About Marble
Marble is a limestone that has been changed under intense heat and pressure and is composed of calcium carbonate. The most common mineral of this composition is calcite.
Sealing Marble
Although marble is a dense stone, water and oil will penetrate marble given sufficient time. Porosity is also affected by its finish - highly polished marble is a little harder to penetrate than marble with a honed (matt) finish.
To preserve its looks, breathe-ability and slip resistance, it is important for marble to be sealed with a high quality, high penetration, invisible impregnating sealer. Dry-Treat™ impregnating sealers are suitable for all marble surfaces, indoors and out, from kitchen counter tops to marble floor tiles or wall cladding.
Protection from Acid Etching
It is very difficult to seal Marble against acid attack.
Marble and other calcite based stone such as limestone and travertine are prone to acid etching.Marble is immediately 'etched' (eaten / corroded) by any acidic material on contact - including lemon juice, cola, wine and champagne. For this reason marble is seldom used to make kitchen counter tops. In any case, acidic substances should be cleaned up as soon as possible.
Which Dry-Treat™ Sealer is Best for my Marble?
STAIN-PROOF Original™ or META CRÈME™
Permanent, invisible, fully breathable impregnating sealer for water and salt, PLUS premium oil stain protection.15 year warranty when sealing is performed by an Accredited Applicator.
For colour enrichment PLUS water based stain protection. 5 year warranty when sealing is performed by an Accredited Applicator.
Plus STAIN-PROOF Original™ or META CREME™ for additional oil protection at least 24 hours after ENHANCE-PLUS™.
Pre-sealing Preparation
1) Any surface to be sealed should be clean and looking just as you want it before it is sealed - it may be impossible to remove stains after sealing.
2) The surface must be freed waxes or other topical coatings. Any such existing coating must be removed prior to treating with a Dry-Treat sealer.
3) Ensure the material is thoroughly dry before applying any Dry-Treat sealer.
HANAFINN Oxy-Klenza™ is a highly effective, heavy-duty cleaner which is safe to use on most types of porous surface. HANAFINN X-Duty Graffiti Kleena™ may also be used for stubborn stains.
Bleach diluted with water (1 part bleach to one part water) may also be used for stubborn stains. Apply the diluted bleach to the stained area, let it sit for 1-2 minutes, agitate with brush or cloth and then rinse well with clean water.
PLEASE NOTE:
1) Always test any cleaning chemical or sealer on a small, inconspicuous area of the surface 24 hours before doing the project, to check that it will produce the desired result. This is especially important with ENHANCE-PLUS™ to ensure the colour enhancement is what you want.
2) Always ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding with sealing.
