Hi everybody, I call myself a “home decoration expert”. The most difficult thing to clean at home is those exquisite but simple “make a fuss” marble mosaic tiles. They are beautiful and generous, but once they encounter water stains and stains, it is simply maddening to clean them. I learnt later on how to seal these small objects. It turns out that it not only prolongs the service life but also keeps them brilliant and attractive. I will relate to you my sealing experience today.

Calacatta Gold Marble Mosaic,Oriental White Marble Mosaic Tiles

1. Why do marble mosaic tiles need to be sealed?

First of all, you may ask, why bother to seal marble mosaic tiles? Marble is, very simply, a natural stone. It has many pores on its surface and strong water absorption even if its texture is tough. Particularly with mosaic tiles—small bits of tiles—the splicing gaps are easier to hide dirt. Humid environments such as kitchens and bathrooms are even more of their “Waterloo”. Through these tiny openings, oil and water stains will find their way. Over time, the tiles will become dull and may even mold and discolor. Therefore, sealing marble mosaic tiles is a key step to prevent these problems.

2. Choose the right sealant

Though there are several kinds of sealants available, not all of them fit marble mosaic tiles. If you choose the incorrect sealant, not only will it not have the protective effect but also might harm the tiles. For natural stones such as marble, the most suitable sealant is a penetrating sealant. Deep into the stone, it can create a protective layer that successfully stops stains and moisture from penetrating through. Another thing to note when choosing is that you must buy a colorless and transparent sealant that will not change the natural color of the marble.

3. Preparation is very important

Cleaning has to be done on location before sealing. Using warm water and a neutral detergent, first give the marble mosaic tile’s surface great cleanliness. Especially in the gaps, there must not be any dirt and dust residue. Should surface spots on the tile, the sealant could cover them following sealing, therefore “treating the symptoms but not the root cause”. Wipe the tile dry with a fresh, soft cloth after cleaning; let the tile air dry totally. Be not impatient in this stage. Make sure the tile’s inside and outside are dry so the sealing effect will be stronger.

4. Hands-on sealing: detailed steps

Then formally go into the sealing stage. Don’t be impatient, the process is actually very simple, as long as you master the correct steps.

Step 1: Apply sealant

Pour the sealant evenly on the surface of the tile, use a clean brush or sponge to gently brush the sealant to ensure that it covers every tile and gap. Pay attention to the amount while applying, don’t use too much, so as not to accumulate sealant and leave white residue on the surface of the tile.

Step 2: Wait for absorption

After the application is completed, the sealant needs a specific length of time to penetrate and absorb. Usually lasting five to fifteen minutes, this period can be run in line with sealant used’s directions. To prevent influencing the sealing effect, do not touch the surface of the tile during this period.

Step 3: Wipe off excess sealant

Gently wipe off the extra sealant on the tile’s surface with a fresh dry towel after it is almost absorbed. This is a vital stage. Should extra sealant remain, it will develop an unsightly film on tile surface after drying.

Step 4: Drying and maintenance

Let the sealed marble mosaic tiles naturally dry after finishing the aforementioned actions. Generally speaking, it takes twenty-four hours. During this period, try to avoid stepping on or washing the tiles with water. The tile’s surface will be smooth as new once the sealant is totally dry; water stains won’t readily pass through either.

5. How to judge whether it needs to be sealed again?

Sealing jobs is not “once and for all”. After the marble tile has been used for a period of time, the sealing layer will gradually be worn, so it is necessary to check regularly whether it needs to be sealed again. Drop water on the tile’s surface and see whether the water droplets would penetrate rapidly here in a basic test approach. The sealing action is still strong if the water droplets remain on the surface to create tiny water droplets; if the water droplets are absorbed, it implies that it has to be sealed once more.

6. Tips for maintenance after sealing

Sealing is important, but daily maintenance in the later stage should not be ignored. When cleaning daily, try to use mild detergents and avoid using chemical detergents that are too acidic or alkaline, because these will damage the sealing layer. To stop stains from building up on the tile, routinely wipe its surface with a fresh, moist cloth. Deal with oil or other tough stains you unintentionally find on them early on to prevent long-term residue.

Black and white marble inlay brass art tree and flower design mosaic tile

Sealing marble mosaic tiles may seem complicated, but in fact, as long as you master the correct method, the whole process is simple and easy. Apart from extending the service life and safeguarding the tiles, sealing helps them to remain beautiful and generous, thereby saving a lot of effort in future cleaning and repair. In our daily home maintenance, as long as we spend a little more time, we can make the home environment more beautiful and comfortable. Rather not?