Stone countertops need to be sealed to protect against a variety of factors like staining, moisture, damage, and wear. Unsealed countertops may soak up spills, oils, and cleaners that cause permanent discoloration. Sealers sit just below the surface to stop liquids from penetrating. Here are reasons why marble countertops and other stone surfaces should be sealed:
Reduce Water Absorption
Marble surfaces are porous, meaning they can absorb water unless they are sealed. Without a sealant, moisture penetration can cause dark spots to form and promote the growth of mildew, negatively impacting both the appearance and hygiene of the surface. Sealing creates a protective barrier that blocks water from being absorbed by the stone, helping to preserve its original appearance and structural integrity. Stones like granite absorb water, which leads to cracking over time. Regular sealing makes stone countertops the right material for kitchens exposed to liquids.
Protect Against Wear and Tear
Frequent use of stone surfaces leads to scratches, etching, and dulling from contact with utensils and cleaning products. Sealing helps harden the surface, increasing durability. The sealer fills natural pits and fissures to create a smooth barrier. This limits wear marks and gouges on high-use counters. With sealing, your stone countertops can offer long-lasting beauty and utility.
Simplify Cleaning and Preserve Aesthetic Value
Unsealed countertops often have porous surfaces that trap dirt and grime, making cleaning more challenging and time-consuming. These surfaces require extra scrubbing and the use of harsh cleaning chemicals to remove debris embedded in the pores. Sealing the countertop fills these pores, preventing dirt from settling and allowing debris to remain on the surface for easier removal. Liquids will pool on sealed surfaces rather than being absorbed, enabling quick and simple wiping. By sealing marble countertops, maintaining a clean and hygienic kitchen becomes more efficient.
Exposure to sunlight, heat, moisture, and chemicals causes countertops to lose their original color over time. Granite turns dull and dreary when left unsealed. The right sealer brings out the stone’s natural tones, veining, and luster. Sealing helps retain visual appeal even with exposure to everyday kitchen elements.
Stop Bacterial Contamination
Kitchen surfaces contact foods and moisture that can introduce bacteria, mold, and mildew. Sealing granite and other porous stones retail these microbes below the surface where they can’t grow. Bacteria protection makes sealed stone countertops more hygienic. Kitchens should provide a sanitary environment for food preparation. Sealing offers another safeguard against contamination of stone counters.
Increase Marble Countertop Lifespans
Without sealing, stone countertops wear faster from stains, water damage, and surface erosion. Sealers strengthen the material so surfaces withstand heavy use. Sealing reduces the risk of refinishing or replacing prematurely aged stone. Early sealing helps countertops retain a like-new look year after year. Sealing is part of your routine maintenance and extends the functional life of your kitchen countertops.
Ask a Provider of Marble Countertops About Care
Help your marble countertops stay polished and perform well by keeping up with regular sealing. By repelling stains and moisture, sealers strengthen the stone and make it easier to clean. Sealing granite brings out its beauty and prevents material degradation. Contact a sealing professional to discuss the right sealer for your specific countertops. Discuss a sealing schedule based on your countertops’ usage and material type. Schedule your sealing service today to begin preserving your stone surfaces.
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