Does marble backsplash tile need to be sealed?

Does marble backsplash tile need to be sealed?

Marble tiles provide a luxurious appearance but they are also delicate compared to other natural stones such as granite.

So what should you do to maintain marble tiles? Does marble backsplash tile need to be sealed? Would sealing make any difference? And if so, how often should you reseal them?

In this article, we will answer all these questions.

Does marble backsplash tile need to be sealed? Definitely. Without sealing, your backsplash tile will show signs of damage in just a few years which means that they have lost their beautiful appearance. This material can also sustain staining and fading remarkably fast so that’s another reason why you should prioritize protecting it.

Marble is the most beautiful type of natural stone that you can use for your home. This material has a classic look and it seamlessly matches with other materials to create a stunning appearance.

Marble isn’t only limited to countertops but you can also find this material used in many rooms such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchens to name a few.

What exactly does ‘sealing’ mean?

Sealing means protecting the surface from staining and fading. By sealing marble tiles, you will be protecting the material from microbial damage, chemical etching, and deterioration.

It is recommended to seal your natural stone surfaces at least once every 3 years or after 6 months if there are high traffic areas or heavy use in the home (especially bathrooms).

Quik tip: Check out our very easy-to-follow guides on low temperature adhesive, whether you can use tile adhesive as grout, if or not you can use Quartz backsplash and whether you should grout or caulk backsplash.

When not to seal your marble backsplash tile?

According to Marblelife Inc., sealing should never be used on polished marble because the surface has already been sealed.

The difference between polished and honed marble is that the polished type shows off its shine while honed doesn’t reflect light because it’s matte.

However, even when it comes to honed tiles, you also shouldn’t bother applying any form of protective coating unless it is specifically formulated for that type of stone.

What are the benefits of sealing backsplash marble tiles?

Sealing is the only way you can protect your marble backsplash tile from stains and etching. There are some types of substances that can easily ruin your natural stone so it’s important to avoid them at all costs. Here are some examples:

• Acidic foods or liquids such as vinegar, lemons, etc.
• Oil-based cleaners on marble countertops

How often should you reseal backsplash tiles made from marble?

It depends on how high traffic these areas get on a daily basis or if there are any excessive spills that happen regularly in the home. If any of the aforementioned reasons apply then you should definitely consider sealing your tiles every 3 to 6 months.

A guide to sealing marble backsplash tiles

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to seal marble backsplash tiles:

Step 1: Prepare the area

You will be applying the sealer on the tiles so you need to make sure that they are dry and free of any contaminants. To do this, use a lint-free cloth to wipe them down with water. Ensure that all spills have been wiped off so you can start with a clean slate.

Step 2: Mixing your sealant

Now you need to prepare the solution. The Marblelife Inc., company says that deionized (DI) or reverse osmosis (RO) water is best for re-sealing natural stone like marble because it contains no minerals that may react with the sealing solution. Then, select your sealant by reading product labels carefully since each brand has its own set of instructions.

Step 3: Applying the sealer

Once you have combined your solution, it is ready for use. Use a natural-bristle brush to apply the mixture on the backsplash tiles. You can also use any other type of roller with a high nap if needed since the main priority here is to cover all surfaces evenly with minimal dripping.

If you prefer using aerosol sprays then make sure that they are low in odor and designed for this specific type of application before spraying them onto marble tiles. Do not forget to wear rubber gloves while applying the sealant since it’s mandatory when working with any chemicals.

Step 4: Allow it to dry properly

Wait at least 6 hours after sealing your marble surface before washing dishes or using any kind of acidic substances near them. This will give the solution enough time to dry and bond with the tiles for maximum protection.

Step 5: Regular care

By regularly maintaining your natural stone surfaces, you can ensure that any spills or stains won’t have a lasting effect on your marble backsplash tile. If you want to avoid any unnecessary damage then Marblelife Inc. recommends using coasters under hot items such as teapots and coffee cups.

Conclusion

So, does marble backsplash tile need to be sealed? Sealing your marble backsplash tile is always recommended if you want to protect it from staining or fading over time. In fact, there are some types of foods and liquids that can actually damage these surfaces so it’s important to keep this in mind at all times just in case.

When applying the sealant on your tiles, make sure to read all instructions carefully and apply it as per the procedure. As such, you’ll be able to notice the effects of the sealing solution immediately and enjoy a like-new finish for many years to come.

Bonus tip: Don’t forget to check out our comprehensive guide on where should the backsplash tile end?