Sealing & maintenance of natural stone countertops and basins

Porous natural stone (marble, granite, quartzite, limestone) is protected with an impregnating hydro‑oleophobic sealer: it soaks into the pores and repels water and oil, so spills don’t soak in and stain. That protection wears off over time — renewing it is what we call resealing.

Materials

Which surfaces need sealing (and which don’t)

Need sealing

Porous natural stone that can absorb liquids.

Marble
Granite
Quartzite
Limestone
Travertine

Do not need sealing

Non‑porous surfaces — normal cleaning is enough.

Porcelain (Dekton, Neolith)
Compact quartz (Silestone, Compac)

Quick check

How to tell if your countertop needs resealing

The water test — one minute, no tools.

1

Clean and dry the surface.

2

Place a few drops of water (and, if you like, a drop of oil).

3

Wait 10–15 minutes.

4

If the water beads up, the sealer is fine. If the stone darkens or absorbs it, it is time to reseal.

Important: Sealing reduces stains from absorption, but it does not stop the “etching” marks that acids (lemon, vinegar) leave on marble and limestone — that is a chemical reaction of the stone, not a stain.

Our service

How we reseal your stone

1

Check & absorption test

We assess the condition and identify the type of stone.

2

Deep cleaning

We remove residue and stains before sealing.

3

Impregnating sealer

We apply a water- and oil-repellent sealer, food-contact safe for kitchen tops.

4

Curing & advice

We let it cure and explain how to keep it protected for longer.

Everyday care

Keep your stone looking new

Clean with pH‑neutral soap and a soft cloth; avoid acidic cleaners, ammonia and bleach (especially on marble and limestone).
Wipe up spills of wine, oil, coffee or citrus as soon as possible.
Use a chopping board and trivets/coasters; don’t cut or rest very hot pots directly on the stone.
Never use abrasive scourers or scouring powders.
On marble and limestone, take extra care with acids (lemon, vinegar): they can leave a mark even when sealed.

Porcelain & compact

Cleaning porcelain and compact surfaces

Porcelain (Dekton, Neolith, Laminam) and compact quartz don’t need sealing, but they do like proper cleaning. Here’s how to care for them and a quick guide for tough stains.

Daily cleaning: pH‑neutral soap and a damp cloth; rinse and dry.
No sealing needed — and avoid waxes, oils or impregnators, as they can leave an oily film on the surface.
Use a chopping board; don’t cut directly on it (ceramic knives can mark it).
It resists heat very well, but use trivets for pans straight off the heat or oven.
For tough stains, use a non‑abrasive sponge and the right cleaner for the type of stain (see table).
Always avoid products containing hydrofluoric acid and its derivatives — they damage the surface.

Type of stain	Type of cleaner
Grease	Alkaline / solvent
Oils	Solvent
Ink	Oxidiser / solvent
Rust	Acid
Limescale	Acid
Cement residue	Acid
Wine	Alkaline / acid
Coffee	Alkaline / solvent
Candle wax	Solvent
Iodine	Oxidiser
Blood	Oxidiser
Ice cream	Alkaline
Resins	Solvent
Fruit juice	Oxidiser
Permanent marker	Solvent
Aluminium marks	Acid

Acid: acidic products — paint stripper, descaler, cement remover…

Alkaline: alkaline products — ammonia, degreasers…

Solvent: universal solvent, white spirit, turpentine, acetone, alcohol…

Oxidiser: hydrogen peroxide, diluted bleach…

Before you start: Always test the product on an inconspicuous area, follow the instructions of your worktop and cleaner manufacturers, use gloves and ventilation with strong products, and rinse well afterwards.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is resealing and what is it for?

It means applying an impregnating sealer that penetrates the pores of the stone and makes it water- and oil-repellent, reducing the risk of stains. With time and use that seal wears off, so it is worth renewing.

Does my Silestone or Dekton worktop need sealing?

No. Compact quartz (Silestone, Compac) and porcelain (Dekton, Neolith) are non-porous and do not need sealing — normal cleaning is enough.

How often should I reseal?

It depends on the stone and how you use it. As a guide, natural stone worktops should be checked yearly and resealed roughly every 1–3 years (dense granite lasts longer; marble and limestone, being more porous, need it sooner). The water test is the best guide.

Does sealing stop marble marking with lemon?

Not entirely. Sealing reduces stains from absorption, but the “etching” of marble and limestone by acids (lemon, vinegar) is a chemical reaction of the stone, not a stain — it’s best to avoid contact with acids.

Is the product safe for kitchen countertops?

Yes. We use sealers suitable for surfaces in contact with food; once cured it is inert.

Do you reseal on site? Which area do you cover?

Yes, we cover Córdoba and the surrounding area; contact us to confirm coverage for your location.

Can I do it myself or is a professional better?

You can do it yourself with the right product, but a professional identifies the type of stone, chooses the correct sealer and ensures an even application — especially on delicate stones.

How do I remove a tough stain from porcelain?

It depends on the stain: grease with an alkaline degreaser; rust and limescale with an acidic product; ink and marker with solvent; and stains such as blood or juice with an oxidiser (hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach). Use a non‑abrasive sponge, test first in an inconspicuous area, and never use products containing hydrofluoric acid.

Want us to reseal your countertop or basin?

Tell us the material and roughly the surface area and we’ll prepare a no‑obligation quote.

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