Marble countertops are unquestionably one of the most eye-catching pieces that instantly brighten up any kitchen space. But what happens when your once-perfect, newly installed natural stone countertops begin to show signs of wear such as cracks, chips, etching, staining, and other flaws? Fortunately, it is not too late to take action to restore them to their original look. To learn how to seal natural marble counters properly, let’s first look at the damage you’ll encounter in sealing.
Common Types Of Marble Surface Damage
Marble surfaces have a smooth, well-polished appearance when first installed. However, due to daily use and high surface traffic, they can develop surface blemishes that may dull their original gleam. Etching, staining, and scratches are three common surface flaws on marble and granite countertops that detract from their visual appeal.
Etching
When acidic substances come into contact with the surface of marble countertops, etching occurs, leaving a permanent mark that alters the surface finish’s appearance. This is caused by a chemical reaction between acids found in foods and liquids.
Staining
Staining is another type of surface damage brought on by spilled liquids and other unclean substances. Their prolonged contact with the marble leaves behind marks that are usually darker in colour than the finish of any natural marble stone.
Scratches
You might have dropped utensils or tools while working in the kitchen, scratching your surfaces. It’s also possible that you’ve cut or sliced food right on your counters, leaving tiny scratch marks that become hard to ignore over time.
Benefits of Sealing Marble and Natural Stone Surfaces
Although many believe that sealing marble surfaces is unnecessary, this is incorrect. There are several advantages to sealing marble surfaces. For starters, sealing keeps your surface clean and pristine. An exceptional sealing process also enables your countertops to undergo minor restoration and repairs to correct surface blemishes. Most importantly, it guards against etching, staining, scratches, and other types of surface blemishes.
The Sealing Process
If you want to restore the original beauty of your natural and marble stones, you might want to discover how marble sealing works. Here’s a simple guide to properly seal any stone surface around your home:
Clean Natural Stone Surfaces
To ensure your stone finishes are ready, perform all preparation before beginning any sealing project. While this is common practice, some experts advise against cleaning marble surfaces with water before sealing them. Water in the sealing process can corrode a stone sealer, resulting in poor sealing results. Consider using a neutral pH stone cleaner to prep your surface to avoid this.
Protect Kitchen Cabinets and Appliances
After cleaning the stone surfaces, keep the penetrating sealer away from your kitchen’s walls, floors, and cabinets. Cover them when sealing to prevent smudges or stone sealer drips from landing on their surfaces. Masking tape works well for hiding knobs and small spaces, while plastic wrap effectively covers larger surfaces and kitchen appliances.
Apply The First Layer
After completing all the pre-sealing work, you can apply the first coat of marble sealer. You can also begin with smaller sections of your stone surfaces to practice. You can use a brush to guide your first strokes, and as you gain confidence, you can switch to an applicator pad. Then, let the first coat sit and dry for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
Follow-up With A Second Coat
If you still see some unsightly imperfections after applying the first coat of your stone sealer, don’t be concerned. The second coat will cover these flaws and other minor wear indicators successfully. Before applying the next coat, the first coat must be completely dry. Once the first coat has dried, you can apply the second coat using the same method. Give the second layer an additional 15 to 20 minutes to dry after.
Polishing Marble Finishes
Complete the sealing process by polishing your marble surfaces after the second coating has completely dried. You can eliminate extra sealant by polishing marble stones and buffing them clean. To keep your surfaces neat, use a microfiber cloth or any other type of towel to clean them. After you’ve finished, leave your marble surfaces overnight, and prepare to be amazed by the results the next day.
The Final Takeaway
While performing the marble sealing process on your own may appear simple, it may not be for everyone. If you want to keep your marble surfaces in pristine condition but don’t have the time, why not hire a professional marble sealing expert to do the job for you? Expert marble sealing will save you time and effort in achieving the polished surface you have always desired.
Looking for superior marble sealing?
Clean Seal Australia offers a comprehensive range of natural stone and marble sealing services suitable for various surface textures and finishes. With over a decade of stone sealing experience, we have helped countless Melbourne clients achieve their ideal surface finish. Learn how we can help you achieve superior stone sealing results that fit your style and needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to request a free quote on the best marble sealing service for your surfaces.
We're The Right Company To Restore Your Natural Stone
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