Guide
Sealing fills the pores of the stone so liquids stay on the surface longer. It does not make marble stain-proof or stop etching. Here is how to do it.
01
Drop some water on the surface. If it beads and stays for several minutes, the seal is working. If it darkens the stone quickly, reseal. On a basin in daily use, that is usually once or twice a year.
02
Use an impregnating (penetrating) sealer made for natural stone. Avoid topical coatings, which sit on the surface and wear unevenly.
03
Clean the stone and let it dry fully, ideally overnight. Apply the sealer with a lint-free cloth. Leave it for the time on the label, usually 10 to 20 minutes. Wipe off all excess. Let it cure, usually 24 hours, before use.
Questions
When the water test fails. For basins, often once or twice a year.
No. Etching is a chemical reaction with acid. Sealing only slows staining.
Yes. Travertine is more absorbent, so it may need more frequent sealing.
Related