How Often to Seal Marble Countertops to Prevent Damage

How Often Should You Seal Marble Countertops To Avoid Etching And Everyday Wear?

Why Marble Countertops Are Always in Style

There’s a reason marble has been a design favorite for centuries. Natural beauty, unique veining, and luxurious feel make marble a stunning choice for any home. Beyond its elegance, marble also offers impressive longevity when properly sealed and maintained, staying pristine and polished for years to come. As a full-service, custom tile and marble installation provider, the A&E Tile and Marble team knows how to transform almost any space into something exceptional — often in places you may not have considered. Here is an insight into sealing marble countertops.

Below, we'll explain how often you need to seal marble countertops to keep them looking as elegant as the day they were installed—while also protecting your investment.

How Often To Seal Marble

Marble should be sealed during installation so it will be protected right from the start. After that, you should reseal your marble every six to 12 months to keep it looking shiny and new—and sometimes even sooner. Sealers can be stripped off when you use abrasive cleaning products or tools, leaving the marble exposed to the elements. Many all-purpose household cleaners are acidic and can also etch your marble, dulling the surface.

Testing If It's Time To Seal

You can easily test whether your marble is properly sealed with water. Pour a few drops of water in several spots around the counter, especially those areas that get heavy use. If the marble absorbs the water within 30 minutes, it's time to seal. You may also notice dark spots in locations where water is beginning to sink into the stone.

How To Seal Marble

If you have stains or damage that needs fixing, calling a professional may be the best course of action. But you can also choose to seal a marble countertop yourself. You will need a stone cleaning product, microfiber cloths, and a stone sealer that is labeled for marble. Here's what to do:

Step 1: Clean The Marble

Apply the stone cleaning product and use clean cloths to thoroughly remove all residue, dirt, and debris from your counter. Some products may require rinsing with water afterward. Use a dry cloth to wipe off excess moisture and allow to dry completely. Otherwise, you may end up trapping moisture in the stone when you seal.

Step 2: Apply Sealer

Pour sealer onto a cloth or directly on the countertop and spread it evenly over the surface so that all areas are wet. Now comes the tricky part: Watch your countertop carefully over the next 10 minutes, and rewet any areas that begin to dry. You want to prevent the sealer from drying, at which point it will begin to cure.

Step 3: Buff The Countertop

Using another dry, clean cloth, wipe and buff the surface of the counter. If you notice any streaks while buffing, rewet those areas and buff again.

Step 4: Allow To Cure

Once your countertop has a nice, even shine, you should allow the sealer to dry for the minimum time indicated on the label. Ventilating the space may help it cure faster.

Tips To Preserve Your Seal

Follow these tips to preserve the seal on your marble:

Wipe up spills immediately, especially chemicals and acidic ingredients that can stain like tomato sauce, wine, and coffee.
Don't use cleaners that include vinegar, citrus, or other acidic ingredients. Use one labeled for stone surfaces instead.
Don't clean marble with brushes, scouring pads, or scrubber sponges. Abrasive tools can damage the marble.
If your family likes to eat at the counter, use placemats to help catch spills before they become a problem.
In the bathroom, don't store your manicure set or other potentially staining materials on the counter.

Marble countertops are an investment in timeless beauty, durability, and value for your home, and A&E Tile and Marble has the expertise and craftsmanship to bring your vision to life. With decades of combined experience, our team delivers precision, creativity, and unmatched attention to detail on every project. Elevate your home with custom marble and tile work. Contact A&E Tile and Marble today for your free estimate, and let’s start building your dream space. Call us at 703.772.1836 and join our IG community!

Reference: [ https://www.southernliving.com/how-often-should-you-seal-marble-countertops-11742523 ]