Sealing Polished Marble Floor & Shower
by judi
QUESTION:We just installed polished white carrara marble tiles on shower walls and shower floor. We performed the water test and it absorbed it in less than 5 minutes. However, we read that stone should never be sealed in a wet environment, is that still the case if it did not pass the water test?If it should be sealed what sealer do you recommend? Will sealing change the color or streak it? We do plan to seal the polished white carrara marble tile floor that absorbed water in less than 5 minutes. Again, what sealer do you recommend? Any other tips regarding sealing this marble would be appreciated? ANSWER:You are correct... it's best not to seal stone in a wet environment. You are not trying to keep the stone from absorbing water.Sealing is done to prevent something that would stain from absorbing. Water won't stain. If the shower is installed properly so no water will get underneath the tiles, then any water absorbed while showering will quickly evaporate and never cause a problem. So, no need to apply an impregnating sealer to prevent water absorption. The second consideration when sealing a shower or any installation is the risk of staining. Kitchen countertops are at risk of staining every day, so sealing granite countertops in the kitchen or a marble floor in the kitchen makes perfect sense. However, your risk of staining in a shower is minimal. Water is washing everything away, so it would have to be a leaky bottle of something left on the marble to cause a stain unless you also drink your morning coffee in there! And stains are rarely permanent, so even on the off chance that you did get a stain you can quickly, cheaply and easily remove it. In high-risk areas (kitchen countertop) sealing is a much more effective way to deal with possible stains than removing them as they occur. But in a shower, you just don't gain much benefit (if any) by sealing. Water absorbing in 5 minutes is unusually quick for polished marble, but stone varies and that's why you test. On the floor I'd suggest using one of these recommended impregnating sealers with SenGuard Marble & Granite Sealer being the very best available. With SenGuard you won't ever have to apply a sealer again. And no... applying an impregnating sealer like SenGuard or Stone Sentry will not change the color and will not streak if applied properly. Streaks occur only when the sealer is allowed to dry on the surface or when a sealer is applied to a stone that is too dense to absorb it and the sealer residue is left on the surface. But if the marble is absorbing water in 5 minutes, then the sealer will absorb effectively as well. As long as you completely wipe off all excess sealer (after letting it thoroughly absorb) before the sealer dries, you won't have any problems. Also, be sure to use only products safe for cleaning marble. Good Luck, Ryan P.S. Get all the facts, answers, explanations and simple solutions with step-by-step instructions for any issue, problem or question with our Granite & Marble Maintenance Manuals. |
