Marble is a beautiful yet soft natural stone. When installing marble, you know that it is a considerable investment to the home. Therefore, every homeowner wants it to last. One of the key steps in protecting marble stone is to reseal its surface. The sealer helps to protect marble and extend the life of the stone. As many know marble is a soft stone. On the hardness scale it ranges at a 4 with 10 being the highest. To prevent damaging marble it is important to know when it is time to reseal the stone. Carpet Care 2000 will share how often marble should be resealed to ensure the longevity of the stone.
Why Seal Marble Countertops, Backsplashes, Shower, Floors etc?
The sealer serves many purposes. However, its main usage is to protect the stone. Marble can be scratched very easily. Simply moving a cup across the stone surface can scratch its surface. Not only does marble scratch easily, it is also susceptible to acidic substances and erodes quickly. There are a number of foods and drinks that contain high levels of acid such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, wines and coffee. Even tap water contains some amounts of acidic properties. The sealer provides a barrier that prevents liquids and acidic substances from entering into the pores of the stone. Additionally, the sealer can ward off scratches in most cases. Heavy items can still penetrate the sealer and scratch the stone.
Marble Water Absorbency Test
As it is important to maintain the marble’s sealer, then the next step is knowing when to have the stone resealed. In most cases it is a good practice to reseal marble stone every 3 to 6 months. However, there is a simple test you can perform to know if the sealer is thinning or weakening. Follow these basic steps to test the sealer.
• Step 1. Pour about ¼ cup of water on a small area on the marble.
• Step 2. Wait 5 to 10 minutes and then wipe the water off the stone.
• Step 3. Dry the area with a soft cloth.
Look closely at the area you just tested. If the stone looks darker, then the stone is retaining the moisture. If you have a dark spot the sealer is no good and is due for a new coat of sealer. When the marble requires the need to be resealed, it is recommended to seek professional assistance. There are a few steps to strip the old sealer off safely and to clean and purify the marble before applying a new sealer. If these steps are not done properly you can be applying a sealer over acidic substances that will erode the stone underneath the sealer. Additionally, a professional service can also buff and polish the surface, removing the small scratches that may be on the stone’s surface. This ensures a smooth surface. The smoother the surface the less likely particles and liquids will become trapped.
Tile & Natural Stone Cleaning, Sealing & More in Tracy, Livermore, San Ramon, Dublin, Mountain House, Walnut Creek, Danville & the East Bay of California
If you have marble in your home you want to prolong its beauty which requires professional cleaning and sealing services. Carpet Care 2000 provides natural stone cleaning, sealing, and more. Contact Carpet Care 2000 and schedule our services today.
