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There’s nothing like the look of a marble shower in a bathroom or a marble countertop in a kitchen—unless, of course, it’s absent of a marble sealer and marred by a dark stain. While marble continues to be among the most popular options for bathroom and kitchen designs, its porous nature makes it susceptible to stains from spilled wine, coffee, soap dyes, and even cooking oil.
Fortunately, marble sealers are easy to apply and create a protective barrier that prevents liquids from absorbing into the stone. Many also work on granite, travertine, concrete, and even tile. After researching over 30 popular products, our top pick is the Tuff Duck Granite, Grout and Marble Sealer. We like that it comes in a spray bottle, making for easy application, works for nearly all marble surfaces (indoors and out), and offers up to five years of protection against stains.
To bolster our research and bring you a lineup of top-performing products, we also interviewed a veteran interior designer for expert input. This guide will examine several important factors to consider when shopping for the best marble sealers and review some of the top products on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Tuff Duck Granite, Grout and Marble Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Rust-Oleum Miracle Sealants 511 Impregnator Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Tenax Hydrex Concrete Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST UPGRADE: StoneTech BulletProof Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR KITCHENS: Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST EASY TO USE: Black Diamond Stoneworks Granite Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FINISH: TriNova Granite Sealer & Protectant
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR ETCHES & MARKS: Granite Gold Water-Based Sealer Spray
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SMALL JOBS: Lustro Italiano Ultra Premium Stone Sealer
↓ Jump to Review
Marble Sealers Comparison
| Product | Application Method | Size | Surface Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuff Duck Granite, Grout and Marble Sealer | Spray-on, brush-on, or wipe-on | 22 ounces | Up to 160 square feet |
| Rust-Oleum Miracle Sealants 511 Impregnator Sealer | Wipe-on | 32 ounces | Up to 1,000 square feet |
| Tenax Hydrex Concrete Sealer | Wipe-on | 32 ounces | Up to 180 square feet |
| StoneTech BulletProof Sealer | Wipe-on, brush-on, or spray-on | 32 ounces | Up to 225 square feet |
| Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold Sealer | Wipe-on or brush-on | 32 ounces | Up to 375 square feet |
| Black Diamond Stoneworks Granite Sealer | Wipe-on, brush-on, or spray-on | 128 ounces | Up to 1,600 square feet |
| TriNova Granite Sealer & Protectant | Spray-on | 18 ounces | Up to 50 square feet |
| Granite Gold Water-Based Sealer Spray | Spray-on | 24 ounces | Up to 200 square feet |
| Lustro Italiano Ultra Premium Stone Sealer | Wipe-on or brush-on: | 8.5 ounces | Up to 70 square feet |
Our Top Picks
The cost of marble flooring, countertops, and shower surrounds can be high, making it essential to protect these surfaces from dirt and stains. The following top picks include some of the best marble sealers on the market.
Best Overall
Tuff Duck Granite, Grout and Marble Sealer
Buy at Amazon
What We Like
- Easy to apply spray-on formula
- Won’t alter the natural appearance of marble
- Works on all marble, indoors and outdoors
What We Don’t Like
- Small container size
Product Specs
- Application method: Spray-on, brush-on, or wipe-on
- Size: 22 ounces
- Surface coverage: Up to 160 square feet
A marble sealer should first do no harm, and that’s a big part of what makes Tuff Duck Granite, Grout and Marble Sealer one of the top marble sealers on this list. It uses an acid-free formula that won’t affect the marble’s natural appearance. We like that this sealer also provides a higher concentration of active ingredients than many other sealers, making it longer lasting. Tuff Duck sealer will protect interior marble surfaces for up to 5 years and exterior marble surfaces for up to 3 years.
Tuff Duck sealer is also versatile. It will work with granite, grout, travertine, limestone, slate, and concrete, as well as marble. The biggest drawback is the small container size—each 22-ounce bottle only covers 160 square feet, so several bottles may be necessary to complete your job.
Get the TuffDuck marble sealer at Amazon.
Runner-Up
Rust-Oleum Miracle Sealants 511 Impregnator Sealer
Buy at Amazon Buy at Lowe's Buy at Tractor Supply Co.
What We Like
- Works on countertops and tile, indoors and out
- Offers long-lasting protection
- Won’t yellow or alter the look of marble
- Safe for food areas
What We Don’t Like
- Odor may be overwhelming to some users
Product Specs
- Application method: Wipe-on
- Size: 32 ounces
- Surface coverage: Up to 1,000 square feet
This product’s ability to create a watertight seal that protects against stains makes it ideal for kitchens. Miracle Sealants 511 Impregnator Sealer penetrates marble and forms a transparent layer on the surface that resists moisture, preventing that spilled glass of red wine from ruining the countertop. It also won’t yellow or alter the look of the marble when applied.
This versatile marble countertop sealer is compatible with virtually all stone and ceramic, including granite, travertine, quartz, and most glazed tiles. However, the sealer is particularly well-suited for sealing marble tile and slate interior and exterior floors as it makes surfaces less slippery after the drying and curing process. It is available in pint, quart, and gallon sizes, with coverage up to 1,000 square feet per quart.
Get the Miracle Sealants marble sealer at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Tenax Hydrex Concrete Sealer
Buy at Amazon
What We Like
- Effective on polished marble Indoor and outdoor safe
- Repels liquid while letting the stone breathe
- Doesn’t affect marble’s color or sheen
What We Don’t Like
- May require multiple bottles to complete the job
- Not as versatile as some other options
Product Specs
- Application method: Wipe-on
- Size: 32 ounces
- Surface coverage: Up to 180 square feet
Although marble sealers last for years, they can still be a rather expensive investment up front. This product from Tenax is a more affordable option. Still, like other sealers, Tenax won’t change the color of marble or other natural stone and protects the surface from stains by creating a water-repellent seal.
The stain-proof marble sealer is available in a 1-quart size, enough to cover up to 180 square feet. The application of this sealer is simple and fast. Thoroughly clean the surface with a marble or granite cleaner. Then, wipe the sealer on with a clean cloth and allow for 15 minutes of drying time before reapplication. This mineral-based sealer is suitable for granite, marble, and other natural stones.
Get the Tenax marble sealer at Amazon.
Best Upgrade
StoneTech BulletProof Sealer
Buy at Amazon
What We Like
- Provides stain and antimicrobial protection
- Works for stone, tile, masonry, and grout
- Low-odor formula
- Lasts up to 5 years on interior surfaces
What We Don’t Like
- Some users report a streaky finish
Product Specs
- Application method: Wipe-on, brush-on, or spray-on
- Size: 32 ounces
- Surface coverage: Up to 225 square feet
StoneTech BulletProof Sealer may be more of an investment than other sealers, especially when one factors in the coverage area, but this product’s stain-blocking ability makes it well worth the cost. This sealer uses fluoropolymers that provide outstanding resistance to liquids, equating to stain-free marble regardless of what is spilled on it.
Since this formula is water-based, it’s safer for use in food prep areas than chemical-based sealers. StoneTech comes in a 1-quart size, which is enough to cover about 225 square feet and protects interior surfaces for up to 5 years. It is easy to apply with a clean cloth and cures in 24 hours. In addition to marble, StoneTech is also compatible with granite, slate, travertine, and limestone.
Get the StoneTech marble sealer at Amazon.
Best for Kitchens
Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold Sealer
Buy at Amazon Buy at The Home Depot
What We Like
- Seals stone, porous tile, and grout
- Rapid cure formula cures within 4 hours
- Safe for food-prep areas
- Once cured, is mold- and mildew-resistant
What We Don’t Like
- May require multiple coats
- Some user reports of strong fumes
Product Specs
- Application method: Wipe-on or brush-on
- Size: 32 ounces
- Surface coverage: Up to 375 square feet
The kitchen is one of the most popular locations in the home for marble. Given that the kitchen is also the base for food prep, it’s crucial that the sealer applied to that marble is safe. We appreciate that Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold uses a water-based formula to ensure the product provides excellent protection from stains while not compromising the health of the people using it.
Aqua Mix is also one of the few countertop sealers that incorporates Microban technology into its formula. This means that the sealer helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, making it ideal not just for use in the kitchen but also for bathrooms. In addition to marble, Aqua Mix is also compatible with granite, limestone, slate, travertine, porcelain, cement, and masonry. It comes in a 32-ounce bottle and is applied with a sponge or a brush to already cleaned marble countertops.
Get the Aqua Mix marble sealer at Amazon or The Home Depot (24 ounces).
Best Easy to Use
Black Diamond Stoneworks Granite Sealer
Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart
What We Like
- Gallon jug ideal for large jobs
- Features a low-odor formula
- Multiple application methods
- Safe to use around food-prep areas
What We Don’t Like
- May require multiple coats
Product Specs
- Application method: Wipe-on, brush-on, or spray-on
- Size: 128 ounces
- Surface coverage: Up to 1,600 square feet
While most sealers require users to wipe on the product with an applicator, Black Diamond Stoneworks Granite Sealer makes the process easier by allowing it also to be applied via a low-pressure sprayer. Simply clean the marble, spray the sealer, allow it to penetrate the stone, and wipe off with a clean rag.
Couple Black Diamond’s easy application with the low-odor formula, and it’s one of the best granite sealers for those who want to protect their stone countertops without exerting much effort. This water-based sealer is safe for food contact and is also compatible with concrete, slate, brick, sandstone, and grout.
Black Diamond is available in a wide range of sizes, including pint, quart, and gallon containers. One gallon covers up to 1,600 square feet.
Get the Black Diamond Stoneworks marble sealer at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Finish
TriNova Granite Sealer & Protector
Buy at Amazon Buy at Lowe's Buy at Target
What We Like
- Comes in a convenient spray bottle
- Seals and adds shine
- Works on many types of stone, including marble
What We Don’t Like
- Alters the stone’s sheen (adds shine)
- Once-per-month use is recommended for countertops
Product Specs
- Application method: Spray-on
- Size: 18 ounces
- Surface coverage: Up to 50 square feet
Not all sealers are just about protecting marble and other stone from spilled glasses of wine, coffee rings, and drips of olive oil. Some sealers, such as TriNova Granite Sealer & Protector, also beautify. In addition to penetrating the marble to create a protective barrier, this sealer also leaves a shiny coating that rejuvenates dull, hazy stone.
Application is easy. Spray the sealer, allow it to soak in, and wipe off any residue. Unlike other sealers that usually last 5 years, TriNova is meant to clean and beautify on a more regular basis, and once-per-month reapplication to countertops is recommended. Repeated use helps maintain a continuous protective barrier against stains while ensuring marble, granite, and other natural stone retains its luster.
Get the TriNova marble sealer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Target.
Best for Etches and Marks
Granite Gold Water-Based Sealer Spray
Buy at Amazon Buy at Lowe's Buy at Ace Hardware
What We Like
- Safe for food-prep surfaces
- Works on most natural stone and grout
- Contains no phosphates or ammonia
- Simple application process
What We Don’t Like
- Requires 2 to 3 coats for light-colored stone
Product Specs
- Application method: Spray-on
- Size: 24 ounces
- Surface coverage: Up to 200 square feet
Stains from coffee, hard water, cooking oil, and wine aren’t the only threats to a marble countertop. Etching and dirt buildup also seek to mar its beauty. Granite Gold Sealer Spray provides a comprehensive protective solution. Not only does this sealer protect against stains, but it also prevents etches and soil buildup. And, it’s safe for use in the kitchen, thanks to a nonacidic formula that’s biodegradable.
Granite Gold is also easy to apply. Simply spray the product liberally over the surface, allow 20 minutes for it to soak in, and wipe clean. In addition to granite and marble, this sealer is also compatible with travertine, limestone, grout, and other natural stone. It comes in a 24-ounce spray bottle.
Best for Small Jobs
Lustro Italiano Ultra Premium Stone Sealer
Buy at Amazon
What We Like
- Lasts up to 5 years
- Suitable for most popular stone finishes
- Clear finish won’t alter your marble’s appearance
- Also works on grout
What We Don’t Like
- Only available in a small container
- Puts off strong fumes
Product Specs
- Application method: Wipe-on or brush-on
- Size: 8.5 ounces
- Surface coverage: Up to 70 square feet
Homes with less countertop space don’t require gallon-size jugs of sealer that cover 800 square feet or more of natural stone surfaces. That doesn’t make sense when most sealers only have a 1-year shelf life. For those with less expansive natural stone surfaces, this 8.5-ounce can from Lustro Italiano will do the job while eliminating waste (and saving money).
Like other products, Lustro Italiano sealer creates a protective barrier that resists liquids, ensuring accidental spills don’t become permanent stains. It also doesn’t require regular reapplication. A single treatment will protect granite, marble, travertine, and other natural stone countertop materials for up to 5 years, without discoloring the stone or leaving a film. Simply apply it to the surface using a brush and allow 6 to 24 hours of dry time for it to cure into a protective seal.
Get the Lustro Italiano marble sealer at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Marble Sealers
Our search for the best marble sealers began with researching 30 popular options and interviewing Terri Brien, owner and principal designer of Terri Brien Interiors in San Clemente, California, for expert input on these liquid- and stain-repelling products. “Look for a penetrating or impregnating sealer specifically designed for natural stone and safe for use on marble,” she advises. “Be sure to read up on any stone sealant before applying as some will have more of a sheen than others. I also recommend testing a smaller inconspicuous area to see how it will affect the color of your stone.”
With that advice in mind, we prioritized penetrating sealers that soak into the stone and form an invisible protective barrier that doesn’t yellow or alter the look of the marble. While most of the sealers on our list won’t affect a marble’s sheen, we chose one product that adds shine while also acting as a sealant. Other considerations included past customer rating and reviews, each product’s longevity before reapplication, food-safe options for sealing marble countertops in the kitchen, and ease of application.
What to Consider When Choosing Marble Sealers
The surfaces with which a sealer is compatible, and its ease of application, durability, and environmental friendliness are all important factors to consider when shopping for the best marble sealer. Below, learn more about these crucial characteristics.
Multi-Functionality
Marble sealers penetrate directly into the marble, creating a protective seal that prevents water and other liquids from soaking into the porous stone. This prevents stains from coffee, wine, and cooking oil, or, in the case of outdoor stone, rainwater. Some sealers even include additives that inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, making these products ideal for treating kitchen and bathroom countertops, bathroom showers, marble flooring, and outdoor kitchens.
However, marble sealing products protect more than just marble surfaces. Many also work with other natural stones, such as granite, travertine, limestone, slate, and concrete, which is why you may see some marble sealers marketed as “granite sealers” or “natural stone sealers.” Some can even provide a protective layer for tile and grout.
Since kitchen counters are one of the most popular applications for natural stone, most sealers are nontoxic and biodegradable, ensuring they are food safe.
Application and Surface Coverage
The application of a marble sealer is usually a simple process. It involves cleaning your marble floors, countertops, or other marble surfaces, and then applying the sealer to the surface using a sponge, cloth, or spray bottle. After waiting about 10 to 20 minutes for the sealer to soak into the stone, simply wipe off the excess sealer and repeat two or three times to ensure the stone is properly sealed. The sealer takes about 24 hours to fully cure, after which it should provide a protective barrier against water.
To prevent streaky or cloudy finishes, Brien warns against overapplication. “Doing too large a section at a time or leaving it too long will leave you with a goopy mess that is tricky to clean up,” she says.
Most sealers have a surface coverage of about 800 square feet per gallon; however, coverage can vary widely from product to product. Make sure to check the sealer’s label for the approximate coverage. Also, keep in mind that the level of coverage can also depend on the porousness of the material. A more porous material needs to soak up more liquid before it is properly sealed, which results in less coverage.
Lifespan
Once applied, most marble sealers will last for about 5 years for indoor applications and 3 years for outdoor applications. Some marble cleaner and sealer products that clean and shine the stone in addition to sealing it require reapplication as often as once a month. Note that longer-lasting products are usually more expensive.
Once opened, most sealers have a shelf life of about 1 year, after which they lose effectiveness. Given that sealers can be a bit pricey, purchase only enough to cover the number of marble surfaces in the home to avoid waste.
Environmental Friendliness
Since marble sealers can treat surfaces used for food prep, nearly all of them are designed to be safe for contact with food. Many use a water base and produce low VOCs and little odor. Most marble sealers are biodegradable, making them safe for the environment and nontoxic to humans and pets.
FAQs
Applying a new sealer to one’s precious marble shower or countertops can be a scary proposition. If you’re concerned about the safety of a sealer for your marble, if the sealer is working, or even if you need a sealer at all, then read on for answers.
The best way to determine if marble is sealed is to use the water test. Take a few spoonfuls of water and pour it onto the marble. Wait about 10 or 15 minutes, then wipe up the water with a paper towel. If the marble where you poured the water is darker than the surrounding marble, then some of the water was able to soak into the stone. This means you need to seal the marble. If not, then the marble is already protected.
When marble is polished to a high gloss, the process reduces the porousness, making it less susceptible to stains. Since polished marble doesn’t absorb liquids easily, it doesn’t need to be sealed and may not even accept the sealer.
The sealer will not change the color of the marble when it soaks into the pores, nor should it add shine unless the product includes an additive that creates a glossy finish.
This depends on the product. Many types of marble sealers will protect marble for as long as 5 years. Others require more frequent applications. Check the directions on the product’s label for guidance.
Most sealers take about 20 minutes to dry before it is safe to apply additional layers. It then takes about 24 hours for a sealer to fully cure.
Most marble sealers have a shelf life of about a year after being opened. Since the majority of marble requires sealing about once every 5 years, purchase only the amount you need to avoid waste.
Sealing marble can be very inexpensive—often less than $50, depending on the size of the job—if you opt to do it yourself. Having your marble professionally sealed can run from $100 to $200, depending on the size of the marble and local labor rates.
Yes, you should always clean marble before starting the sealing process. Failure to do so could prevent the sealer from properly penetrating and may even trap existing dirt or stains beneath the sealant.
A marble impregnator is a type of sealer that penetrates the stone, creating an invisible protective barrier. While the terms “impregnantor” and “sealer” are sometimes used interchangeably, not every type of marble sealer is an impregnator. Some are topical sealers, forming a film at the surface of the stone rather than penetrating it.
