Another sealing question

18 years ago

I have been reading posts on sealing granite...and there are a variety of opinions....but from what I read, a sealer protects against stains but NOT etching. What (if anything) will protect from etching also? I am changing from marble to granite BECAUSE of the etching so it really scares me to think that after all this trouble and money, I might have the same problem with granite also.

Thanks~

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Comments (4)

vic.s
18 years ago
Before you change your marble, get an opinion from a restoration company in your area, see if its fixable and cost effective. One suggestion, HONE the material, personally I've seen better results on the honed material after a sealer is applied, some say that the etching is less visible on honed stone which is true, my opinion is that the sealer also penetrates better.

If you must go with a polished surface and etching is your major concern, look for a certified applicator of this sealer or a similar product (acid protection). They claim that it will prevent the acid from harming the face of the stone. Currently I'm waiting for some local results, but from other sources they have reported good results.

Vic

Here is a link that might be useful: Acid Proof Sealer
stonegirl
18 years ago
From what I understand, the "acid proof" sealer is a somewhat topical treatment and will leave your marble looking and feeling plasticky. Reason why impregnating sealers do not protect from etching is because etches are chemical reactions (between the calcite in the stone and the acid) and they are not dependent on absorption to occur.

If you like the marble, go with a honed finish. The stone will still etch, but the etches will not be real visible because the finish of the stone is not shiny.
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weissman
18 years ago
With most granites you don't have to worry about etching - marble etches because of the composition of the stone.
sue_ct
18 years ago
From what I understand, the biggest reason you MIGHT have to worry about etching is that not all the stones being sold as "granites" are true granites. I heard terms like quartzite, and "somewhere between a marble and a quartz" and other descriptions. Some places do not clearly label the types of stone, but only give names of the colors, so you really have to ask to be sure of what you are getting. At one time, most experts on this forum recommended testing your samples from slabs with a variety of stainable and etchable substances like lemon juice, vinegar, sauces and oil. I hear less about that recently, but it sure changed my mind a few stones I liked.

Sue