How to Protect Your Marvelous Marble with Sealants

With its natural elegance and luxurious appearance, marble symbolizes sophistication in homes worldwide. From grand entryways to exquisite kitchen countertops, marble's unique veining patterns and subtle color variations elevate any space. However, this beauty requires careful upkeep to maintain its pristine condition and luster.

Why Marble Maintenance is Key

Despite its durability, marble is prone to staining and etching, which can mar its smooth surface and interfere with its reflectivity. Everyday substances like wine, coffee, and even water can leave lasting marks if not addressed promptly. Therefore, proper maintenance is not just about cleaning; it's about protecting the stone from damage that can detract from its natural beauty. Sealing is the first step that makes ease of cleaning even more feasible. We expect our surface to be wipe-up ready when we are cleaning. That exists if the surface is sealed. Darkening, wetting, or discoloration are all signs that our countertop seal may have been removed or damaged. Have no fear; this can be remedied easily, which is essential, as stain removal is not nearly as easy or assured should we procrastinate and be forced to suffer the consequences.

Marble and Its Vulnerabilities

Marble is a metamorphic rock primarily composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals. This dense yet porous material is more vulnerable than many homeowners might expect. Its porosity allows liquids to penetrate the surface, leading to stains that can be difficult to remove once set. This is because they are located beneath the stone surface, which we can reach via horizontal wiping and scrubbing. It's like trying to clean a test tube with a sponge – you can't get in there, and wiping across the opening does nothing to that colored spill at the bottom. Cleaning a glass takes seconds but cleaning that test tube requires engineering a different approach with a brush or water agitation. Either way, it's nowhere near as easy as wiping the surface. If only we could seal the test tube and just clean the top. Well, we can—with a sealer that blocks stains. Well, we can. The sealer is our stopper; however, we intend to fill those open spaces so no colored material can enter.

Additionally, acidic substances can etch the marble, creating dull spots that disrupt its polished finish. This would be like putting dimples into our mirror. Once dimpled, it no longer accurately reflects light. An etch is a rough surface created by an acid having dissolved away the surface it was in contact with. As marble is not homogeneous, as we see via the vein and base's different colors, it can respond to acid differently.

Why Porosity Matters – All Marble is naturally porous 

A common myth is that sealing will prevent etching; this is false. A penetrating sealer fills the open pores in marble, much like tiny sponges, absorbing liquids and allowing stains to seep deep below the surface. Sealing seeks to fill these pores to eliminate space for any spill to be absorbed. This means we apply it in excess, allow it to be absorbed, and then wipe away the excess remaining on the surface. This means NO marble surface is protected from etching. We have just filled the space the spill wanted to enter. As such, a sealed stone can still be acid-etched. Worse, acid can remove the seal. Penetrating sealers tend to revert to raw materials in the presence of an acid. As such, an acidic cleaner can remove your sealers and open your counter to staining. Cleaning with vinegar is, therefore, the DOUBLE WHAMMY, etching the surface and re-opening the pores to allow staining to occur. If cleaned in this manner, one will need to reseal. Yes – even if done once. MARBLELIFE uses this fact to remove stone seals when we seek to introduce a new seal or color to the stone or grout. Once is enough. 

The Importance of Sealing Marble

Sealing marble is a preventative technique crucial in its long-term maintenance. By applying a sealant, you fill the open pores of the marble, reducing its natural porosity and filling it with an explicit and light-stable material. This ensures that your counter will remain wipe-up-cleanable.

Benefits of Sealing Your Marble 

• Stain Protection: A quality penetrating sealer repels staining agents by preventing them from penetrating the stone's surface, giving you more time to wipe up spills before they cause harm. Providing more time to clean up spills is essential because if your pores are open and you have gotten dirt into the pore before sealing, that speck can prevent the sealer from fully bridging the pore. It's like placing saran wrap over a bowl and then poking a hole in it with your pinky. It is primarily sealed but for a small area. If you spill, you can wipe up most of it but leaving it overnight could work its way through that small opening.

• Simplified Cleaning: Sealed marble is much easier to clean. Dirt and spills sit on the surface rather than being absorbed, making routine maintenance a breeze. Sealing is the first step to ensuring easy, effective cleaning is possible. 

• Preservation of Beauty: Sealing helps maintain marble's aesthetic qualities, ensuring it remains as striking as the day it was installed. This preservation is essential for your enjoyment and preserving the value of your investment in stone. If your stone darkens when wet, your seal has failed, and your stone gives you an early warning. Water can dry out and allow the color to return to normal, but that could change if you spill something of color or splash water while rinsing dishes. 

Incorporating these steps into the care regimen for marble surfaces enhances their resilience and extends their life, ensuring that the stone's natural beauty continues shining in your home. 

Types of Marble Sealants 

Selecting the appropriate sealant for marble surfaces is critical to ensuring long-lasting protection and maintenance of its natural beauty. Generally, marble sealers fall into two main categories: penetrating sealants and topical sealants. Each type serves a distinct purpose and offers unique benefits depending on the specific needs of the marble installation. 

Penetrating Sealants 

Penetrating sealants, as the name suggests, soak into the pores of the marble, filling them to create a barrier that prevents contaminants from seeping into the stone. These sealers are ideal for high-traffic areas or counter surfaces frequently encountering staining agents like kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities. 

Advantages: 

• Deep Protection: Penetrates below the surface, offering protection from within. 

• Invisible Finish: This does not change the appearance or finish of the marble. 

• Long-Lasting: Because they bond with the stone internally, penetrating sealants often provide longer-lasting protection than their topical counterparts. 

Suitable Use Cases: 

• Areas prone to spills and exposure to oils and acids, such as kitchens and dining rooms. 

• Surfaces that require a natural, unaltered appearance. 

Topical Sealants 

The better alternative in these areas is to shift to granite, which is acid-resistant. It must be penetrating sealed but will not etch on contact with acidic cleaners. That said, if marble is needed to provide that luxurious elegance the space seeks to provide, expect the drinks to carry an upcharge, as this look will require periodic reapplications. The reapplication will be triggered by scratches from client keys or someone worrying about the edge until they feel the topical film or coating. The bottom of your ceramic plate is another possible source of wear. We know our plates are smooth and flat, but many people forget there is a benefit to that plate's bottom being a little rough, so it doesn't slip when cutting our vegetables. That rough bottom texture does little to granite but can wear a softer topcoat or wax surface. 

If looking at a topical for floors, you will encounter a wear issue requiring reapplication and then removal and reapplication. A penetrating sealer coupled with stone maintenance, which can be spot-applied and blended with the floor, is preferred. Most floor coatings are replaced in favor of maintenance for ease and speed of addressing wear, making it the long-term lower cost and easier to maintain a new appearance – provided you have a knowledgeable maintenance provider. This is key as the surface will need periodic polishing to maintain. 

Advantages: 

• Surface Protection: Provides a barrier against spills, making them easy to clean. 

• Enhancing Appearance: This can enhance the natural color of the marble and give it a glossy finish. 

• Easier Application: Generally easier to apply and reapply as necessary. 

Suitable Use Cases: 

• Low-traffic areas where aesthetic enhancement is desired, such as decorative marble countertop installations. 

• Surfaces exposed to regular acidic spills, such as bars and vanities, are assaulted daily by spilled drinks and acidic garnishments such as lemon wedges and orange peels. 

Spotlight on MARBLELIFE® Stone Sealer 

Among the various options available, MARBLELIFE® Stone Sealer stands out. Easy to apply, it is formulated to provide superior sealing protection without compromising the marble's breathability. 

Product Highlights: 

• Seals Pores: Keeps water and oils on the surface where they are easy to wipe away. 

• Breathability: Unlike many coatings and waxes that trap moisture, MARBLELIFE® Stone Sealer allows the stone to breathe. This is particularly important when sealing an on-grade floor or a floor adjacent to a roof garden, as sprinklers, rain, or burst pipes can create water under the stone surface that then seeks to escape up through the floor. A breathable floor allows vapor pressure to bleed off; however, a non-breathable floor will see that pressure attack the marble veins, pushing them right out of the stone over time. Waxes should never be used for this reason. 

Health and Aesthetic Benefits: 

• Enhanced Cleanliness: By preventing liquids from entering the stone, one avoids the potential for bacteria or mold growth in an area that is not easy to reach. A sealed surface allows one to address dirt and oil directly with a fast, effective degreaser such as MARBLELIFE® Marble & Travertine Cleaner. Did You Know? Dirt will not stick to a substance without the presence of oil to act as the adhesive. Lifting the oil from the surface is critical to fast, effective cleaning. MARBLELIFE® cleaners are formulated to easily lift oils from the surface without using acids or waxes, which can damage or build up on the surface over time. 

• Preserved Natural Beauty: The sealer maintains the marble's natural look while providing adequate protection, ensuring that surfaces remain as attractive as they are functional. 

• Ease of Maintenance: Treated surfaces are easier to clean, reducing the time and effort needed to maintain the marble's pristine appearance. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying MARBLELIFE® Stone Sealer 

Proper application of MARBLELIFE® Stone Sealer ensures your marble surfaces look their best and are protected against everyday wear and tear. Follow this detailed guide to achieve optimal results. 

Preparation: Importance of Deep Cleaning Marble Before Sealing 

Ensure the marble surface is as clean as possible before sealing it. Residual dirt, oils, or old sealants can prevent the new sealer from adhering properly, compromising its appearance and effectiveness. 

Deep Cleaning Steps: 

1. Use MARBLELIFE® Marble & Travertine Cleaner for effective cleaning. It is specially formulated to prepare the stone for sealing without damaging it or building up on it, as its acid-free and wax-free formulation prevents this. 
2. Ensure that all surface residues and previous coatings are entirely removed. 
3. Allow the marble to dry thoroughly. Applying sealer to damp surfaces means there may already be water in the very pore to which you seek to introduce the sealer. A dry surface allows the sealer to penetrate and fill these empty areas. 

Detailed Application Instructions 

Step 1: Deep Cleaning with MARBLELIFE® Marble & Travertine Cleaner

Apply the cleaner according to the product instructions, focusing on removing all surface contaminants. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber towel. These towels' additional fibrous surface provides more surface area and can dip into low spots to absorb dirt and oils more effectively than a standard cloth. Paper towels absorb, while microfiber towels can both absorb and adsorb.

Step 2: Wipe On & Soak 

Apply MARBLELIFE® Stone Sealer using a clean, dry cloth or sponge. Pour the sealer onto the cloth or directly onto the marble surface and spread evenly. 

Ensure the entire surface is wet with the sealer and allow it to soak for 10 minutes. During this time, keep the surface wet and reapply the sealer to any areas that begin to dry. 

Step 3: Buff Off 

After soaking the sealer into the marble, buff the surface with a fresh, dry cloth. We want the material IN the surface, not ON the surface. 

If streaks appear, re-wet them with the sealer and buff again until the desired clarity and shine are achieved. The sealer can re-dissolve any material on the surface until it begins to skin over and cure. 

Tips for Ensuring the Best Results Without Streaks 

Use clean, lint-free cloths for application and buffing to avoid transferring dirt or other material into the pores while sealing. The sealer is reactive and will lock anything in the pore into place. 

Remember, it is essential to remove the excess material from the surface; as such, we will buff until dry, and all material on the surface has been removed. 

Ensure adequate ventilation to facilitate proper drying and curing of the sealer. Sealers will skin over rather quickly, often in less than 1 hour, drawing the moisture they need from the air. The final cure can take seven days, and the seal will cure top down, with moisture needing to pass through the now-cured skin to reach the uncured material below. If applying a solvent-borne material, airflow and ventilation will accelerate surface dry times. As such, buff off what has been used before it begins to skin over. This is not an operation you want to get pulled away from mid-application. 

Professional Sealing vs. DIY 

When to Hire a Professional: If you have large areas or are unsure of the application, bring in a marble or concrete restoration and maintenance professional. Once you see the process being done, you will likely be comfortable applying it yourself – if that is your intent. 

Pros and Cons of DIY Application of MARBLELIFE® Stone Sealer

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: DIY sealing is generally less expensive than hiring a professional. 

• Control: You have complete control over the timing and thoroughness of the application.

Cons: 

• Risk of Imperfect Application: Without experience, there is a risk of uneven application, which can lead to streaks and unprotected areas, or worse, a missed area that cures on the surface and needs a professional to grind away the cured material from the surface. 

• Time-Consuming: Cleaning and sealing marble can be time-intensive, especially for larger areas. 

Following these guidelines, you can effectively apply MARBLELIFE® Stone Sealer to your marble surfaces, ensuring they remain beautiful and durable for years. Whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional, the key to success is in the preparation and application. 

Maintaining Your Sealed Marble 

Properly maintaining sealed marble is crucial for preserving its clean, elegant appearance. Treated well, your seal could last forever but introduce an acid to the surface, which can be removed. As drink spills tend to be acidic, we must promptly wipe them up. Following simple care tips, you can keep your marble looking as luxurious as the day it was installed. 

Routine Care Tips for Sealed Marble

1. Daily Cleaning: Use a soft cloth or mop and a non-acidic cleaner, such as MARBLELIFE® Marble & Travertine Cleaner. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners that can wear down the sealant and damage the marble. 
2. Immediate Spill Response: Wipe up spills immediately to prevent them from penetrating even the sealed surface, especially acidic substances like wine or lemon juice. 
3. Use Protective Mats and Trivets: Place mats under cosmetics, toiletries, or food items that can stain or etch the surface. Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. 
4. Avoid Heavy Abrasives: Never use harsh scrubbing tools on marble. Soft cloths or sponges are sufficient to clean without scratching the surface. 

Recommended Cleaning Products and Practices 

• Cleaning Products: Always opt for products designed for use on marble, like MARBLELIFE® cleaners, formulated to clean effectively without damaging the stone or breaking down the sealer. That said, don't be fooled by clean-and-polish or clean-and-seal products. No cleaner can polish without depositing wax or oil onto the surface. If a cleaner is supposed to remove everything from the surface but is formulated to leave some things behind, it cannot be an excellent cleaner.  

Of course, if the surface looks shinier when we are finished, it may be trying to fool us. The fact that it is shiny may be due to wax or oils deposited on the surface. As we cannot teach a cleaner to clean first and then polish or seal, these deposits will trap dirt and oil and lead to build-up and yellowing; at this point, we have a bigger problem – how to get these things off the surface. Until we do so, every other cleaner will have the same problem: waxes are designed not to come off once laid down without a stripper. The product was designed for marble, but it is not very good for marble if it builds up over time. Seek a cleaner designed to remove everything from the surface – you know, to clean marble, like MARBLELIFE® Marble & Travertine Cleaner. 

• Cleaning Practices: Clean spills immediately. Clean the surface once a week with a soft cloth and a spritz of cleaner. You don't need the surface to be wet, just damp enough to allow dust to stick to the cloth. If some food is stuck to the surface, increase the amount until it is removed. 

Conclusion 

Sealing your marble is not just about enhancing its current appearance—it's about securing its beauty and structural integrity for the future. Regular maintenance and proper care are essential to protect this investment. The right products and practices extend the life of your marble surfaces and minimize the need for extensive repairs or replacement. 

Encouraging regular maintenance and educating on proper care can significantly improve the longevity and beauty of marble installations. Always choose products specifically designed for marble and follow manufacturers' recommendations to ensure the best results. 

For the best results, choose MARBLELIFE® Stone Sealer and enjoy peace of mind knowing your marble surfaces are well-protected. Visit [website] to learn more and make your purchase today. By prioritizing routine care and using the right products, you can enjoy the timeless elegance of marble in your home for many years. Remember, the key to preserving marble's luxurious appearance is as simple as consistent care and timely resealing. 

Call us on 888-463-2780 or book a FREE CONSULTATION from the MARBLELIFE website now. Our stone care expert can help you identify any problem you have with your marble surfaces and maintain beautiful, durable floors that tenants love.