The natural beauty of marble comes with one hidden flaw that many homeowners have learned the hard way. While ceramic or porcelain do not need sealing, marble is known to be naturally porous which means that a sealer will seal it, this is essential – not suggested but crucial for the protection of your investment.
Why Marble Demands Protection
Unsealed marble behaves like a sponge, soaking up any spills, oils and moisture that lead to staining or structural deterioration if not cleaned in time. Spilled coffee, wine or plain old water can cause staining that even professional restoration may not be able to eliminate completely. Additionally, the calcium carbonate in marble reacts with acidic substances to produce etching that cannot be repaired and permanently dulls the surface.
The Sealing Schedule
Grout sealer is for protecting new installations and it should be used before service. It helps to keep grouting from staining stone. Seal after installation, and reseal once every 12-18 months in kitchens and bathrooms; decorative walls can be sealed less frequently (every few years). For Marble Tiles, visit https://www.irwintiles.ie/marble-stone-tiles
Testing Time
Do the water test each year, by dropping some onto the surface. If it dries in 10-15 minutes, reseal. Sealers of good quality resist water for a minimum of 30 minutes on well sealed marble.
Professional vs DIY
There are the topical sealers that homeowners can apply but usually, penetrating sealers need to be professionally applied for best results. This investment pays in dividends and extends the life of marble by numerous folds as well as keeps up the beautiful appearance.
If you skip the sealing of marble, it will result in costly repair or replacement, not saving money but wasting a large bit on repairs. Standard sealing helps protect your investment and keep decades of marble beauty.