FAQ
1) Q. What is an etch?
A. An etch is a mark left behind on a calcium carbonate natural stone when acidic foods or liquids come into contact with its surface.
It may appear to be a stain, but it is actually something different. This is because it is not caused by the liquid soaking into the stone, but instead by eating away at it, essentially damaging the stone's surface.
A. - A pH-neutral cleaner sits right in the middle of the pH scale, at 7, which means it’s neither acidic nor alkaline.
This is key because natural stones like marble and travertine can be sensitive to acidic cleaners. Using anything below a pH of 7 can actually harm the surface, causing discoloration and, if strong enough, a rough feel.
Many household cleaners are either too acidic or too alkaline, which makes them a bad choice for stone. For everyday cleaning, stick with a pH-neutral cleaner to keep your stone safe and looking its best.
3.) Q. What is an Impregnating / Penetrating Sealer?
A. - An impregnating or penetrating sealer is a type of sealer designed to penetrate below the surface of the marble, rather than forming a protective layer on top.
Its purpose is to fill the pores of the stone, making it more resistant to stains from liquids like oil, wine, or water. Unlike surface sealers, impregnating sealers don't change the appearance or texture of the marble and allow the stone to "breathe," maintaining its natural look while providing long-term protection.
These types of sealers do not prevent etching (i.e. watermarks, stains, ring marks, drip marks).