Due to its porosity, it’s no secret you need to seal marble. The big question is, how often should you seal marble countertops? Should you seal them daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly?
Marble is softer than other natural stones, so it’s more susceptible to scratches and less resistant to acids, so it requires more frequent sealing.
The frequency at which you seal the countertops depends on their use. If you have a family and regularly use the countertops, seal them more often than a bachelor that rarely uses their countertops.
There is no definite oftenness when you should seal the countertops but most experts agree you should seal the countertops once at the time of installation then at least once every 3-6 months.
How do you know your countertops are ripe for sealing?
The good news is it’s easy to tell when your countertops need sealing, as all you need is a water test. To do the test, pour ¼ cup of water onto a small area then wait 5-10 minutes then wipe off the water with a paper towel or soft cloth.
If the area shows any discoloration or darkness compared to the rest of the countertops, it’s time to seal the surfaces.
Do you have to hire a professional to do the sealing?
The answer to this question is yes and no. If you have the skills, you can do the sealing by yourself, but if you have a large kitchen and looking for an expert touch, hire a professional to help you out.
If you opt to do the work by yourself, follow the right process to get ideal results.
Step 1
Start with clearing the counters of any items present, then use a damp cloth to wipe down the counters so they are free of dust and other particulates. For even better results, clean the countertops with a cleaning solution specifically designed for marble.
Step 2
Once the countertops are clean and dry, apply the sealer. You only need to spray a generous amount of it on the countertops, ensuring you cover the entire countertop surface.
If you have a large kitchen, work in sections so you don’t get overwhelmed or lose track of the areas you have already applied the sealer to.
Step 3
Once you have covered the entire surface, let the sealer dry while observing its condition for at least 15 minutes. If the sealer soaks into the pores and crevices before 15 minutes erupt, apply more sealer and repeat.
If after 15 minutes there is a sealer left on the surface, wipe it off. It’s common for the sealer to dry on the surface before you can wipe it. If this happens to you, don’t fret. Simply spray more sealer, wait a few minutes, then wipe it up.
Step 4
After applying the sealer you will have done with your project but don’t rush to use the countertops. Instead, leave them alone for at least 24 hours for the sealer to get to the bottom of the surfaces. Giving the surfaces time also ensures the seal stays in place without being compromised.
Other ways to keep your marble in top shape
Besides sealing it, there are plenty of other things you can do to keep your countertops in top shape. Some of these things include:
Wipe the spills as soon as they happen
Even if you have sealed the countertops, there is the risk of the countertops staining when they are exposed to liquids for a long time. To prevent this from happening, make it a habit to wipe the spills as soon as they happen.
Whether it’s soda, coffee, fruit juices or any other liquid, wipe it with a sponge, paper towel, or soft cloth as soon as it happens. To have an easy time, have a hand towel on the countertops at all times.
Other than spills, you also should make it a habit to clear stains as soon as you notice them.
Use coasters, trivets, cutting boards, and placemats
These items create a barrier between the countertops, hence protecting your kitchen countertops Raleigh from damage. By having the items on your surfaces you prevent scratches, etches, and burn marks from occurring and scarring your precious marble.