Marble is a great counter material. The natural look of marble is often copied. In fact, there is an endless amount of composite stone counters that have faux marble finishes. These finishes are printed and the patterns are repeated, so they never look as good as real marble. Nonetheless, some people still choose composite products because they are cheaper and they don't need to be sealed. Marble, on the other hand, does need to be sealed every few years. This article explains why and how you should reseal your marble.
Why Do You Need To Reseal Marble?
Marble must be sealed because it's porous. Most people are surprised to find out that marble is a relatively soft natural stone and that it is porous. For example, most marble has an MOH (measure of hardness) rating of 3-4 (out of 10), while granite is usually rated at 7 or higher. This means that it can scratch quite easily, even if most small scratches are not visible. The porous texture also means that the stone can absorb water. This makes it vulnerable to bacteria buildup and the formation of mold. These problems are most pronounced on kitchen countertops, where raw food and moisture are always coming in contact with the marble. In fact, marble is not the most practical kitchen counter choice, and you definitely do not want to cut directly on it.
Resealing marble is vital because it fills the pores and prevents the formation of mold and bacteria. It will not significantly prevent scratching, but a recently sealed marble counter is going to be a little less likely to pick up small scratches.
How To Seal Marble
Marble sealant itself is a little expensive. Some products cost about $100, and a container is only big enough for one or two counters. However, the actual process of resealing marble is very easy, and some people choose to do it themselves. First, you need to clean your marble and remove any stains or dried-up food. When the counter is dry, you can pour the marble sealant right onto it. Use rags to spread it around and make sure every square inch gets wet. Let the sealant soak in for a set amount of time (read the instructions on the bottle for the exact time). Then use a new, dry rag to rub away the film that will have formed as the sealant dried. Most products suggest applying at least two coats.
For more information or for help with marble sealing, contact companies like OC Marble Restoration.
