Wondering how to tell if your existing sealer is doing its job or if it's time for a new one? “If you notice that the surface of your marble is no longer repelling water or other liquids as it used to, it may be time to reseal the marble,” notes Brown. While researching marble sealers, we looked for products that are easy to use, versatile, and effective.
Applying marble sealer is an important step in your household routine, whether you just had a new marble surface installed or are maintaining an existing one . “Protecting marble by putting a special coating on it called a sealant is a good idea,” said Angela Brown, cleaning expert and host of the Savvy Cleaner training program. “This can help prevent stains and damage.”
Best Overall
Granite Gold Water-Based Sealer Spray
Amazon
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What We Like
Easy to apply
Safe for most natural stone
Part of stone cleaning line
Safe for food-prep surfaces
What We Don’t Like
Need to wipe down right away
We selected the Granite Gold Water-Based Sealer Spray as our best overall pick because it is easy to use and very effective at creating a reliable barrier on the top of your marble or other stone surfaces. In addition to marble, it is safe for granite and travertine and can be used on both large surfaces and smaller ones, like countertops. The formula is safe for food-prep surfaces and doesn’t include any harsh phosphates or ammonia.
This spray protects against stains as well as etching and general dirt buildup. This will extend the time between sealing, although you should wait for at least 24 hours after applying the sealant to clean the marble with anything. Note that light-colored marble can be prone to staining, making the sealing and cleaning process especially important.
While using this product, keep in mind that you should be ready to wipe the surface down as soon as you spray the sealer on it. If you let it sit for more than a few seconds, it can begin to dry and create a haze on the stone. You should also only spray a small amount at a time and wipe as you go, rather than spraying down the whole area at once. Aside from these extra steps, we think this product is a great way to keep your marble surfaces in great shape. Granite Gold also makes a great granite cleaning spray that you can use for daily maintenance.
Price at time of publish: $24
Quantity: 24 fluid ounces | Compatibility: Marble, granite, travertine | Intended Use: Sealing
Best Budget
Black Diamond Granite Plus 2-in-1 Cleaner & Sealer
Amazon
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What We Like
Affordable
Available in spray bottle or bulk refill
Cleans and seals
What We Don’t Like
Can’t let it dry on surface
Affordability and effectiveness combine in the Black Diamond Stoneworks cleaner and sealant. Black Diamond has an entire line of cleaning products formulated for natural stone and this 2 in 1 product takes care of multiple jobs for one affordable price. You can also buy refill containers, although you’ll still need to hang onto the spray bottle for the easiest application.
To use, just spray the solution onto the marble and let it penetrate the surface for up to three minutes. It’s better to wipe the extra away sooner if you are first trying it out, although you shouldn’t let it set for more than three minutes or it can create a haze. You’ll need a clean cloth to wipe away the extra solution.
Price at time of publish: $20
Quantity: 32 fluid ounces | Compatibility: Marble, granite, travertine, limestone | Intended Use: Cleaner and sealant
Easiest to Use
Granite Gold Water-Based Sealer Wipes
Amazon
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What We Like
Easy to apply
Portable package
Protects against stains
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
Doesn’t cover a lot of area
Our best overall option from Granite Gold also comes in an easy-to-use wipe. It has all of the features that make it a top performer, including protection against staining and a wide surface application, but you don’t need to do anything other than move the wipe over the stone surface and buff away any extra. You should have your buffing cloth on hand because it only takes two or three minutes for this sealer to work.
It is quite a bit more expensive per use than the Granite Gold spray, however, you are paying for convenience, which some people prefer. It also doesn’t cover nearly as much surface area as other products—the six wipes included cover around 75 square feet in total. However, if you only have a small amount of surface to cover and you don’t use all of the wipes, you can reseal the package to prevent them from drying out.
Price at time of publish: $15
Quantity: 6 wipes | Compatibility: Marble, granite, travertine | Intended Use: Sealer
Best for Showers
Clean EEZ Stone & Grout Sealer
Amazon
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What We Like
Safe for stone and tile
Only needs five minutes to cure
Protects against water-based and oil-based stains
What We Don’t Like
Need to be careful when applying overhead
Whether you have stone tiles or larger stone slabs in your shower, grout is still used to connect the various parts and keep them in place. That’s why the Clean-Eez sealer which works on both stone and grout is the best option for sealing your shower. You can apply it using a brush by hand or with a long pole. It does need to cure for five minutes, after which you’ll have to wipe up any extra sealer. If you are applying it to the top of your shower, you should use a very thin coat to prevent it from dripping or getting uneven.
You can use this for other spaces as well without worrying about discoloration. Plus, it shouldn’t change the look, color, or finish of stone or grout. We also appreciate that this is a water-based formula that works to protect against water-based and oil-based stains.
Price at time of publish: $37
Quantity: 1 quart | Compatibility: Marble, Travertine, Granite, Grout, Slate | Intended Use: Sealer
The 9 Best Grout Cleaners of 2023
Best for Kitchens
SimpleCoat Natural Stone and Stainless Steel Sealer
Amazon
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What We Like
Works for stone and stainless steel
Safe for food-prep surfaces
Comes with an application cloth
What We Don’t Like
May need to be reapplied more often
Expensive
The wide application of the SimpleCoat natural sealer makes it a great choice for the kitchen. It creates a water-resistant barrier on natural stone like marble as well as stainless steel and other surfaces. We also love that it is free of ingredients such as petroleum-based materials or VOCs, and is food safe.
For added convenience, you don't have to wait for it to dry or cure to work: All you have to do is apply it and wipe off any extra product. However, because it doesn’t penetrate as long as some other sealers, you may find that you need to apply it more often to maintain the same protection. It does come with a microfiber cloth to use for application and is one of the few sealers available with all the tools needed to use it. This is helpful when you consider that this product is quite expensive.
Price at time of publish: $49
Quantity: 8 fluid ounces | Compatibility: Natural stone, stainless steel | Intended Use: Sealer
The 8 Best Stainless Steel Appliance Cleaners of 2023
Best for Countertops
StoneTech BulletProof Stone Sealant
Amazon
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What We Like
Prevents growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew
Can be applied using multiple tools
Barrier against stains
What We Don’t Like
Application tools sold separately
Amount needed can vary
Like many sealing solutions, the Stoneteach sealer protects against staining and scratching. But it also works to reduce the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew on treated surfaces, according to the manufacturer. This makes it an ideal option for countertops, where many of these things can grow. To apply, you can use a roller, brush, or cloth as long as they don’t leave lint behind. You can also use a handheld sprayer. All of these application tools will need to be purchased separately.
Note that you will need to make sure that the sealer does not dry on your surface while it penetrates. This may require adding sealer during the 10- to 15-minute wait time to keep the surface damp. Depending on the porousness of your stone, this can greatly vary. It can be difficult to know how much sealer you will need but the manufacturer estimates that the quart covers around 225 square feet in a single coat.
Price at time of publish: $60
Quantity: 1 quart | Compatibility: Marble, granite, quartzite, limestone, bluestone, travertine, sandstone, flagstone, saltillo tile | Intended Use: Sealer
Best for Floors
Custom Building Products Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold Marble Sealer
Amazon
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What We Like
Won’t create a slippery surface
Can be used on countertops and floors
Won’t discolor grout
Easy to apply with mop
What We Don’t Like
Have to clean and dry floors first
Marble floors need protection, too, but some sealers can make the surface slippery and dangerous. The Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold formula is safe for floors and won’t discolor your grout or other materials. You can use a long-handled sponge mop to apply it evenly to floors and then wipe up any extra after 10 minutes.
Before applying this sealer, there are several things to keep in mind. You should make sure to clean your floors thoroughly before use. Since it is just a sealer, it won’t lift up any dirt or grime. In fact, it will create a protective barrier over the dirt, trapping it on your floors. Be sure to also make sure your floors are dry after cleaning and applying the sealer as wet floors can also result in uneven application. However, aside from making sure your floors are prepped before use, we think this sealer is a great option for keeping your floors looking their best.
Price at time of publish: $59
Quantity: 32 fluid ounces | Compatibility: Marble, granite, slate, limestone, travertine, porous tile, grout | Intended Use: Sealer
The Best Floor Cleaners to Tackle Any Spill
Best for Small Surfaces
Goddard's Granite and Marble Polish
Walmart
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What We Like
Good for a lot of surfaces
Apply to intricate designs
Long history of cleaning
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
Needs additional cleaning cloths to use
A liquid solution, the Goddards Granite and Marble Polish cleans marble and granite surfaces and seals them to keep them looking great. We love that it can be used on a variety of surfaces including tile, porcelain, Corian, Formica, and ceramic. However, it isn’t safe for use on floors, since it can make surfaces slippery. Because you apply it with a cloth, we like that you can get into nooks and crannies of small items and surfaces.
You do need to take some additional steps to apply it evenly on your surface. You’ll need an application cloth or sponge as well as another clean cloth or sponge to buff the surface clear. Considering that the cleaning and sealing solution is already a bit pricey for its small quantity, adding more cleaning supplies can make it a costly option. However, you only need to use a small amount each time, and considering this product’s versatility, it may be worth the extra effort and cost.
Price at time of publish: $11
Quantity: 8 fluid ounces | Compatibility: Marble, granite, natural stone, tile, porcelain, Corian, Formica, ceramic | Intended Use: Cleaning and sealing
Best Stain Resistant
DryTreat Stainproof Dense Stone Impregnating Sealer
Amazon
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What We Like
Creates durable stain barrier
Can be used indoors and outdoors
Repels water and oil-based stains
What We Don’t Like
Needs multiple coats
The DryTreat Stainproof Dense Stone Impregnating Sealer creates a barrier to stains and stain-causing materials, such as water, food, dyes, and ice. The barrier even works on oil-based stains indoors and outdoors. Plus, once the barrier is in place, it makes it easier to keep the marble clean as well. For the best results, the manufacturer recommends applying two coats. You should wait 10 minutes between applications, although the surface should still be wet from the first coat when you apply the second. Then, wipe the excess away after the final coat.
Just note that it does create a layer over the stone so anything that is left on the surface will get trapped in the sealer. With this in mind, like most sealers, you will need to clean the surface thoroughly before applying. It should also be dry to make sure that the sealer goes on smoothly and evenly.
Price at time of publish: $69
Quantity: 16 fluid ounces | Compatibility: Marble, basalt, bluestone, concrete, granite, quartzite, slate | Intended Use: Sealer
Best Wet-Look
Trinova Granite Sealer and Protector
Amazon
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What We Like
Gloss finish
Penetrates to protect against stains
Ensures water won’t soak into stone
What We Don’t Like
Won’t remove existing stains
This spray cleans and protects with a glossy finish that looks great on natural stone like marble. You can use it as an initial sealant for newly installed marble or for periodic upkeep and resealing. It cleans the surface as well, although you are better off using the TriNova daily granite cleaner if all you want to do is clean the surface.
The formula uses polymers to actually penetrate the stone and create a barrier that keeps stains from setting in. This same polymer creates a layer on top of the stone that keeps dirt from sticking and allows water to bead up without creating water spots. The company recommends using this spray at least once per month for the best results. It won’t remove stains that have set in so we think this product is better as a preventative solution.
Price at time of publish: $20
Quantity: 18 fluid ounces | Compatibility: Marble, granite, quartz, quartzite, soapstone | Intended Use: Sealing
Best Water-Based
More Surface Care Premium Stone Sealer
Amazon
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What We Like
Protects against water-based and oil-based stains
For use indoors or outdoors
Multiple sizes
What We Don’t Like
Need multiple coats
Only use in mild temperatures
Water-based, the More Premium Stone Sealer protects against water-based and oil-based stains. It is easy to apply, either by transferring it into a smaller spray bottle or applying it with a clean cloth. You can also use a roller, although it should be lint-free. We love that it comes in three sizes—one quart, pint, or gallon—so you can get exactly the amount of sealer that you need. You can use it indoors or outdoors, although the temperature should be between 50 and 80 degrees when you apply it.
Like many products on this list, make sure that the surface is clean and dry before applying. It is also important that your stone does not already have sealer or finish on it. If it is already sealed, this solution won’t do anything or penetrate the surface. However, if your stone has an older sealer and needs to be resealed, this is a good option. You’ll need two coats and possibly more, depending on how much you need to seal.
Price at time of publish: $84
Quantity: 1 quart | Compatibility: Marble, granite, slate, limestone, travertine, sandstone, saltillo, clay-based tile | Intended Use: Sealer
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