Marble Work Surface Care Guide

What is Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock resulting from regional metamorphism of sedimentary carbonate rocks such as limestone or dolostone. This metamorphic process causes a complete recrystallisation of the original rock into an interlocking mosaic of calcite and/or dolomite crystals. Marble is a relatively soft stone & is ranked third on the Mohs hardness scale.

Sealing of Marble Worktops
Every marble installation from Miller Brother’s is professionally sealed on installation. The sealing process occurs when a solvent liquid sealer is applied to the surface. This liquid enters the pores of the stone and makes the surface water-repellent, oil-repellent & resistant to organic stains (food stains).
All of our installers are qualified and trained applicators.

The sealing process protects the surface from water, oil & organic food stains. It also makes cleaning of the counter a much easier task. 

It is important to note that no sealer can prevent hard water stains or acid-etch stains on marble counters or bathrooms.

Resealing of Marble Counters & Bathrooms
We advise having all marble counters & bathrooms professionally sealed every 12-16 months. This is a service we provide for our clients. Please contact our office if this is a service you would like to arrange.

What are Hard Water Marks?
Water spots are water deposits built up on a marble surface. These spots will occur when water containing mineral deposits like calcium and magnesium dries on the marble surface. After the water dries, it leaves behind mineral deposits on your marble surface. Over time, more and more minerals will stack up and you will have spots or dull watermarks present on the surface. This commonly occurs around sink areas on countertops, where water has been left to sit.

Etch Marks on Marble Surfaces
Marble etch marks will commonly look like the shape of the object placed on the surface, like a wine glass ring. An etch mark physically alters the surface of the marble, a chemical reaction occurs when an acidic substance reacts with calcium contained in the stone. A small part of the marble surface will dissolve away leaving tiny indentions on the surface. You can feel it if you run your finger across the mark; it feels rough and similar to a scratch in comparison with the rest of the smooth surface.

Some common causes of etching include fruit juices, champagne, red wine, soaps, tomatoes & vinegar. 

Please also note that if soapy water containing washing-up liquid is left to lie on the surface around the sink then etching may occur. This is due to the fact that some washing-up liquids contain lemon or citric substances. 

Is there a difference between Water Spots and Water Rings (Etch Marks)?
Marble owners often misidentify marble etch marks as watermarks. An etch mark is a physical change in the marble surface caused when an acidic agent chemically reacts with the marble and dissolves part of the marble away. Etch marks and water deposits are completely different kinds of marble surface “stains” and therefore must be treated and removed with different procedures.

Daily maintenance - why you should use our stone cleaner on marble surfaces
Most normal household cleaners can leave a greasy, smeary like layer on the surface. As our cleaner is PH-neutral, it does not leave this greasy, smeary like layer. On every installation, we provide a specialist stone cleaner.

Please note: The sealing process on marble countertops is a 2 week process from installation. We recommend little, or no use of the countertops during this period. 

General Tips on Marble Care

• Marble offers a natural beauty that cannot be matched by any other stone. To maintain this beauty, extra care and maintenance is required.

• The sealer we use is extremely effective, any stone is liable to stain if a substance like oil or wine is left on the surface for long periods of time. If a spill occurs, always try and wipe it up immediately.

• You should always take care not to drop any large objects on the edge of your stone surface as chipping may occur. Keep in mind that stone is more vulnerable to chips on edges and on any bevels or sloping edges.

• If any substance acid-based comes into contact with the marble surface, wipe immediately with fresh water to neutralize and to avoid etching the surface.

• Remember that marble is a soft stone. This means it will scratch much easier than other stones, so you should always use chopping boards when cutting.

• Always use a specialist cleaner and have the stone periodically sealed.

Products Available for Purchase for Quartz Care (All prices incl. VAT)

• Daily spray cleaner & microfiber cloth pack - €20

• Microfiber cloth for daily cleaning - €5

Services Available (All prices incl. VAT)

• Professional Clean & Sealing of Countertop
  - €375. Recommended every 12-16 months.

• Refinishing surface & removing etch marks
  - €1500-€2000 (call our office for a quote).

Contact us on (0404) 32222 or email sales@millerbrothers.ie for more information.