What is the difference between RAKU and a regular marble sealer?
Standard marble sealers are impregnating products — they fill the pores of the stone to prevent liquids from absorbing in and causing stains. They work well for that specific purpose. But etching is a completely different problem. It's a chemical reaction that happens at the surface of the stone when acids dissolve the calcium carbonate in the marble. That reaction doesn't happen inside the pores, so a sealer can't stop it. RAKU is a nano-coating that sits at the surface level and creates a barrier that prevents acid from reaching the stone in the first place. It's not a sealer — it's a fundamentally different category of protection designed specifically for the problem sealers were never built to solve.
Is RAKU safe to use on kitchen countertops where food is prepared?
Yes — and this is one of the things that genuinely sets RAKU apart from other anti-etch treatments on the market. RAKU has been independently tested by the MICRO-B laboratory under EU Regulation 1935/2004, which is the European Union's framework regulation for materials that come into contact with food. It has also been certified PFAS-free by Lantania SRL, the Italian manufacturer. PFAS are the so-called "forever chemicals" that have come under increasing scrutiny for their persistence in the environment and potential health implications. If you're using your marble countertop to prep meals, slice fruit, or pour drinks, RAKU is the only anti-etch treatment we know of that carries this specific combination of food-safe certifications.
My marble already has etch marks — can RAKU still be applied?
Absolutely, and this situation is actually one of the most common reasons people call us. Before we apply RAKU, we assess the surface and address any existing etch damage through honing and polishing. This restores the marble's finish to a clean, proper condition before the coating goes on. Applying any protective treatment over existing etch marks without correcting them first would lock that damage in place and compromise how well the product bonds to the surface. Our process ensures you're not just getting protection — you're getting a restored surface that is then protected. So even if your marble has taken years of damage, it's not too late.
How do I know the RAKU application will actually be warranted and backed up?
RAKU requires certified professional application to perform as warranted — meaning the product's warranty is only valid when applied by a technician who has been trained and certified by Lantania SRL, the Italian manufacturer. We are a certified RAKU applicator, and upon completing your project, we submit your warranty activation directly to Lantania SRL with photographic documentation of your specific surface on file. This isn't a local handshake promise — it's a manufacturer-registered warranty backed by the company that engineered the product. If a contractor applies RAKU without certification, the warranty is void and you have no recourse beyond their word.
Does RAKU change how my marble looks or feels after it's applied?
No — and this is one of the most common concerns we hear before a client commits. People have invested significantly in the specific look of their marble, and the last thing they want is a coating that makes it look plastic, cloudy, or different in any way. RAKU is an ultra-thin nano-coating that is completely invisible once applied. It doesn't alter the texture, the sheen, or the color of the stone. It doesn't yellow over time. Your marble will look and feel exactly as it did before treatment — it just won't be vulnerable to acid etching. If you can tell the difference after we're done, something went wrong. You shouldn't be able to.
Do you handle building access and paperwork for New York City co-ops and condos?
Yes, and this is something worth asking any contractor you're considering for work inside a New York City building. Most co-ops and condominiums in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and throughout the five boroughs require contractors to provide a certificate of insurance, building registration documentation, and sometimes advance coordination with building management or staff before any work can begin. We handle all of that as a standard part of our process — it's not an afterthought. We've been working in New York City residential buildings for years and understand exactly what's required. You won't need to chase paperwork or mediate between us and your building manager. We take care of it so you don't have to.
