Stone Countertop Challenges
Would you like to stop staining on your countertop? One of the primary challenges with stone coat countertops is how easily they can be stained. Whether its marble, quartzite, granite, quartz or a variety of other stone surfacing, many staining agents can wreak havoc on countertops. Some of the common staining acids are ketchup, vinegar, wine, lemon juice and mustard. Even water and oil can stain countertops. To remove an existing stain from a countertop can be an expensive process that requires a skilled tradesman to polish and feather out an existing countertop so that the restoration is unnoticeable. This does not prevent future stains, it merely removes the existing stain. There are a variety of products on the market that are used to protect countertops and stop staining. In the product instructions they make no claims its ability to stop staining when an agent is sitting on the surface of the countertop over time.
There are a variety of sealers used to protect stone currently on the market today. Here is a brief overview of the options available:
Derived from Teflon these types of sealers are typically solvent or water based sealers that have been around for numerous decades. These sealers will block alcohol and water but tend to be ineffective with acids such as wine, vinegar, lemon and ketchup. In short, they don’t stop stains on countertops.
Methacrylate sealers are similar to furniture and floor polishes and tend to be very thin. They will offer some water beading abilities especially when blended with silicones. Like fluoropolymers, acrylics tend to be ineffective at repelling acids such as vinegar and lemon as they break down quickly under these substances.
Polysilane sealers are penetrating sealers that go into the pores of stone. They do not create a topical layer on top of the stone. Acids will penetrate past the barrier provides by silane based sealers over time and will create stains.
These films do block stains and etching from acids but they also change the appearance of the stone as they are essentially a laminated layer of plastic that is adhered to the surface of the stone. They can be pulled off of the edge of the stone if pried enough. They also do not show a finished edge. They reduce the polish of a highly polished finish.
This material is poured on the surface of the stone countertop and is then cured with UV light. While effective at blocking stains and etching they can be soft and scratch easily. They tend to be quite thick so they also reduce the polish of the stone. They are also one of the most expensive methods for countertop protection reaching prices as high as $100/sq ft to apply.
RexShield CounterGuard is designed to penetrate deep into the pores and capillaries of stone in order to prevent the countertop surface from being stained. In addition the stone will have the following characteristics:
Many sealers and film sheets change the look of countertop stone. They can often have a plastic look that dulls the polish. Stone countertops are honed to a 3000 grit polish at great expense. RexShield CounterGuard does not change the appearance of a countertop. It can even enhance the level of polish.
Many countertop sealers and films will darken the color of a countertop. This is considered to be a “richer” color by some, but, with lighter countertops it can take away from a bright color. RexShield CounterGuard will not make the countertop darker or lighter.
RexShield CounterGuard is incredibly stain resistant and has been tested for up to 4 hours of contact with strong staining agents like balsamic vinegar, wine and ketchup. Like other manufacturers we recommend you wipe away staining products immediately but you will have much better protection with RexShield CounterGuard. In addition, if there is any remaining mark after an extended period of time there is a simple method to polish and reapply the sealer to completely hide any residual impact on the stone.
Due to the way it penetrates into stone, RexShield CounterGuard makes the stone harder and denser. This is part of the reason why it stops countertop staining.
Many countertop sealers have to be stripped before they are applied. The beauty of RexShield CounterGuard is that it can be applied directly to itself even after a short interval. It is very thin but super strong.
6. Improves Scratch Resistance
Because it makes the stone denser and harder it makes the countertop much more scratch resistant. we still don’t recommend cutting directly on your countertop but chance scrapes will be less likely to scratch the surface. This reduces maintenance and repair costs over time.
Step 1. Clean the countertop with soap and water
Step 2. Wipe the entire surface with rubbing alcohol
Step 3. Apply RexShield CounterGuard with fully wetted microfiber sponge
Step 4. Buff area with dry microfiber to eliminate any lines
Step 5. Apply second coat in same fashion
Step 6. Dries almost immediately. Wait 24 hours before applying any chemicals to the surface
Quartz countertops are man made products that use a resinous binder with a stone aggregate. even though they use resin they can still stain, especially the lighter colors. Wine glasses and bottles, in particular can leave a dark ring. RexShieltd CounterGuard will absolutely reduce the likelihood of staining on quartz countertops/
Most countertops will stain, especially unsealed countertops. The process to remove can vary, but in general the surface is polished down below the stain and then feathered so there does not appear to be a depression in the polished area. Once polished the surface can be sealed with RexShield CounterGuard to stop future stains.
RexPro Sealers & Coatings offers an innovative line of coatings for a variety of substrates such as Interior Flooring, All Vinyl Surfaces (VCT), Hardscapes (pavers, concrete, and building materials), Industrial and Residential, Boats and other Marine Vessels, and Oil and Gas.
