What does sealing natural stone actually do?
Marble, limestone, travertine and granite are porous to different degrees. A penetrating sealer soaks into those pores below the surface so liquids soak in more slowly, which gives you time to wipe up spills before they stain. Sealer does not make stone stain-proof, and it does not stop acids from etching marble.
How often should marble be sealed?
It depends. Floors and counters that get heavy traffic, frequent spills or regular cleaning generally need resealing sooner than a rarely used surface. The sealer product matters too, so the manufacturer's label is the best guide for that product. Because sealer wears down gradually, testing the surface is more reliable than counting months.
How can I tell if my stone needs sealing again?
Put a few drops of water on the surface in a place that is out of the way. If the water beads up, the sealer is still working. If the spot darkens and the water soaks in, the stone is absorbing liquid and is due for attention. Check several areas, since high-use spots wear out first.
Do all stone surfaces need sealing?
Not equally. Marble, limestone, travertine and many granites are usually sealed. Some dense granites absorb very little. Engineered quartz is generally non-porous and usually does not need sealing, but check the manufacturer's instructions for your product. Grout is porous as well and often needs sealing along with tile and stone.
What should I do before resealing?
- Clean the surface with a stone-safe cleaner and let it dry fully
- Follow the sealer label for application, wait times and cure time
- Remember that sealing a floor that is already dull or etched will not bring the shine back
If the surface is dull as well as unsealed, see why marble floors go dull.
When should I call a pro?
General advice only goes so far, because the right fix depends on the stone, how deep the damage goes and how the surface is used. If you are not sure what you are looking at, or the damage is more than light wear, a stone professional can look at it before anything is done that cannot be undone. See our stone and grout cleaning and sealing page, or request an estimate.
A1 Stone Care cleans and seals marble, natural stone, tile and grout. We work across all of Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties) and all five NYC boroughs. Call or text photos to (631) 939-9655.
