All-natural stone, including marble, can stain if it is not properly sealed. Buying your marble from a reputable and experienced stone supplier will guarantee they are knowledgeable with sealing natural stone. Sealing stone makes it impervious to liquids that stain such as wine and highly acidic foods. Rarely if ever, will you experience a mark that is difficult to remove. However, a solution of 1part bleach and 2 parts water applied with a cloth and left to stand on the stones surface for approx. 15 minutes should remove it. Repeat the process again if necessary,
Yes, you certainly can as it is not an arduous task. The application is applied much like furniture polish. Depending on the type and finish of your stone, you are best to contact your natural stone supplier for expertise on high-quality sealers.
Typically every 15-25 years, if ever again. Only when countertops are showing signs of absorbing liquids or becoming pervious. If liquids bead on top of stone then you will not need to reseal, in fact resealing countertops too often can cause a film to buildup on top of the stone’s surface. If in doubt, contact an experienced stone expert for an appropriate sealer.
No, as long as your marble was properly sealed. Marble and wine have been used together for centuries!
Yes, marble can etch as it is naturally composed of calcium carbonate, making it susceptible to etching from high acid foods or liquids, like lemons or wine. An etch is not a stain but a dull mark that can appear from acid left on the stone’s surface. However, an etch is not a permanent mark and will gradually dissipate and disappear over time from daily use and cleaning of counters. Or it can be immediately removed by refinishing or re-polishing the stone’s surface. A reputable stone dealer will be able to show you what an etch looks like and how to minimize etching if you have an issue with it. Our recommendation is having a honed finish rather than a high polish finish for countertop use in the kitchen. Not only will this minimize the appearance of etching but also compliments the marble’s appearance as it develops its own patina.
Certainly not, we recommend it. Homes all over the world have been using marble in kitchens, for hundreds of years. The advantage of using marble is that there are no toxic resins, staining, fading, burning, or maintenance, a very durable choice.
With typical countertop use, no. However, if you are faced with a scratch, it will gradually disappear over time from the daily use and wiping down. Or rather, it can be polished or honed away immediately. If a chip occurs, keep the piece and contact your local natural stone expert to fix it.
No maintenance, just dish soap, and water after use, just like any other kinds of countertops. Do not use any chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Pros & Cons of
Natural Stone Products
MATERIALS | MARBLE | GRANITE | QUARTZITE | TERRAZZO | QUARTZ | PORCELAIN TILE |
Natural | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES |
Staining | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Durability | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
Scratches | NO (Regular Use) | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Etching | YES | NO | Some Types | NO | NO | NO |
Chipping | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
Fading | NO | NO | NO | NO | YES | NO |
Water Resistant | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
Heat Resistant | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES |
Maintenance Free | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |