Marble and Granite Sealers
There is much truth in the saying, – ‘prevention is better than cure’ - and this does not just apply to one’s health, but importantly, for such applications as marble and granite protection, too. Ensuring long-term, durability, efficiency and life of such materials, requires an indispensable, product – marble and granite sealers. However, first things first, because there are some facts you will need to know about sealing, and some critical questions to ask yourself. Read on.
Stone Sealer. FAQ
Do I really need a sealer?
Well, if your consultant says you don’t … you don’t! However, before selecting the marble or granite, there is a simple test that you can do to convince yourself. Sprinkle several drops of water on the surface of the stone and then note how long it takes before they are completely invisible. Less than a minute, reveals high porosity, up to 4 minutes will mean the stone is still porous. If absorption takes a longer time, you will have your answer.
What will my stone be exposed to?
This will depend on where it will be located. Countertops in your kitchen may be exposed to an oil, soda, food stains, whereas, your bathroom or vanity would be exposed to a cosmetic, toiletry, soap stains.
What will my stone look like after sealing?
First of all, you should decide what surface finish you wish to have. You may want a hone or matte finish, semi-gloss finish or, may be a high-gloss look. The choice, of course, is yours. Either way, there are appropriate marble and granite sealers to suit your choice of finish. If you have decided to go in for sealing your marble or granite stone, it will be time to learn about which sealer will be ideal for your needs.
Which sealer should I use, and why?
There are primarily two types of penetrating sealers, “Regular‘’ sealer and “Color Enhancer” sealer, and you may choose either of the two, depending on the type of stone and finishing you’ve selected.
Regular Sealer.
This sealer is specifically meant for penetrating stone surfaces. It
provides deep, inner protection to the entire structure of the stone,
below the surface, but does not change stone appearance. It is recommended
for light colored, calcareous, natural stones such as marble, onyx,
limestone or travertine. This sealer can prevent surface staining caused
by oil, dirt and soil. This sealer is available in water and solvent-based,
formulations.
Color enhancer sealer.
Recommended for dark marble or granite and provides efficient stain
resistance. However, before applying this sealer, it is important to
first check whether it has been specified for marble or granite. It
may slightly alter the color of marble, but can raise the kind of shine
finish that you may be seeking.
As granite and marble vary in porous density, it is extremely important
to check application instructions of the particular sealer before purchase
or usage, or consult a stone professional. Finally, the decision to
seal, or not to seal, your marble or granite, leaves with you. Having
invested a lot of money in such materials may be one big reason why
you cannot, and should not, ignore the use of a sealer. Spare a moment.
Think!
