Marble is a stunning natural stone that adds elegance and beauty to any space. To ensure its longevity and preserve its pristine appearance, proper sealing is essential. At Spirit Sealers, we specialize in providing high-quality sealing and cleaning products for the stone and tile industry. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of sealing marble to enhance its durability and protect it from potential damage.

Pre-Sealing

In certain circumstances, pre-sealing is recommended, especially when moisture-sensitive stone is used in specific environments. This includes shower bases, areas around swimming pools, instances where dark grout is used on light-colored stone, or when the stone has high porosity. At the very least, we recommend pre-sealing the face and sides of the stone. For comprehensive coverage, you can dip-seal the stone, ensuring all six sides are covered with Spirit Pre Seal. Our product instructions provide various application methods such as dipping, spraying, or using a microfiber applicator. If you have any doubts about pre-sealing, please contact Spirit Sealers for guidance. Remember, it’s crucial to avoid stacking drying stones without proper airflow and remove any excess sealer within 5 minutes.

Initial Cleaning/Grout Haze Removal

Once the marble is laid, grouted, and washed, a grout residue or haze may remain. It’s recommended to wait for 3-4 days to allow the grout to harden before attempting to remove the haze. During this period, if any other trades are still working over or near the stone, it’s advised to keep the floor and walls protected. For the initial cleaning, you’ll need Spirit Neutral Cleaner, Spirit Doodlebug, a bucket, broom, and mop. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming the area to remove loose debris. Dilute Spirit Neutral Cleaner with clean water (20 parts water to 1 part cleaner and apply it to the area that needs cleaning. Use a broom to evenly distribute the solution, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Allow the solution to sit for 2-3 minutes, adding more cleaner if necessary to keep it wet. It’s important to clean in manageable sections.

Next, scrub the area with a Spirit Doodlebug, a versatile scouring pad set that can be attached to a broom handle for easy cleaning in hard-to-reach areas. Apply gentle pressure while scrubbing to remove the grout haze effectively. Once the area is scrubbed, use a dense mop to remove the cleaning solution and rinse the area with clean water. If you have access to a wet/dry vacuum, it’s ideal for removing the dirty water. Avoid using any acid-based cleaners on marble surfaces as they can cause etching. In cases where the grout haze is heavy or has been left for an extended period, you may use a light dilution of Spirit HDC followed by a rinse with Spirit Neutral Cleaner.

Sealing

After the marble is clean and dry, it’s time to proceed with the final sealing process. It’s highly recommended to use a breathable penetrating sealer to allow the stone to maintain its natural characteristics. Spirit Sealers offers several suitable options, including Spirit Premium Seal, Spirit NPS, and Spirit Water-Based Premium Seal. For highly honed and polished finishes, Spirit Premium Seal and Spirit NPS are the recommended choices. If you want to bring out the natural color of the stone, Spirit Colour Enhancer Pro can be used.

To seal the marble, you’ll need the following materials: the chosen sealer, Spirit Microfibre Applicator, clean white rags, gloves, a respirator, and a solvent suitable tray for solvent-based sealers. Apply two coats of the sealer, allowing approximately 1 hour of drying time between each coat. It’s crucial to follow the directions on the sealer’s packaging closely to achieve optimal results. Keep in mind that penetrating sealers won’t prevent surface etching or scuffing.

Maintenance and Re-Sealing

To maintain the sealed marble, regular cleaning with Spirit Neutral Cleaner is recommended. This will help keep the stone looking its best. Periodically, depending on the level of traffic and wear, you can clean the stone with Spirit HDC or Spirit Bright As. It’s important to avoid using harsh cleaning methods or high-pressure cleaners as they can affect the sealer’s performance and potentially damage the substrate. Spirit Sealers has formulated cleaners specifically for the stone and tile industry, ensuring optimal compatibility and protection.

When it comes to re-sealing, several factors come into play. The location and traffic of the sealed area will determine the frequency of re-sealing. Commercial areas with high traffic and daily cleaning may require more frequent re-sealing than domestic areas. Outdoor areas, high-traffic internal spaces, and shower cubicles also tend to need  re-sealing more often. Proper maintenance practices, including using suitable cleaners, will significantly impact the longevity of the sealer and the protection it provides.

Conclusion

Sealing marble is a crucial step in maintaining its beauty and durability. By following the guidelines and using Spirit Sealers’ premium quality products, you can ensure optimal protection for your marble surfaces. Remember to pre-seal when necessary, remove grout haze with care, and apply the appropriate sealer. Regular maintenance using Spirit Neutral Cleaner and periodic cleaning with Spirit HDC or Spirit Bright As will help prolong the life of the sealer. For the best performance and protection, it’s important to consider the location, traffic, and maintenance practices. At Spirit Sealers, we are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality products and guidance for all your stone sealing needs.