I am moving into a new apartment with brand new Pietra di Cardosa kitchen countertops. I like to cook, so I will be using the countertops often and want to avoid stains, etching, etc. I have read online that even lemon juice will cause etching/pitting, and the stone is very porous so easy to stain. Is there any way to avoid these problems? An impregnator/penetrating sealer may help prevent stains, but what about etching? Is there such a thing as a surface sealer that creates a clear film on top of the counter that will be water-tight and prevent etching? Perhaps some kind of hard clear epoxy or resin? Or should I put a layer of glass over all the countertops? Any other advice? Thanks.

 

Dear Craig:

 

“ I have read online that even lemon juice will cause etching/pitting ”

 

Correct. And that is why Pietra di Cardoso is the last thing that you want in a kitchen.

 

“ Is there any way to avoid these problems? An impregnator/penetrating sealer may help prevent stains, but what about etching? ”

 

Like you already concluded, an impregnator will help (and only help) prevent staining. Nothing will prevent etchings.

 

“ Is there such a thing as a surface sealer that creates a clear film on top of the counter that will be water-tight and prevent etching? ”

 

Nope.

 

“ Perhaps some kind of hard clear epoxy or resin? ”

 

Nope. Well… there are a few, but they always represent a “solution” much worse than the problem, not to mention that they look awful! L

 

“ Or should I put a layer of glass over all the countertops? ”

 

Indeed, that would be the only solution.

 

May I ask you now to please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm?

Ciao and good luck,

Mauri zio Bertoli

 

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