hi Tony

Thanks for your time and advice. I'll keep the money in the back pocket and see how we go.

Cheers
Matt