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It depends on the material. Sandstone, slate, and granite can be slippery in wet weather. Applying a sealant to the stone can often stop it from absorbing moisture and may reduce the likelihood of slipping. If you're concerned about losing footing, a safer option might be bluestone or concrete.

You don’t need to seal German smear; the mortar is already acting as a sealant for the bricks. You can seal the mortar, though, if you wish to further protect the area from stains, moisture, and dirt or make it easier to clean and maintain. Note that a sealant will make the mortar appear more glossy.

Routine sealing, avoiding heavy loads, and proper drainage improve lifespan. Regular inspections help catch and remedy problems early.

You generally cannot change the color of the natural stone, such as making granite countertops darker or lighter. Some people claim that certain chemicals will lighten or darken granite, but those will damage the stone and not provide uniform, expected results, so it’s better not to try. Similarly, some people ask whether they can stain over granite. Granite is beloved for its stain-resistant finish, so you probably won’t get the best outcome if you try to stain over granite to make it darker.

Instead, consider honing, painting, or applying another material over the top of the granite to make it appear darker.