Volakas marble — prized for its bright white background and soft grey veining — brings a luxe, timeless look to homes and commercial spaces. But like all natural marbles, Volakas is porous and needs thoughtful care to stay pristine, especially in a coastal, humid city like Chennai. This guide explains why sealing matters, how to prevent stains, and step-by-step sealing and upkeep advice tailored for Volakas Marble in Chennai.

Volakas is celebrated for its beauty but, like many white marbles, it has microscopic pores and veins where liquids and oils can collect. That porosity increases the risk of watermarks, oil stains, and discoloration if spills are left too long. In addition, veining and micro-fissures can trap contaminants that dull the stone’s appearance over time. For Volakas, sealing is not optional — it’s the single most effective preventative step.

Chennai’s climate — a factor to consider

Chennai’s hot, coastal, and humid climate (monsoon and high average humidity through much of the year) makes moisture management especially important. High humidity raises the chance of moisture ingress, biological growth (mildew), and staining if stone isn’t properly sealed and ventilated. If you’re installing Volakas Marble in Chennai, plan on a slightly more proactive maintenance schedule than someone in a dry climate.

Stain-prevention basics (daily habits)

  1. Wipe spills promptly — especially oils, coffee, wine, turmeric, beetroot, and acidic liquids (lemon, vinegar). Immediate wiping prevents penetration.

  2. Use coasters, placemats and trivets — never place hot pans or oily dishes directly on marble.

  3. Avoid acidic and abrasive cleaners — use pH-neutral stone cleaners or mild dish soap with water and a soft cloth. Harsh acids cause etching; abrasives scratch.

  4. Place mats in high-traffic entries and felt pads under furniture legs to reduce wear and grit abrasion.

Choosing a sealer — what to look for

  • Type: For Volakas, a penetrating (impregnating) sealer is usually recommended — it soaks into pores and repels water/oil without altering the stone’s look. Topical sealers create a surface film but can alter shine and wear away sooner.

  • Breathability: Pick a sealer labelled for natural marble that allows vapor transmission (prevents trapped moisture).

  • Stain protection vs etch protection: Sealers help prevent stains from liquids and oils but do not prevent etching from acids; avoid acidic spills regardless of sealer.

How often to seal Volakas in Chennai

Sealing frequency depends on use and exposure:

  • High-use counters / busy kitchens: test and reseal every 3–6 months.

  • Bathrooms, floors or lower-traffic counters: reseal annually or as needed.

  • Simple field test: sprinkle a few drops of water — if it beads, the sealer is working; if it darkens/soaks in within 10–30 minutes, reseal.

Step-by-step sealing (DIY friendly)

  1. Clean thoroughly. Remove grease, dirt and old residue with a pH-neutral stone cleaner. For old stains, use a poultice or consult pros. Allow full drying (24–48 hours if needed).

  2. Choose the correct sealer. Read manufacturer instructions — use a marble-rated penetrating sealer.

  3. Apply evenly. Use a clean cloth, brush or low-pressure sprayer. Keep the surface wet with sealer for the time recommended (most impregnators need several minutes of dwell time).

  4. Wipe off excess. After dwell time, remove surplus with clean cloths so no residue dries on the surface.

  5. Cure time. Allow the sealer to cure fully (often 24–48 hours) before regular use — follow product instructions. Some sealers reach full effectiveness after several days.

Dealing with stubborn stains or etches

  • Oil stains: Poultice with baking soda or a commercial stone poultice to draw out oils.

  • Organic stains (tea, coffee): Hydrogen peroxide-based poultice may work — test in an inconspicuous area first.

  • Etching from acids: Etches remove surface material and usually need polishing or professional stone restoration to fully correct. Sealers won’t reverse etching.

Professional care & installation tips

  • Ask your Chennai supplier or installer about back-sealing (for floors/wet areas) and using densifiers where appropriate — these treatments can reduce moisture problems and prolong life. Use installers experienced with imported white marbles like Volakas.

Final checklist for Volakas Marble in Chennai

  • Buy marble from reputable dealers and confirm finish and thickness

  • Seal at installation.

  • Test seal every few months with a water bead test.

  • Be proactive during Chennai’s humid and monsoon months — keep indoor ventilation, mop up standing water, and consider shorter reseal intervals if the surface is frequently damp.