Protect It! How to seal and maintain your Saarinen marble table

Do you have a marble table? Whether an inherited heirloom or a new purchase and investment, you need to make sure you take the proper measures to protect it. The centerpiece of my dining room is my large, expensive, very heavy Saarinen marble table. This completely vintage piece still looks gorgeous, and it should. It is well looked after. Despite being over half a century old, it looks amazing, with nary a flaw. How do I do it? I obsess over the surface of the marble, obviously. But you don’t have to be as ridiculous as me. You can still take good care of your marble furniture without becoming completely OCD. Here are some simple tips for looking after your marble surface furniture that will keep it looking pristine.

How to clean and protect your marble table

The Magic of Marble

First, know your material. Marble is a porous rock from the limestone family. It is valued for its alive character and comes packed with natural flaws. Expect some depreciation, that’s part of the charm. Only nutcases like me can keep these wonderful stones from getting the occasional scratch or, yikes!, a small chip. It’s O.K. Release. Let it go.

Know Your Enemies

Second, know what will destroy your love. Extreme temperatures and hard blows will fracture your marble. That’s the endgame. So try to keep from having to move it all the time, regulate the temperature of the room it stays in, and go to extreme lengths to keep it safe on moving day. Professional movers? Let’s see some credentials. You could go with an air-conditioned truck even. I’m just saying. Also – this seems obvious, but don’t put anything too heavy on this table. It’s stone, but it is not invincible.

Seal Your Table

Third, seal it. Right away. The seal will create a waterproof barrier. Because the stone is porous, this is an essential step. Once applied correctly, you’ll be able to pick up spills easily. Want to see how your seal is holding up? Splash just a bit of water on the surface. You’ll need a fresh coat if the water does not bead. Expect to seal every year, despite popular sealant brands saying that they last three. Trust me! What should you use as a sealant? I recommend DuPont StoneTech BulletProof Sealer.

Stay Away From Wax and Polish

Four, no wax polishes. This will make your stone yellow! Horrible! There are specific marble polishes, easily found. Use those.

How to Clean and Protect Your Marble Table

Stop Scratches in Their Tracks

Five, touch up your scratches as you find them. Inspect regularly. Don’t leave them unattended, as they will collect acids and water, causing further deterioration. Try using a mild abrasive to get rid of your scratches.

Keep It Clean

Six, clean it daily. Just remember – avoid abrasive or ammonia based cleaners. Warm water, a little washing liquid, and an immediate drying with a microfiber cloth is the best idea.

How to Clean and Protect Your Marble Table

Some Additional Tips

Seven, a few do’s and don’ts. Mostly don’ts.

  • Don’t put plants on your table. Or flower arrangements. Unless you put a mat beneath the flower vase. That would be O.K. I definitely wouldn’t do the plant. It’s too corrosive.
  • Same thing with spills – coffee has a lot of acid, that’s just for starters. Consider before use: wine, juices, dressings, condiments – all could harm your surface.
  • Use lots of coasters. And place mats. Never put anything hot, like a saucepan, on your table.
  • Stainless steel could leave scratches.
  • In general, always mop up every spill immediately after it happens.

Sound like a lot of work? Maybe. I’d say, once you get the basics down, it is pretty simple. Seal it, clean it, keep spills away, and that should cover it. Besides, it is oh so worth it, in my opinion. I’ll add another post soon about repairing/removing any stains that end up in the marble. Until then, enjoy!

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Cameron Stuart
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Discussion about this post

  1. Juli J Engel says:

    Thank you for these tips! I just purchased a relatively new, but pre-loved Saarinen table in arabescato marble. It’s in pristine condition, and I would like to keep it that way. I’ll follow your instructions, and pamper this beauty, since it’s an heirloom I’ll be proud to pass down to my children.

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