How to Seal Marble Counter: Protecting Your Investment

Marble is lovely and provides countertops with a great appearance. However, it is also considerably more porous and soft than most other stones. You must take extra care and perform routine maintenance as a result. One should know how to seal marble counter.

Instead of utilizing items that can dull or stain your distinctive marble countertop, search for impregnators that go beneath the surface to stop liquids from penetrating the pores. Sealing helps create a protective layer over the marble and ensures that sealer, not any liquids that may accidentally end up on the countertops, is filled into the stone’s pores. You can use different types of sealer for different marble countertops. You can also seal marble using walnut oil/wax mix.

Applying a resin or wax-based protective covering to a stone slab is known as sealing. In addition to making the stone more waterproof, this layer can guard it against minor scratches. Learn how to seal marble counter in this article.

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Table of Contents

How To Seal Marble

A useful test to see if your existing seal has worn off is the Water Drop Test, which you can perform before you start the sealing process. Pouring some water over the counter essentially serves as the test for the old seal. Your seal is still intact if they start to bead. If they go away, it’s probably time to reseal your marble countertops because your seal has also disappeared. By this, you will also know a few facts about how to seal marble counter.

How To Seal A Marble Countertop

Ensure you have the necessary tools before knowing how to seal marble counter. You must wear gloves, eye protection, and a respirator throughout the process since the sealers can release harmful fumes while wet. Ensure adequate ventilation in the space where you will seal to help keep smells at bay.

Thoroughly Clean The Stone

Cleaning the counter thoroughly beforehand will help the sealant absorb more evenly and guarantee that you are only sealing the counter. Granite and natural stone cleansers can be made at home using several methods, and various natural stone cleaners are also sold in stores.

Start by determining the cause of any issue stains you want to get rid of before sealing the surface. You’ll be able to provide it with the proper care. Thoroughly dry the counter after cleaning.

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Apply The Sealer

On knowing how to seal marble counter, you also need to find a good sealer and should know how to use it. Because you’ll be applying the sealer using a brush, it’ll be easy. Pour the sealer into a container large enough to accommodate your brush. Spread the sealer evenly across the counter with the brush.

However, do not use overlapping strokes, as this can cause lumps on the surface as it dries. Instead, slightly overlap the strokes on the sides to avoid missing any part of the counter.

Take The Sealer Off

Next, wipe away any leftover sealant from the spots you’ve sealed. The stone itself will absorb some of the sealants. After a stone has been sealed, there is typically some extra sealant on the surface. Clean off any remaining sealant from the surface using a gentle cloth. Keep the sealant from drying on the counter. You might need a sealer to remove in some circumstances. It indicates that the stone has absorbed all the sealer and may also suggest that the ideal sealer has been used. It will give an idea of how to seal marble countertops properly.

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As Necessary, Add More Sealant Coats

You’ll need to apply several coats of sealer if the stone is porous. Fortunately, more absorbent stone requires less time between sealant layers. You should generally apply the second coat of sealant after 15 minutes. In this way, the stone might completely absorb the first coating.

The stone should appear dry before you apply the subsequent layer of sealant if you’re using a solvent-based sealant. The stone may still appear damp with water-based sealants. With all these steps, you will know how to seal marble counter properly. What is decomposed granite stabilizer? Check Out.

How Frequently Should Marble Countertops Be Sealed?

At least once or twice yearly, marble countertops require resealing. Nevertheless, based on several variables, you could need to apply sealant more regularly. It will require more sealant than usual if your kitchen surface is frequently spilled liquids. These fluids rapidly destroy seals and expose the top layer to etching and staining.

Sealing marble must be on your routine maintenance tasks for natural stone countertops. To determine whether to replace your kitchen top’s seal, periodically perform this fast water test:

Pour water onto the stone, allowing it to collect on the top.
Look for any symptoms of darkening; if they appear within 30 minutes, the surface needs to be sealed.
The sealant still protects the countertop if water beads up on the surface.
You could also perform the water test a few weeks after sealing the marble countertop. That ought to help you figure out how frequently you might need to reseal the surface to stop discoloration.

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FAQs

What kind of sealant is ideal for marble countertops?

The ideal option for marble surfaces is an impregnating sealer because they are made to penetrate just below the stone's surface rather than sit on top and inhibit the absorption of staining liquids. They will NOT provide etching protection.

How much does sealing marble countertops cost?

The repair budget is around $200 and $600; labor will cost roughly $75 per hour. Additional sealing to prevent stains can cost between $100 and $200, depending on the type of sealer used and the time needed to apply it.

Does marble get slippery when sealed?

If you use a topical sealer, your marble flooring could become slippery when wet. It is advised to seal your surfaces with a high-quality, invisible, fully breathable impregnating sealer to preserve the appearance and slip resistance of your marble and to avoid damaging moisture from being trapped within the stone.

What happens to marble countertops if they are not sealed?

If your marble is not properly sealed, it could result in permanent discoloration. Consider the following: red wine, tomatoes, and lemon juice are all acidic and weaken unsealed marble. Unsealed marble might be endangered by even something as straightforward as water rings. It should be safe to begin sealing marble countertops.

Can vinegar be used on marble?

Because marble is a natural stone made primarily of calcium carbonate, you should avoid acidic solutions and cleansers. Your marble counter might become scratched or stained by even a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar. Use the most basic cleaning agent you can find on your marble surfaces to prevent this.

Conclusion

Liquids easily absorb a porous rock like marble. The liquids you spill while cooking will eventually seep into the stone and produce stain marks. Naturally, the fading takes place gradually until you are left with an ugly countertop surface for a kitchen. You leave your marble kitchen top open to etching by failing to seal it at least once a year.

However, caring for the countertop every month is preferable to keep it in its original state. Owning a marble countertop entails a regular maintenance chore called sealing. Using a sealer, you may avoid spending money on pricey finishes and prevent stains and etching on the marble countertop. The easiest way to safeguard your marble countertop from pollutants and maintain its aesthetic appeal is to seal it. If you follow the instructions described in this article on how to seal marble counter, you can prevent mistakes while sealing the marble.