My sister is frustrated trying to get an answer to whether or not you should seal marble countertops. I told her I’d find out, so here I am asking the all knowing SigForum.

The reason for the question is her countertops get water stains. I don’t know much about the type of marble but it’s mostly white with grayish streaks. The surface is more of a matte finish.

Does anyone have experience with marble countertops and sealants? Any recommendations?

Thanks!

Yes, absolutely. They May need to be done ever 6 months depending on what’s used. SenGuard says it’s a permanent sealer. It’s what was used on my granite and held up well so far.

Make sure to follow surface prep to the absolute

I bought a new house in April and the builder recommended it. I re-did the seal last week with Stone Care.

Marble is a porous stone so, generally yes; test a small area. If it was custom done, find out from the contractor.

Porosity varies with type of stone, and finish.
And from one top to another, even with same type and finish.

Test by leaving a drop on the counter and see if it beads and how long it stays before being absorbed.

I have a polished granite that was installed and sealed almost five years ago and it will bead water until it evaporates. (I did a test with a glass and the water stayed for days).

But, the water is so heavy with minerals, I do my best to keep it wiped dry.

Thanks for the feedback.
I’ll pass it along to my sister.

On my granite counter tops Ive been using car wax. Has worked quite well.

ABSOLUTELY. Marble stains super easy compared to granite and sealing them is an absolute must.

There are different types of sealers.

There are a couple that are marketed as lifetime.

The person that put it on wore a respirator type mask and used a buffer to put it on.

It has been on two years and looks new and is guaranteed for life.

Not that I think any of the companies will be around in a couple of decades.

If you intend to seal it, it is a good way to go.

Marble for sure needs sealing as does granite. We went with Quartz as it is not porous and needs no sealing unless you care to do it to make it shinny. Quite a bit more expensive though.

We went with quartz also on our remodel. The countertop guys never mentioned anything about needing to seal them. They are basically pure white.
Probably gonna go with quartz on the new place when we build.