Utilizing anti-etch treatments is a rising area of the stone restoration market. Today’s homes and businesses uses a growing number of marble countertops in addition to other surfaces, and we are all aware of how marble responds to acidic foods and beverages. There are several anti-etch treatments available because of this. The anti-etch types and the benefits and drawbacks of these treatments are shown below.
Currently some anti-etch treatments companies require training and certification in order to apply their product. This may change as more and more companies enter the market.
All of them are rather expensive as well but there is a need in not only homes but also commercial properties such as restaurants and taverns etc.
Plastic Films
These treatments use a plastic like film that is applied over the marble acting like a barrier to prevent etching. As of this writing there is only a few companies that offers this type of protection. The following are these companies:
Tuffskin(Tuffskin.com)
The following is a quote directly from their website:
“TuffSkin is a proprietary stone laminate, made from high-tech polyester that is gas permeable but liquid impermeable. Our hard coat technology resists scratching and provides a long product life. TuffSkin adhesive is designed specifically to work with stone.”
Stone Guard is a polyethylene film similar that has similar properties to other films . the following is a quote directly from their website:
“StoneGuard® Clear (Patented Technology) is an ultra-durable polyethylene film designed with our ShieldX scratch and chemical resistant coating to help protect your precious stone countertops from scratches, etchings, and dings. StoneGuard® is also the first and only patented clear protective film designed specifically for marble and other natural stone countertops”
Coatings
There are several manufactures that offer polymer type coatings that are applied and cured to the surface of the marble. The following are some of these companies:
More Anti Etch(moresurfacecare.com/)
More Anti Etch coatings uses a UV cure resin. The surface is generally prepared by honing the surface, applying the resin and then curing with a special UV curing light.
The following is a quote from their website:
“MORE™ AntiEtch™ will stop etching and staining caused by acidic foods and liquids. This innovative solution forms a durable, ultra-low visibility, super-thin, coating that prevents the toughest stains and caustic solutions from coming in contact with your marble countertop surface.”
Anti-Acid Protection Formula by Tenax(www.tenax.it)
Tenax has three formulas depending on the finish desired. This is a two part resin system. No UV light is required. There appears to be no training by manufacturer to purchase these products.
The following is a quote from their website:
“Matt and polishable antiacid coating for the protection of marble, stone and agglomerate from acid agents attack and colored stains deriving from food, drinks and common products for ordinary cleaning of bathroom and kitchen top.”
This is also a two part resin system. Can be purchased and applied without training or certification by the manufacturer.
The following is a quote from their website:
“MARBLE AID XTbuys you the time you need to clean up after spills, avoiding unsightly discoloration and etching that can happen when common acids come in contact with acid sensitive stone”.
Raku by Lantania(lantania.it/raku)
This is a new product from Italy and appears to also be a resin applied system.
The following is a quote from their website:
“RAKU is the single-component anti-acid protector that will allow you to protect your marble surfaces, marble/concrete agglomerates from the potential fall of acidic substances, while still guaranteeing complete coverage even against the most frequent stains such as water, oil, coffee.”
Sheerstone (sheerstoneus.com)
Sheerstone was developed in Australia and is a one part, uv cured resin.
The following is a quote from their website:
“Sheerstone, by Opal Luxury Surfaces, is a revolutionary product and process that protects Marble, Limestone and Travertine countertops from etching and staining when using lemons, red wine, vinegar”, and soy sauce, and many other lar products.
Clear Stone(clearstone.com.au)
Clearstone is a polyester resin coating from Australia. It does require manufacture training and certification.
The following is a quote from their website:
“Developed in Australia, Clearstone is a self-leveling polyester resin designed for use on bar tops, kitchen countertops, and bathroom vanities.”
The Pros and Cons of Anti Etch Treatments
Pros:
Stain protection: One of the most significant advantages of anti-etch treatments is that they can help protect marble surfaces from staining. This is especially important in areas where spills and splashes are common, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Scratch protection: Another advantage of anti-etch treatments is that they can help protect marble surfaces from scratches. This is especially important in high-use areas such as commercial bar tops, restaurant tables etc..
Protection against etches: Anti-etch coatings can also help protect marble surfaces from acidic etches. This is especially useful in areas where acidic substances such as lemon juice or wine are commonly used.
Simple to maintain: Marble surfaces that have been treated with an anti-etch treatments are typically much easier to maintain than untreated marble surfaces. They are also less prone to staining and etching, requiring less frequent cleaning and maintenance.
Cons:
Reduced natural appearance: One of the primary disadvantages of some anti-etch treatments is that they can reduce the natural appearance of marble surfaces. This is especially true for coatings intended to darken or change the color of the marble.
Another disadvantage of some anti-etch treatments is that they have a relatively short lifespan. This means that they will need to be reapplied on a regular basis to remain effective. This will depend on the use as well. Some can last years.
Cost: Applying an anti-etch treatment to a marble surface can be expensive, especially if the surface is large. Furthermore, the cost of reapplying the coating on a regular basis can quickly add up.
Finally, anti-etch treatments can provide a variety of benefits for marble surfaces, including stain, scratch, and etch protection. However, these coatings have some drawbacks, such as a reduced natural appearance, a short lifespan, and a high cost. Before deciding to use an anti-etch coating on a marble surface, make sure you advise your customer the pros and cons and consider the surface’s specific needs as well as the environment in which it is located.
Which one Anti etch treatment is best?
As you can see, there are numerous anti-etch products on the market, and competition can drive down prices. When selecting a product, take into account factors such as your budget and the skill level of you and your employees. Furthermore, you should assess the specific needs of your project as well as the materials you will be working with to ensure that the product you select is appropriate and effective.
Also, it is a good idea to join several of the social media groups and asked other contractors their experience with specific treatments.
Anti Etch Treatments
Anti Etch Treatments
By Frederick M. Hueston, stoneforensics.com
Utilizing anti-etch treatments is a rising area of the stone restoration market. Today’s homes and businesses uses a growing number of marble countertops in addition to other surfaces, and we are all aware of how marble responds to acidic foods and beverages. There are several anti-etch treatments available because of this. The anti-etch types and the benefits and drawbacks of these treatments are shown below.
Currently some anti-etch treatments companies require training and certification in order to apply their product. This may change as more and more companies enter the market.
All of them are rather expensive as well but there is a need in not only homes but also commercial properties such as restaurants and taverns etc.
Plastic Films
These treatments use a plastic like film that is applied over the marble acting like a barrier to prevent etching. As of this writing there is only a few companies that offers this type of protection. The following are these companies:
Tuffskin(Tuffskin.com)
The following is a quote directly from their website:
“TuffSkin is a proprietary stone laminate, made from high-tech polyester that is gas permeable but liquid impermeable. Our hard coat technology resists scratching and provides a long product life. TuffSkin adhesive is designed specifically to work with stone.”
Stone Guard(stoneguardusa.com/)
Stone Guard is a polyethylene film similar that has similar properties to other films . the following is a quote directly from their website:
“StoneGuard® Clear (Patented Technology) is an ultra-durable polyethylene film designed with our ShieldX scratch and chemical resistant coating to help protect your precious stone countertops from scratches, etchings, and dings. StoneGuard® is also the first and only patented clear protective film designed specifically for marble and other natural stone countertops”
Coatings
There are several manufactures that offer polymer type coatings that are applied and cured to the surface of the marble. The following are some of these companies:
More Anti Etch(moresurfacecare.com/)
More Anti Etch coatings uses a UV cure resin. The surface is generally prepared by honing the surface, applying the resin and then curing with a special UV curing light.
The following is a quote from their website:
“MORE™ AntiEtch™ will stop etching and staining caused by acidic foods and liquids. This innovative solution forms a durable, ultra-low visibility, super-thin, coating that prevents the toughest stains and caustic solutions from coming in contact with your marble countertop surface.”
Anti-Acid Protection Formula by Tenax(www.tenax.it)
Tenax has three formulas depending on the finish desired. This is a two part resin system. No UV light is required. There appears to be no training by manufacturer to purchase these products.
The following is a quote from their website:
“Matt and polishable antiacid coating for the protection of marble, stone and agglomerate from acid agents attack and colored stains deriving from food, drinks and common products for ordinary cleaning of bathroom and kitchen top.”
Fila Marble Aid XT(www.filasolutions.com)
This is also a two part resin system. Can be purchased and applied without training or certification by the manufacturer.
The following is a quote from their website:
“MARBLE AID XT buys you the time you need to clean up after spills, avoiding unsightly discoloration and etching that can happen when common acids come in contact with acid sensitive stone”.
Raku by Lantania(lantania.it/raku)
This is a new product from Italy and appears to also be a resin applied system.
The following is a quote from their website:
“RAKU is the single-component anti-acid protector that will allow you to protect your marble surfaces, marble/concrete agglomerates from the potential fall of acidic substances, while still guaranteeing complete coverage even against the most frequent stains such as water, oil, coffee.”
Sheerstone (sheerstoneus.com)
Sheerstone was developed in Australia and is a one part, uv cured resin.
The following is a quote from their website:
“Sheerstone, by Opal Luxury Surfaces, is a revolutionary product and process that protects Marble, Limestone and Travertine countertops from etching and staining when using lemons, red wine, vinegar”, and soy sauce, and many other lar products.
Clear Stone(clearstone.com.au)
Clearstone is a polyester resin coating from Australia. It does require manufacture training and certification.
The following is a quote from their website:
“Developed in Australia, Clearstone is a self-leveling polyester resin designed for use on bar tops, kitchen countertops, and bathroom vanities.”
The Pros and Cons of Anti Etch Treatments
Pros:
Stain protection: One of the most significant advantages of anti-etch treatments is that they can help protect marble surfaces from staining. This is especially important in areas where spills and splashes are common, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Scratch protection: Another advantage of anti-etch treatments is that they can help protect marble surfaces from scratches. This is especially important in high-use areas such as commercial bar tops, restaurant tables etc..
Protection against etches: Anti-etch coatings can also help protect marble surfaces from acidic etches. This is especially useful in areas where acidic substances such as lemon juice or wine are commonly used.
Simple to maintain: Marble surfaces that have been treated with an anti-etch treatments are typically much easier to maintain than untreated marble surfaces. They are also less prone to staining and etching, requiring less frequent cleaning and maintenance.
Cons:
Reduced natural appearance: One of the primary disadvantages of some anti-etch treatments is that they can reduce the natural appearance of marble surfaces. This is especially true for coatings intended to darken or change the color of the marble.
Another disadvantage of some anti-etch treatments is that they have a relatively short lifespan. This means that they will need to be reapplied on a regular basis to remain effective. This will depend on the use as well. Some can last years.
Cost: Applying an anti-etch treatment to a marble surface can be expensive, especially if the surface is large. Furthermore, the cost of reapplying the coating on a regular basis can quickly add up.
Finally, anti-etch treatments can provide a variety of benefits for marble surfaces, including stain, scratch, and etch protection. However, these coatings have some drawbacks, such as a reduced natural appearance, a short lifespan, and a high cost. Before deciding to use an anti-etch coating on a marble surface, make sure you advise your customer the pros and cons and consider the surface’s specific needs as well as the environment in which it is located.
Which one Anti etch treatment is best?
As you can see, there are numerous anti-etch products on the market, and competition can drive down prices. When selecting a product, take into account factors such as your budget and the skill level of you and your employees. Furthermore, you should assess the specific needs of your project as well as the materials you will be working with to ensure that the product you select is appropriate and effective.
Also, it is a good idea to join several of the social media groups and asked other contractors their experience with specific treatments.
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