Marble protection with Marble Armor film costs $30–$45 per square foot installed in the DC metro area, with a typical kitchen countertop project running around $2,800. That one-time installation carries a 10-year manufacturer warranty against etching and staining — compared to penetrating sealers, which must be reapplied every year or two and do not stop acid etching at all.
Rose Restoration provides free on-site assessments throughout Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Request one or call (703) 327-7676.
Marble Protection Cost Ranges (2026)
| Option | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marble Armor protective film (installed) | $30 – $45 / SF | 10-year manufacturer warranty against etching and staining |
| Typical kitchen countertop project | ~$2,800 | Volume pricing for full kitchens and larger installations |
| Bathroom vanity | Below kitchen pricing | Smaller surface area; quoted per project |
| Penetrating sealer | Usually bundled with restoration | Reapplied every 1–2 years; slows staining but does not prevent etching |
| Marble polishing (if surface is already etched) | $6 – $12 / SF | Restores the finish before protection is applied |
| Commercial / hospitality installations | Contact for quote | Quoted per property; hotels, restaurants, building lobbies |
What Drives Marble Protection Cost
1. Surface Area and Layout
Film is priced per square foot, so a large island with waterfall edges costs more than a straight run of counter. Cutouts for sinks and cooktops, mitered edges, and full-height backsplashes add template and installation time. Volume pricing applies as square footage grows — a full kitchen costs less per foot than a single vanity.
2. Condition of the Stone
Protection film locks in whatever finish is underneath it. If the marble already has etch marks, dull spots, or scratches, it needs professional polishing first — typically $6–$12 per square foot. Most kitchen projects we see combine light restoration with the Marble Armor installation so the protected surface starts flawless.
3. Finish and Edge Detail
Polished and honed marble both take film, but edge profiles matter: eased and pencil edges wrap cleanly, while ogee and other ornate profiles take more fabrication time. Undermount sink reveals and drainboard grooves are quoted on inspection.
Marble Armor vs Sealing: Which Costs Less Over Time?
A penetrating sealer looks cheaper on day one — but it has to be reapplied every year or two, and it cannot stop the number-one cause of marble damage in kitchens: acid etching from lemon juice, vinegar, wine, and coffee. Etch marks are physical damage to the stone that no sealer prevents, and professional removal costs $6–$12 per square foot each time.
Marble Armor is a one-time installation with a 10-year manufacturer warranty against both etching and staining. For a working kitchen, one avoided re-polishing cycle typically covers a large share of the film’s cost — and the surface stays flawless in between. See the full comparison in our Marble Armor vs Tuffskin vs AntiEtch review.
What’s Included in a Rose Restoration Installation
- On-site assessment and exact templating of every surface
- Professional polishing of any existing etch marks or wear before installation (quoted separately if needed)
- Precision-cut, optically clear film installation by our certified crew
- 1-year written workmanship warranty on the installation
- 10-year manufacturer-backed warranty against etching and staining
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does marble protection cost?
Marble Armor protective film runs $30–$45 per square foot installed in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with a typical kitchen project around $2,800. Penetrating sealers cost less up front but must be reapplied every 1–2 years and do not prevent acid etching.
Is marble protection film worth it compared to sealing?
For kitchen countertops and bar tops — where acids like lemon, wine, and vinegar cause etching — film is the only option that actually prevents the damage. Sealers slow down staining but leave the stone exposed to etching, which then costs $6–$12 per square foot to polish out.
How long does Marble Armor last?
The manufacturer backs Marble Armor with a 10-year warranty against etching and staining, and Rose Restoration adds a 1-year written workmanship warranty on every installation.
Do you install marble protection outside of countertops?
Yes — vanities, bar tops, tabletops, shower surrounds, and commercial surfaces in hotels and restaurants. Residential work is priced per square foot; commercial and hospitality properties are quoted per project. See Marble Armor for the full service overview.
Get an Exact Price
Send us a few photos and rough dimensions and we’ll give you a firm number — usually the same day. Send photos of your surfaces, request a free on-site assessment, or call (703) 327-7676. Also see our full cost guide and marble restoration pricing if your stone needs repair first.
