Honed marble brings an elegant and subtle matte finish to kitchens, bathrooms, and other living spaces. But without the protective polish of mirrored marble, honed marble requires some extra care. The porous nature of honed marble makes it more prone to staining and wearing down over time.
Regular sealing is key to preserving the beauty of honed marble and ensuring it lasts for years to come. This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about sealing honed marble, from frequency to products to stain removal. Let‘s dive in!
How Often Should I Seal My Honed Marble?
Sealing frequency depends on how much daily use and traffic your honed marble surfaces see.
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High traffic areas like kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities should be sealed every 6-12 months. These areas really take a beating!
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For medium use on shower walls, bathroom floors, etc, plan to reseal every 1-2 years.
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Low traffic zones like fireplace surrounds may only need sealing every 2-3 years.
According to tile installation company Empire Today, a good rule of thumb is to seal honed natural stone about once a year. But keep an eye out for signs like dull or discolored spots indicating it’s time for a fresh seal. It’s always better to err on the side of over-sealing to keep your marble looking its best.
On surfaces like kitchen counters that see heavy daily use, seal as often as every 3-4 months. The Marble Institute of America estimates regular sealing could extend the life of your countertops by over 10 years!
Use Sealers Made Specifically for Honed Marble
Since honed marble is more porous than the polished variety, be sure to use a sealer specifically formulated for honed finishes. These "penetrating sealers" are designed to soak deeper into the stone to provide maximum stain protection.
Top brands like Miracle Sealants, Aqua Mix, and TileLab all make sealers specially made for sealing honed marble and other natural stones. Look for keywords like "honed marble sealer" or "natural look penetrating sealer" on the bottle.
Apply the sealer evenly across the entire surface, following the product directions. Let the sealer fully cure for 24-72 hours. For long-lasting protection, apply two coats of sealer. Resealing once a year will keep your honed marble surfaces looking fresh.
Removing Stains from Honed Marble
Even properly sealed honed marble can still experience staining over time. But don‘t panic – most stains can be removed with a gentle cleaning process:
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Blot up any excess spill or residue from the stone. This helps prevent it from penetrating deeper.
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Mix up a cleaning solution of warm water, mild pH neutral soap, and a small amount of diluted hydrogen peroxide.
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Apply the cleaning solution to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to work.
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Gently scrub the stain using a soft brush or sponge and the cleaning solution. Take care not to scratch the marble surface.
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Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water until all soap residue is removed.
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Allow the marble to completely air dry. Check if the stain is still present.
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For stubborn stains, make a poultice paste with marble cleaner, white flour, and water. Apply to the stain and cover with plastic wrap for 24-48 hrs, then rinse.
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Reseal the area once fully dry.
This simple process can remove most household stains like wine, coffee, oil, and more from your honed marble. But always test cleaning products on an inconspicuous area first to ensure they don‘t etch the stone.
The Elegance of Honed Marble Showers
With its smooth matte finish and subtle tone, honed marble looks right at home in the spa-like environment of a bathroom shower. Honed marble provides an upscale yet understated look, without the bold shine of polished marble. For a serene shower design, opt for large format honed marble tiles or slabs.
However, the frequent moisture and cleaning products used in showers means honed marble needs vigilant maintenance here. Be sure to reseal shower marble every 6-12 months to protect from water damage and buildup of grime. Using a daily cleaner made specifically for natural stone shower walls and floors will help maintain their beauty.
Harsh cleaners like bleach should always be avoided, as these can degrade and discolor the marble over time. With proper sealing and care, your honed marble shower can maintain its sophistication for decades to come.
Does Water Stain Honed Marble?
Water alone will not cause staining or marks on a properly sealed honed marble surface. For example, water drops on a recently sealed honed marble countertop will simply form beads and roll off without leaving any discoloration.
However, it‘s still wise to wipe spills and moisture from honed marble quickly. Over many years, the minerals and deposits in water could potentially etch into the vulnerable porous surface. So promptly drying spills helps safeguard the integrity of the stone.
Using a good quality penetrating marble sealer provides an extra layer of protection against potential water damage. Sealing creates a barrier that prevents water and liquids from penetrating into the stone where staining can occur.
How do Honed and Polished Marble Compare for Staining?
There are pros and cons to both varieties when it comes to stain resistance:
Honed Marble
- More likely to show dirt, marks, and wear due to porous surface
- Stains can more easily penetrate and discolor the stone
- Needs very frequent sealing to help protect finish
Polished Marble
- Resists stains better thanks to glossy sealed surface
- Can hide small stains and marks more easily
- Requires less frequent sealing and polishing
No marble is totally immune to stains. But polished marble‘s hard shine makes it more resistant overall. Honed marble requires extra care and sealing to prevent buildup of stains over time.
However, both honed and polished marble can last for decades with the proper maintenance. Be sure to seal, use coasters, and wipe spills promptly from any marble surface.
Which Marble Stands Up to Stains?
While no marble is stain-proof, some natural stone varieties are more resistant:
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White Marble – The white color comes from calcite, making it less porous. A 2021 survey found 94% of homeowners felt white marble was easiest to keep clean.
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Dark Marble – Varieties like black, gray, and emerald contain minerals that help repel stains.
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Treated Marble – Italian Carrara marble is often heat-treated, making it denser and less staining-prone.
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Sealed Marble – Any marble can gain stain resistance through proper sealing and resealing over time.
With careful sealing and maintenance, even more porous marbles can perform excellently in kitchens, baths, and other busy areas of the home.
Caring for Honed Marble – A Recap
- Seal honed marble every 6-12 months, especially high traffic areas
- Use a penetrating sealer specifically formulated for honed stone
- Blot spills quickly and dry moisture to prevent buildup of stains
- Gently clean stains with mild soap, water, and hydrogen peroxide
- Reseal marble surfaces after any intensive cleaning
- Compare the maintenance costs before choosing honed or polished
- Select white, dark, or treated marble for maximum stain resistance
Conclusion
With regular sealing and care, honed marble can maintain its refined, matte beauty while withstanding everyday use. Take these key steps to keep your honed marble surfaces looking like new for years to come. Let the subtle sophistication of honed marble add an elegant touch to your home without worry.