·   What is the hardness, density, and durability of the stone?

·   How porous is the stone and how fast will it absorb a liquid (also referred to as the absorption coefficient)?

·   Is the stone expected to be in frequent contact with a staining agent?

·   What type of finish was applied to the surface? For example, a polished surface is more resistant to staining than a honed surface.

·   Will the sealant affect the color or other aesthetics of the stone?

·   If a resin was applied to the stone, how will the sealant react with the resin?

·   Where is the stone located (e.g. countertop, floor, wall, foyer, bathroom, etc)? Residential or Commercial?

·   What type of maintenance program has or will the stone been subjected to?

The type of stone, its finish, its location, and how it is maintained all need to be considered when determining how to protect the stone. The MIA recommends that these factors be reviewed with the end-user during the decision making process.