From luxury residential towers to major transportation hubs, natural stone remains the material of choice for projects that demand both durability and elegance. Whether you’re designing an outdoor terrace, fitting out a hotel lobby, or detailing a high-traffic station floor, enhancing the colour and performance of natural stone is key to long-term impact.
That’s where FILA Solutions comes in. With decades of experience and a commitment to performance-led formulations, we offer a range of sealing and protective treatments specifically developed for the needs of contractors, developers, architects, and interior designers. Two of our most trusted products for stone enhancement are STONEPLUS and WET ECO. Each delivers a distinct finish, so choosing the right one depends on the material, location, and visual effect you’re after.
In this article, we’ll compare the performance, aesthetics and best-use scenarios for both products, helping you make the right decision for your next installation.
STONEPLUS: Matte Finish, Deep-Action Defence
STONEPLUS is a solvent-based impregnating sealer and colour enhancer ideal for stone installations where stain protection and subtle colour revival are required. It penetrates deep into the stone to safeguard against water, oil, and dirt, while restoring and enriching the natural tone of the material.
Performance Features
- Deeply penetrates the stone without forming a film
- Enhances colour without adding gloss
- Offers excellent water and oil repellency
- Suitable for internal and external use
- Does not yellow over time
- Maintains breathability
Best Suited For These Stone Types
FILA’s colour-enhancing stain protector is particularly suitable for use on:
- Polished and unpolished marble
- Granite
- Agglomerates
- Textured stones (brushed, sandblasted, bushhammered, flamed)
Trusted on Landmark Builds Across the UK
As a professional-grade product, STONEPLUS is widely specified on commercial schemes. Two recent examples include:
- One Nine Elms, London: In collaboration with Chiltern Contracts, this sealer was selected to enhance the honed natural stone throughout this high-profile residential and hotel development. Its deep penetrating qualities ensure long-term stain resistance and a refined, natural aesthetic.
- Canary Wharf Elizabeth Line Station: For the station’s limestone and granite flooring, this application provides both colour revival and long-term sealing performance without compromising the slip rating. Images shown in this article feature STONEPLUS in use on the limestone surfaces at London’s Canary Wharf Elizabeth Line Tube Station — a robust solution for one of the UK’s busiest public transport environments.
Application Guidance
Apply this product to clean, dry stone using a brush or cloth. Rub the surface to encourage absorption and remove any excess product. The area can be walked on after 12 hours have passed. For some outdoor materials, annual reapplication may be recommended to maintain their aesthetic appearance. Always test in an inconspicuous area first, as the effect is irreversible.
NB: While STONEPLUS provides excellent protection against water- and oil-based stains, it does not safeguard against acid etching. Like most sealers, it cannot prevent damage caused by acidic substances, which may react with calcium-based stones. In hospitality or commercial food service environments, where exposure to acidic materials is more likely, additional precautions may be necessary.
WET ECO: Gloss Finish, Eco-Friendly Barrier
WET ECO is FILA’s water-based, plant-derived treatment with a wet-look finish. It’s ideal for clients seeking both stain resistance and a glossy enhancement on unpolished materials.
Specification Benefits
- Eco-friendly and VOC-free
- Wet-effect finish for colour enrichment
- Excellent performance in high-traffic areas
- Certified Indoor Air Comfort Gold
- Weather resistant
- Does not alter frost resistance in terracotta
Ideal Surfaces
Use FILA’s best unpolished stone protector on:
- Unpolished natural stone
- Unpolished agglomerates
- Terracotta
Because it is topical (rather than a deep impregnator), this finish sits on the surface of the stone, adding a visual sheen while still allowing breathability. It’s popular in residential settings and external applications where aesthetic impact is essential.
Application Guidance
Apply two coats to clean, dry stone using a flat paintbrush or fleece pad, allowing 2–3 hours between applications. A complete cure is achieved within 12 hours. For dense or low-absorbency materials such as slate, Botticino, or Carrara marble, WET ECO should be diluted 1:1 with water to prevent over-application and minimise the risk of excessive darkening. Avoid use on polished surfaces or in wet environments, such as saunas or showers. As shade intensification can vary depending on porosity, always conduct a patch test first to assess the final appearance.
Removal if Needed
In cases where the product has been applied incorrectly or needs to be removed for renovation or reapplication, we recommend using NOPAINT STAR. This professional-grade remover can be used to lift WET ECO where necessary, though always conduct a test patch first to ensure compatibility with your specific stone type.
Sustainability in Focus
This formulation isn’t just high-performing — it’s sustainably developed using renewable resources and meets some of the most stringent environmental standards in the industry. For eco-sensitive builds or wellness-driven interiors, it delivers visual impact without compromising on environmental values.
Which Product is Right for Your Project?
Choosing the right finish depends on the specific demands of your site. If you’re aiming for a natural, matte finish with deep stain resistance, STONEPLUS is the ideal solution. Its solvent-based formulation penetrates the stone, making it ideal for high-traffic commercial interiors, polished stone, and developments that require durable, long-lasting protection. It’s also well suited for premium spaces where understated elegance is key.
On the other hand, WET ECO is designed for those who want a more pronounced, glossy upgrade. Its water-based, eco-conscious formula makes it ideal for residential use, decorative stonework, and outdoor areas where a wet-look finish is desired. It works best on unpolished materials, such as terracotta, agglomerates, and rustic stones, offering good surface integrity with a visual uplift.
In short: choose a deep-acting, matte-finish sealer when you need performance, subtlety, and a natural appearance, particularly in high-end commercial spaces. Alternatively, go for a surface-level, glossy enhancer when visual impact is a priority, especially in residential or decorative applications.
Quick Product Selector
- Polished stone? → STONEPLUS
- Unpolished terracotta or agglomerates? → WET ECO
- Want a natural matte finish? → STONEPLUS
- Want a wet-look gloss? → WET ECO
- LEED/BREEAM focused build? → WET ECO
- High-traffic commercial interior? → STONEPLUS
Maintaining Enhanced Stone
Both featured products are compatible with FILA’s CLEANER PRO for ongoing maintenance. This pH-neutral detergent is specifically formulated for natural stone and can be diluted 1:200 for regular mopping, making it ideal for high-traffic floors. It helps preserve the finish without compromising your chosen treatment.
Need Project Advice? FILA Can Help
Every surface is different, and we understand that selecting the right product often comes down to the details. Our technical team offers consultation and on-site testing to help ensure you get the right finish and long-term performance.
Whether you’re specifying stone for a commercial development, designing a luxury residence, or restoring a heritage property, our surface care solutions are trusted across some of the UK’s most high-profile and demanding projects.
Ready to Enhance Your Stone?
Contact our UK team or visit https://www.filasolutions.com/eng/ to explore our full range of sealing, cleaning and maintenance products.
