Blog Stone Maintenance Tips & Information
How to Prevent Etching
We love natural stone countertops. Marble, granite, and slate are all popular countertop choices for different reasons, but they all have a common enemy. And that enemy is etching. If you want to know more about what causes etching and how you can prevent it from happening, keep reading.
Why Etching Happens
Because stone is a natural material it reacts to elements around it and can change over time. Etching is a chemical reaction. It can appear to be a stain, but it is more of a scar. It strips away your sealant and erodes into the stone itself. Acidic elements are the most common things to cause etching. Think lemons, tomatoes, vinegar, and wine. There are also some household cleaners that are too harsh for natural stone that will remove the protective seal and leave your counters exposed and more susceptible to damage.
How to Prevent Etching
The first and best line of defense against etching is a protective seal. So, make sure that you keep up with regular maintenance for that. The lifespan of your seal will depend on many different factors, but getting your counters resealed every few years is never a bad idea. In addition to that, you should just be wary of household cleaners that could wear down your sealant and make the swap for a gentle cleaner instead. It's also important to be mindful of what you prepare on your countertops. If you’re working with tomatoes, lemons, or some other acidic food, be sure to use a cutting board as a buffer. If you happen to spill wine or vinegar on your counters, be quick about cleaning it up so that it isn’t allowed time to erode your stone.
If it’s too late and etching has already shown up on your countertops, Stone Restoration Works can help. Regardless of what kind of stone you have, we can expertly refinish them in order to make marks disappear. On top of that, we can apply a coat of More ™ AntiEtch™ to protect your natural stone against caustic chemicals and staining agents even more. And because it is a super thin transparent coating, it will not alter the appearance of your counters in any way. Give us a call today to schedule your free evaluation!
By Stone Restoration Works 8-2-2021