Seal your natural stone to protect its beauty and durability. Natural stones are an aesthetic and robust option for many uses in houses and commercial buildings. Marble countertops with an suitable finish, granite floors with extraordinary compressive strength, and all kinds of other stones infuse individual and remarkable personality to whatever space they inhabit. To preserve them in good shape, however, good sealing and upkeep is necessary. Learn how to properly clean Egyptian marble and granite to prevent stains, enhance longevity, and maintain a flawless finish in this essential guide.
This guide will give you all you need to know about natural stone sealing, specifically with regards to Egyptian marble and granite.
Why You Should Seal Natural Stones?
Natural stones like marble & granite are hygroscopic, they are relatively porous units that absorb the moisture from surrounding enviromnent. These stones can absorb liquids and stains, which may damage their look and strength over time. Sealing adds a protective layer to keep them safe from spills, dirt, and grime.
Benefits of cleaning Natural Stones:
- Stain Resistance: Maintaining reduces the possibility of contamination by food and beverage as well as by foreign material.
- Longevity: cleaning can preserve the lifespan of your stone surfaces, keeping them from damage in the process.
- Easier Cleaning: Closed stones are easier to clean, because they do not allow soil and soot to penetrate between the stone surface.
- Enhanced Appearance: When a good seal is applied, it can be used to accentuate the natural features and coloration of the stone.
Understanding Different Types of Natural Stones
To examining cleaning methods, you should clarify the different kinds of natural stone. Each type is different and that may call for a different cleaning technique.
1. Marble
Appearance: Marble is famous for its beautiful look and thanks to the very different patterns of its veins.
Porosity: It has higher porosity than granite which consequently increases the risk of stains.
Common Uses: Marble is often used for countertops, flooring, and wall cladding.
2. Granite
Appearance: Granite looks granular, and has a broad spectrum of colours and patterns.
Porosity: It is less porous than marble, but still needs maintaining.
Common Uses: Granite is used for kitchen counters, flooring, and outdoor surfaces.
Selecting the Right Sealant: Penetrating or Surface sealers
1. Penetrating
- How They Work: Penetrating the stone these cleaners and ending the pores creates a liquid barrier.
- Advantages: They have no effect on the look of the stone and hence it can breathe.
- Best For: Ideal for porous stones like marble.
2. Surface
- How They Work: These cleaners create a protective coating on the stone’s surface.
- Advantages: They provide a glossy finish and can enhance color.
- Best For: Suitable for polished granite and stones where a high shine is desired.
3. Eco-Friendly Sealers
Consideration: Many eco-friendly options based on natural materials are increasingly used by many homeowners and builders. These are safer for the environment and your family.
When to Maintain Natural Stones
The type of stone and its use determines the frequency of cleaning.
General Guidelines:
- Marble: Every 6 to 12 months.
- Granite: At approximately 1 to 3 years of age, as needed, depending on use and exposure.
- High-Use Areas: Products such as kitchen tops and floors may need to be sealed more often.
Testing for Need to Maintain
A straightforward water test can be used to assess whether your stone requires to be sealed. Here’s how:
- Drop Water: Drop a few drops of water onto the stone surface.
- Wait: Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Check: If the beads form, then the clean works. Once the agent starts to penetrate the stone, it’s resealing time.
Preparing for Sealing
Before applying any cleaner, preparation is key. Follow these steps to ensure the best results:
1. Clean the Surface
- Use the Right Cleaner: Apply an acid-free stone cleaner for natural stones. Do not use acidic or abrasive cleaners as this may damage the surface.
- Scrub Gently: Clean the surface using a soft cloth or sponge and removing all dirt, grease and grime.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Wash the surface with clean water and thoroughly dry.
2. Allow to Dry
Before applying the cleaner, the stone should be wholly dry. This could involve hours, depending on stone type and moisture content.
How to Seal Natural Stones?
After the surface has been prepared, the cleaner should be applied. Follow these steps for proper application:
1. Choose a Suitable Applicator
- Applicator Options: Applies brush, roller or spray applicator, according to the size and surface shape.
- For Large Areas: A roller can cover larger surfaces quickly, while a brush is great for edges and corners.
2. Apply the Cleaner
- Start Small: Work in small sections to ensure even coverage.
- Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Coat the cleaner as directed on the label. Most cleaners recommend applying a thin, even coat.
3. Allow to Penetrate
- Let it Soak: Allow the cleaner to penetrate the stone for the recommended time, usually around 5 to 15 minutes.
- Wipe Excess: Following soaking, remove excess sealant with clean cloth. This avoids the accumulation of a tacky residue on the surface.
4. Allow to Cure
- Cure Time: Let the sealant cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It may take several hours or several days.
- Avoid Water Exposure: Dried out, keep the area dry and do not wet the area during the curing period.
Maintaining Sealed Natural Stones
After cleaning your stones, maintenance is also vital to maintain attractiveness. Here are some tips for ongoing care:
1. Regular Cleaning
- Daily Care: Clean surfaces with a damp wipe daily to clear off dust and debris.
- Weekly Cleaning: Weekly use of a pH-balanced cleaner to wash away any accumulation without damaging the seal.
2. Immediate Spill Cleanup
- Quick Action: Wipe up spills immediately to prevent stains, especially from acidic substances like vinegar, lemon juice, or wine.
- Use a Soft Cloth: Using a soft cloth should be insured to prevent scratching the surface.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
- Chemical-Free Cleaners: Do not use bleach, ammonia, or acidic cleaners as they will contaminate the sealant and the stone.
- Use Natural Solutions: A mild dish soap containing mild liquid can be used to clean stone surfaces.
4. Reapply Sealant as Needed
- Monitor for Wear: Keep an eye on the sealant’s effectiveness. If water starts to penetrate the surface, it’s time to reseal.
- Follow a Schedule: Follow the recommended sealing schedule according to your stone type and application.
For more granite maintainance tips read this article: 10 Tips to Seal Granite
For more marble maintainance tips read this article: 10 Tips for Marble Maintaninance
Understanding the Costs of Sealing and Maintenance
Investing in good sealing and upkeep for natural stone will pay out in the long run. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:
1. Sealer Costs
Average Price: Sealers of good quality are available within the range of $15 to $50 per quart, within the variation of the brand and of the type.
Coverage: A quart will usually accommodate something between 100 and 150 square feet.
2. Professional Services
Professional Sealing: Costing of professional stone sealing, ranging from $0.50 to $2.00, per sq.ft. is depending on the type and area size of the stone.
3. Cleaning Products
Cost of Cleaners: PH-balanced cleaners may vary from $10-$30 per bottle and generally can be used for several months with frequency of use.
4. Long-Term Savings
Preventing Damage: By making it a habit to seal regularly, the repair costs associated with stains, scratches, and wear will be cut and will represent thousands saving over the long term.
Conclusion
Natural stones such as marble, granite, Egyptian marble, and Egyptian granite contain unmatched elegance and strength. Yet, for their good looks they require adequate sealing and maintenance. If you select the proper sealant, apply it correctly, and upkeep your stone surfaces properly, you can have the beauty of natural stones for years to come.
To homeowners, builders and interior designers, knowledge of these fundamental practices will not only beautify spaces but will save on investments in natural stone also. But remember, a healthy stone finish is more than just an outlay, it’s a lasting commitment to fine artistry and to beauty in your home or commercial building.