Stone Myth Busters
By Frederick M. Hueston
Myth #1: Granite is indestructible
Nope. Granite is durable, but it’s not bulletproof. It can scratch, chip, and even stain. I’ve inspected plenty of granite counters that absorbed oil or wine because someone believed the “maintenance-free” myth and skipped sealing. And once a dark stain sets in, you’re looking at poultices, not magic.
Myth #2: All sealers make stone shiny
Wrong again. Sealers don’t create shine, they just block moisture and stains. Shine comes from polishing, the physical refinement of the surface, not a chemical.
- If a product says, “sealer and polish in one,” it’s likely a coating.
- Coatings can trap moisture and cause cloudiness or even etching over time.
Myth #3: Quartz doesn’t stain or etch
I wish that were true. Quartz surfaces resist staining better than marble, but the resins that hold the crushed quartz together can discolor from heat or certain chemicals. Leave a hot pan or harsh cleaner on quartz, and you’ll see what I mean. (I cover this in detail in my book All About Quartz Surfaces: Repair and Restoration.)
Myth #4: Marble crystallization seals the stone
That’s one of my favorite myths to bust. Crystallization isn’t a sealer; it’s a chemical reaction that temporarily changes the surface. Over time, it can make the marble brittle and prone to spalling.
If you want a real, lasting polish, mechanical honing and polishing is the right way to go. (Excerpt inspired by The Ill Effects of the Crystallization Marble Polishing Process.)
Myth #5: Stone enhancers can be removed anytime
Not really. Once a solvent-based enhancer penetrates the surface, it chemically bonds to it. You can lighten or reduce it, but full removal often means solvents and a lot of patience.
This came up recently when a reader asked me how to remove Aqua Mix Enhance N’ Seal from soapstone — a tough job, but not impossible.
Myth #6: Stone can’t be restored once damaged
That’s the myth that keeps restoration pros like me in business. Whether it’s etching, dullness, or chips, most stone can be repaired and refinished to look new again. You just need the right abrasives, chemistry, and technique. Replacing a stone surface should be your last resort, not your first.
Final Thought
Stone is strong, beautiful, and lasting — but it’s not invincible. Knowing the facts helps professionals and homeowners alike take better care of their surfaces. The more myths we bust, the better our industry becomes.
