When it comes to fixtures, such as countertops and bar tops, as well as certain types of furniture such as table tops and seating, marble ranks among the most coveted material choices.

In this article, we'll discuss the appeal of marble, then explain the reasoning behind coating it with a sealant, before finally making a case for epoxy resin as the best possible sealant choice in most situations.

Why Choose Marble in the First Place?

Marble is a favored material for various types of furniture and fixtures due to its unique aesthetic appeal and functional properties. With its distinctive veining and range of natural colors, marble adds a touch of elegance and luxury to any space, making it a popular choice for kitchen countertops, table tops, flooring, and bathroom fixtures.

Beautiful and Durable

Beyond its beauty, marble is also valued for its durability and longevity. As a natural stone, it's capable of withstanding considerable wear and tear, though it requires some maintenance to preserve its appearance. Additionally, marble's cool surface makes it ideal for kitchen use, particularly for baking and pastry making, as it maintains a low temperature that helps in handling dough.

Marble's versatility allows it to be crafted into a wide variety of shapes and finishes, offering design flexibility to complement different interior styles. These attributes combined—visual allure, durability, and functionality—make marble a sought-after material for both residential and commercial furnishings and fixtures.

And when you have such stylish surfaces, the last thing you'll want is for them to get damaged. That's when a good sealant comes into play.

What Is a Sealant?

A sealant is a protective coating applied to a material to keep it safe from various types of damage, especially moisture (hence the name "sealant").

Sealants are often chosen after considering a variety of different factors, including:

1. Material Type: Different countertop materials require different types of sealants. For example, natural stone like granite or marble needs a sealant that can penetrate the porous surface, while non-porous materials like quartz may not need sealing at all.
   
   
2. Resistance to Stains and Spills: A good countertop sealant should offer protection against stains, especially in areas prone to spills, like kitchens. Sealants that repel oil, wine, and other common household substances are preferable.
   
   
3. Durability and Maintenance: The sealant should be durable and easy to maintain. Some sealants need to be reapplied every few months, while others can last for years. The frequency of maintenance and ease of application can be important considerations.
   
   
4. Aesthetic Impact: The sealant should not significantly alter the look of the countertop. Some sealants may enhance the color or give a glossy finish, while others are designed to be invisible, preserving the natural appearance of the material.
   
   
5. Food Safety: For kitchen countertops, it's crucial to choose a sealant that is non-toxic and safe for food contact. Some sealants can emit harmful chemicals, so it's important to select one that is certified as food-safe.
   
   
6. Heat Resistance: Especially in kitchens, the sealant should be able to withstand heat from hot pots and pans without damage or discoloration. Otherwise, it's essential to use buffers such as trivets.
   
   
7. Water Resistance: In areas like bathrooms and kitchens, the sealant should provide excellent water resistance or waterproofing to prevent water damage, especially in porous materials.
   
   
8. Chemical and Scratch Resistance: The sealant should be able to withstand cleaning agents and general wear and tear without degrading.

By considering these factors, you can select a sealant that not only preserves and protects your countertop but also maintains its aesthetic appeal and functional utility.

And with all that in mind, there's one type of sealant that stands above the rest in strength, waterproofing, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance—epoxy resin.

Epoxy: The Ultimate Sealant for Marble Surfaces

Epoxy resin is a valued sealant option for higher-end materials such as marble, fine woods, and granite. This sealant starts off as two liquid components which are blended together to incite a chemical reaction.

Once that reaction begins, the mixture is applied through pouring or brushing onto a substrate surface (i.e., marble), where it will spread out and cure, gradually hardening into a solid material with the following qualities:

• Rock-Solid Durability. Epoxy is tough—really tough. In fact, it regularly scores very highly on hardness scales intended for polymers.
  
  
• Waterproof Exterior. Epoxy's remarkably smooth surface prevents liquids from permeating and leaving stains.
  
  
• Crystal-Clear Finish. Cured epoxy resin exhibits a clear, glasslike appearance. A high transparency allows it to showcase the beauty of the protected substrate—a perfect fit for marble surfaces!
  
  
• Low-maintenance. Under normal use, epoxy doesn't require recoating every few months. In fact, it's designed to last several years, minimum. Beyond that, you can refresh the entire surface with a single additional coating. It could hardly be simpler!
  
  
• Easy to Clean. Keeping your epoxy surface clean is a breeze. Just warm water and mild soap will handle most residues, grime, and other concerns. Need something stronger? A multi-surface cleaner, glass cleaner, or diluted bleach solution will certainly get you there.

Epoxy Is Just as Good on Other Materials

When choosing a material for a countertop or table top, there are a couple of alternatives that often make the short list; these include quartz and granite. The good thing to know is that both of these are also excellent candidates for an epoxy resin finish.

Much like marble, granite is highly porous. This means it's easily stained by spilled liquids and can intake moisture easily. But it also means that you can give it a protective coating of epoxy to easily prevent that.

Quartz, on the other hand, is the most resilient of the bunch. It doesn't always need an epoxy finish—but that doesn't mean you can't give it one! An epoxy finish on a quartz substrate will further bolster quartz's natural durability. In addition to that, it will deepen the elegant color palette of quartz, embellishing its finest aesthetic features.

Ultimately, epoxy resin is an exceptional sealant choice for many different countertop and table top materials. There are very few materials that aren't receptive to an epoxy finish, and a high-quality epoxy will last for many years without issue.

Primaloc Epoxy: Premium Epoxy for Premium Results

When it comes to epoxy resin, Primaloc Epoxy gets the job done. Our epoxy resin is premium-grade, with high performance in every category—making it an ideal option for marble surfaces.

Epoxy resin can be beautiful, strong, and long-lasting—which is why you shouldn't compromise on quality. With Primaloc Epoxy Resin, you get the ultimate finish in durability and visual appeal.

Protect your surfaces by giving them a rock-solid epoxy finish. Choose strong. Choose reliable. Choose Primaloc.