Marble is a luxurious, natural material with a dreamlike finish. Despite being sturdy enough for a countertop, the calcium-based stone can nevertheless be soft and porous. This implies that marble countertops absorb substances that could stain them, and they must be protected to prevent harm.
Marble sealers are impregnable sealers that penetrate beneath the surface of the stone and permeate into it. They are made up of a solid resin and a liquid-based solvent, which could be water or chemical. The solvent penetrates the pores of natural stone, and as the solvent evaporates, the solid resin remains to fill up the gaps between the pores. Because they emit fewer fumes when drying and curing, water-based sealers are more common.
Why Do Marble Sealers Need To Be Used?
Marble counters require proper care to maintain their beauty, integrity, and value. Because marble’s porosity makes it more susceptible to staining, using a sealer is an important aspect of its maintenance. A sealer will not stop stains from forming in the first place. Instead, it delays the settling of a stain into the stone’s delicate surface. Some sealers also provide some protection against etching, which occurs when an acid reacts with calcium carbonate, dulling or etching the surface like a scratch in the stone.
Because kitchens and bathrooms often have a sink, marble will come into touch with water regularly, sealing it is especially vital for countertops. Additionally, if not wiped up quickly enough, common items such as coffee, fruit juice, oil, lotion, lipstick, and other cosmetics can permeate the stone’s pores.
The polish of the stone has an impact on the rate of water absorption. Because polished marble has had many of its pores eliminated during the finishing process, it will not absorb as much liquid as unpolished marble.
What is the best way to work on marble countertops?
Whether customers have polished marble or honed marble, their countertops will absorb every drop of sealer, necessitating numerous applications to get optimal protection. The effectiveness of their sealed stone will be strongly reliant on the manufacturer’s recommended dry times, which is why it’s critical to wait the appropriate amount of time between coatings.
Open windows or put on a fan before applying a marble sealer so that there is sufficient ventilation to help with any odors. Then, spritz the countertop with a cleanser formulated specifically for marble and rub it dry with a soft cloth. Any impurities that might obstruct the sealing process will be removed by a clean surface. Pour some marble sealer into a container large enough to accommodate a foam paintbrush. Allow 10 minutes to dry after painting all parts of the Marble Countertop Sealer with overlapping strokes. By rubbing the surface with a cloth in a circular motion, remove any excess sealant.
What types of sealers are on the market?
Using a water-based impregnating sealer is the finest solution. Spray-on sealers, on the other hand, are quick and convenient, but they aren’t as effective as liquid application sealers. Sealers created specifically for polished and honed marble are also available.