Identification

• Ice Stone is a style of countertop made from recycled glass embedded into high-performance concrete. The manufacturers of Ice Stone claim the finished countertop is twice as strong as a marble countertop and has a fire-resistant surface. Ice Stone countertops are a green building product by using recycled products that reduce the amount of waste in landfills.
  
  

Sealing

• Ice Stone has a porous surface that requires sealant to prevent stains on the counter surface. Quality Ice Stone countertops have a high-gloss food grade sealant applied before the countertop is installed in your residence. Maintenance of Ice Stone requires that you reapply a protective sealer to the surface of the countertop every two to five years to keep the protective barrier on the concrete surface. The frequency of application depends on the type of sealer used. Countertop sealers are available for purchase at home supply stores or countertop resellers.
  
  

Wax Finish

• Apply a carnauba wax finish or sealer to the surface of the countertop after installation and every four to six months thereafter. A wax sealer creates a barrier on top of the chemical sealant to repel liquids and foods that create stains on the countertop surface. The wax barrier gives you time to clean the surface before a stain sets in or damage occurs to the Ice Stone surface. Consult with the company you purchased the countertop from to request a wax sealer product for continued maintenance on your Ice Stone countertop.
  
  

Considerations

• Verify that your Ice Stone countertop has a sealant applied before purchasing the slab for your home or business. Test the surface of the countertop to see if a sealant is present by placing a droplet of water in a hidden area. If the surfaces repels the water, there is a manufacturer sealant on the surface. Contact the installation company if the water absorbs into the surface and request a sealant be applied to the countertop. Concrete countertop sealers have strong fumes that require ventilation until the surface dries completely.