There is significant debate about whether marble and granite countertops need sealing and, for those that do, how often. To determine if your stone needs sealing, follow this simple test:
- Pour a tablespoon of regular tap water onto the countertop and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Wipe away the water with a dry cloth.
- Check if the stone has darkened.
If the stone darkens, it needs sealing. If there is no color change, the stone is adequately sealed.
Keep in mind that the need for a sealer depends on the stone’s porosity, which varies by type. Most granite is very dense and requires less frequent sealing. Some types, such as Black Absolute granite, shouldn’t be sealed at all. Marble, especially lighter colors, is more porous and benefits more from sealing.
It’s important to note that sealer protects against staining but not etching. Stains from substances like red wine won’t penetrate if the stone is sealed, but acidic substances can still cause etching, leaving marks on the surface.
For information on protecting against etching, follow this link to learn about our stone protection services.