Water Marks & Waxing Marble

[?] Subscribe To This Site

Water Marks & Waxing Marble

by Suzanne
(Bangkok, Thailand)

QUESTION:

I have a dark green Italian marble bathroom vanity. Water spots left for even a few hours leave a mark. We had it professionally buffed once and the company said we should not use silicone sealant but rather to only use wax to seal it. What do you think? Wax? Silicone? Both?

ANSWER:

Pure water does not stain or damage marble. If you mean you see dark spots where water was after a few hours, that is normal.

Marble is actaully pretty dense and will not stain easy, but it is still absorbent and if water is left on the surface it may absorb and leaving a darker spot.

Of course, once the water evaporates from the marble the dark spot goes away since no more water is in the stone.

However, if by "water spot" you mean a lighter-colored and dull spot that cannot be removed, then that is actually corrosion of the surface from contact with an acidic substance or from a harsh cleaner.

This is called "etching" and sealing will not prevent etching.

To fix etch marks on polished marble you need to use the Marble Polish / Etch Remover.

And to slow down absorption and help prevent staining you should apply an impregnating sealer like the impregnating sealers we recommend.

Applying a wax to the surface can protect a little against etching and absorption, but maintaining the wax is more trouble than it's worth.

Wax yellows, scuffs and scratches easily, needs frequent re-polishing, stripping and re-waxing, etc.

Waxing marble used to be common, but isn't really recommended anymore since it can cause more marble maintenance issues and really doesn't solve any. It won't harm the marble and can work to a degree, but not the best solution.

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.

See which products I recommend as the best for cleaning marble, travertine & marble maintenance, cleaning granite countertops, granite sealers and keeping all your stone and floors in optimal condition. I've used many good products (Stone Tech, Miracle, MB) but found others more reliable, effective and cheaper too!

Comments for
Water Marks & Waxing Marble

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Rating

Thank you and follow up question
by: Suzanne Hinsz

That was extremely helpful. The problem is etching as you've described it.

I looked at the products you have on offer and they look great, but will be hugely expensive to ship to Thailand. Next time I'm in the US, I'll order them and bring them back with me. In the interim, I have

1) Etch remover - I have "HG marble and natural stone stripper to remove polishes, wax, stubborn dirt and to neutralize surfaces after treatment with polishing powders and/or marble crystalizers" In terms of ingredients, it lists only "non-ionic sufactants, phosphates <5%" and "preservation agents." Does that sound like it would work for an etch remover??

2) There are 2 silicone water repellents on the market here, Kelbrig Brand and Bosny Brand. Neither lists their ingredients, but both are supposed to be fine for natural stone. Do they sound okay to you?

With very many thanks!
Suzanne

=== ANSWER:

The HG product is for stipping waxes and heavy grime from a surface. It will not work to restore etch marks.

The Kelbrig and Bosny sealers are somewhat general purpose sealers, that we don't have any experience with. However, the Bosny Silicone Water Repellent should be reasonably adequate to seal your marble at least for a while, if needed.

But again, sealers do not protect against etching. And really you may not need to seal the marble. Most marble is actually not very absorbent or prone to stains... especially polished marble.

So, you should perform the water test for sealing to determine if a sealing is necessary.

Water absorbing and evaporating won't harm the marble. And sealing simply slows down absorption to allow more time for cleaning. So, if something sits on the surface for hours it may still abosrb.

So, unless testing shows your marble quickly absorbs liquids, you shouldn't apply a sealer and just wipe up spills more quickly.

Good Luck,
Ryan

Click here to add your own comments

SBI!

Water Marks & Waxing Marble

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

Comments for Water Marks & Waxing Marble

Comments for
Water Marks & Waxing Marble