Marble Shower Sealing: How Necessary Is It?

Expert Tips For Effective Marble Shower Sealing: Maximize Beauty & Durability

Marble showers are a synonym for luxury, but that elegance comes with a catch: maintenance. One critical task that’s often overlooked is sealing. Is it essential? How often should I do it? Does it require special materials? These are only some of the questions. 

In this post, we’ll explain why sealing your marble shower after a natural stone cleaning isn’t just an option—it’s necessary to preserve its beauty and longevity.

Do I Need To Seal My Marble Shower Tiles?

This has been a topic with a lot of debate behind it. Most of this debate makes valid points, but it also fails to consider all scenarios. In essence, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution regarding sealing marble shower tiles. 

If you think about it, sealing marble showers isn’t a great idea because the sealer may trap water in the tiles and cause the stone to degrade. And let’s be honest, the bathroom is probably the most humid environment in your house. 

Stone degradation can cause many problems in the long term, requiring you to replace the tiles in your shower too often.

Additionally, marble tiles in other rooms, such as a kitchen, are sealed to prevent staining. Marble tiles in showers usually don’t become stained from ordinary cosmetic products or the right marble-friendly cleaning products. 

In contrast, marble tiles installed in kitchens, dining rooms, and floors are much more likely to stain and benefit from that layer of protective sealant along with regular Phoenix natural stone cleaning. 

In the shower, you also have running water that will remove anything that might cause staining on the marble tiles.

But just because you generally wouldn’t seal marble tiles in moist areas, doesn’t mean that there aren’t exceptions to this rule.

When Is It Necessary To Seal Marble Shower Tiles?

Sometimes, sealing the marble tile in your shower is the right choice. It’s a good idea to apply sealant when you’ve installed white marble tiles into your shower, such as the popular Carrara or Calcutta styles of marble. 

That’s because these types of tiles often contain small amounts of iron. If iron deposits are exposed to water from your shower, they can begin to oxidize and cause rust staining. Unfortunately, rust stains are unsightly and also extremely difficult to remove even with professional Phoenix tile and grout cleaning, so your best defense is prevention.

Iron oxidation is a common problem to marble tile floors after a flood or plumbing leak, and it usually requires continuous water exposure over time to become obvious. That’s why many homeowners initially believe that oxidation and rust staining won’t become a problem for their white marble tiles. However, if water begins to build up behind your tiles, you may start to see rust staining.

Additionally, sealing marble shower tiles could also be necessary in the following scenarios:

• After Installation (it’s the best way to protect them from the start).
• Every 6 to 12 months to protect them from heavy damage over time.
• If you notice water no longer beads on the surface or if stains start appearing.
• After any deep cleaning session that involves scrubbing or using strong cleaners.

Tips To Seal Marble Shower Tiles Successfully

Here are a few tips to marble your shower tiles the best way possible:

• Ensure the marble tiles are completely clean and dry before sealing. Use a pH-neutral cleaner to remove dirt, soap scum, and any residues.
• Select a high-quality penetrating sealer specifically designed for marble. Avoid surface sealers as they may not provide adequate protection.
• Before applying the sealer to the entire shower, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t discolor or damage the marble.
• Use a clean, soft cloth or a sponge to apply the sealer evenly across the tiles.
• Let the sealer penetrate the marble for the recommended time, usually about 15-30 minutes. Wipe off any excess sealer to avoid streaks or residue.
• Ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated during the sealing process to help with drying and to avoid inhaling fumes from the sealer.
• After applying the sealer, allow the marble to cure fully. This can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, depending on the product used. Avoid using the shower during this time.
• Maintain the sealed marble by using pH-neutral cleaners and avoiding abrasive scrubbing pads that can wear down the sealer.

Keep Your Marble Looking New With Regular Natural Stone Cleaning In Phoenix

Restore your marble tile’s shine and beauty with a professional Arizona stone cleaning from Arizona Stone Care, where we truly understand natural stone and its special needs. Our highly trained professionals will treat your home with respect and care so your tiles can get a top-rated cleaning or restoration service. Don’t hesitate to contact us now for more!