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Q. I have been told by my contractor (retirement home) that I can use marble tile for the counter tops in my kitchen. And, that it is up to me to 'seal' the tile & grout. Can you give me any information as to what to do & what to use??? I've done several web searches & have come up with conflicting information. Any type of info would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks, JLBudd
A. First, I would recommend that you not use marble. Granite would be a much better choice for kitchen counters. Marble will become etched when acidic liquids get on it. Sealing the marble will help inhibit stains from being absorbed into the stone but it will do nothing to prevent etching. Granite, on the other hand is not generally acid sensitive.
You will want to have the stone and grout sealed. Use a good quality sealer such as Stonecare PRO Signature Sealer (Water Based). It will be great for both the tile and the grout.
After everything is installed, let it cure for a couple of days, then seal the grout and the tile. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
Dr. Fred
Chief Technical Director
www.stoneandtilepros.com
www.stoneforensics.com ETCHING
Occurs when stone is eaten (or neutralized) by an acid. It often looks like and is mistaken for a watermark. GRANITE
A very hard, crystalline, igneous rock, gray to pink in color, composed of feldspar, quartz, and lesser amounts of dark Ferro magnesium materials. Black ’granites’ are similar to true ’granites’ in structure and texture, but are composed of different minerals GROUT
A mixture of cement material and aggregate to which sufficient water is added to produce pouring consistency without segregation of the constituents MARBLE
A metamorphic crystalline rock composed predominantly of crystalline grains of calcite, dolomite, or serpentine, and capable of taking a polish SEALING
1. To make a veneer joint watertight with an elastic adhesive compound. 2. Application of a below surface treatment to retard staining TILE
A thin modular stone, generally less than ¾ inch thick
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