Does TuffSkins's Marble Surface Protection Actually Prevent Countertop Damage?

If you want to use natural stone as your countertop, it's likely going to need a bit of extra protection. Keeping your stone countertops looking their best can take some work. Traditionally, that meant applying a sealer fairly frequently, but new options, like TuffSkins marble surface protector, are emerging. Speaking exclusively to House Digest, Irakli Khizanishvili, CEO and Owner of Proslit Tile & Stone, says, "TuffSkin is designed to provide a protective barrier for natural stone surfaces, particularly for softer stones like marble, onyx, and travertine, which are prone to etching and staining." It's an effective way to prevent these common issues and is generally easy to maintain.

TuffSkins may protect your countertops from everyday abuse, but it can be more expensive, and if not applied properly, it can bubble or peel. So, it may not be a DIY-friendly project. You may also need to replace it from time to time, according to Khizanishvili, so before you invest in this option, there's more you should know.

TuffSkins work differently from more common sealers that impregnate stone. Instead, it acts as a coating. Irakli Khizanishvili explains exclusively to House Digest, "It works by creating a durable, non-porous layer that shields the surface from acidic substances, moisture, and other potential damage." It behaves similarly to the way a polyurethane might act on a butcher block countertop — as a protective layer between the counter and the outside world.

Importantly, Khizanishvili says, "While it can prevent direct surface damage, it does not alter the stone's inherent properties." This ensures that the natural beauty of the stone is preserved and protected. Residential consumers typically get four to eight years out of their TuffSkins before deciding to replace them. So, if you're unhappy about how often you need to reseal your marble countertops, then TuffSkins could be a lower-maintenance alternative. Still, they aren't the only option for keeping your natural stone countertops in pristine condition.

"For budget-conscious homeowners, periodic resealing combined with good maintenance habits can offer reasonable protection," says Irakli Khizanishvili. Remembering to use a cutting board, a trivet, and coasters can help prevent unnecessary damage to your countertops. Additionally, using a pH-neutral cleaning product will also help prevent etching. "Regular sealing with high-quality stone sealers can help minimize staining," adds Khizanishvili.

If you can't trust the kids or your significant other to keep up with these best practices and live in fear of coffee and juice stains, there are other options. "MORE AntiEtch is a strong alternative to TuffSkin as it chemically bonds to the stone, creating a protective layer without altering its appearance," Khizanishvili exclusively tells House Digest. There are no worries about peeling or bubbling here, and it is generally more durable than sealers that form a film.

Still, MORE AntiEtch requires professional installation and is often more expensive. It does, however, come with a 10-year warranty and is a plastic-free, eco-friendly option. There's a lot to think about when choosing your countertops, and how you're going to care for them is probably one of the biggest factors driving your decision-making. So, understanding all your sealant options is integral to making the best possible choice for the long term.