Question 1

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We're based in the tri-state and serve homes across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Most installs are within a comfortable drive of NYC, but we travel further regularly — get in touch with your address and we'll confirm scheduling and travel for your project.

Question 2

What is StoneGuard® & how is it different from sealers?

Accepted Answer

StoneGuard® is a patented, multi-layer protective film engineered specifically for natural stone — about 5 mils thick, with a nano-coated top layer that takes the brunt of everyday wear. Sealers are a different category entirely: they're liquid chemicals that soak into the pores of the stone, require periodic reapplication, and offer limited protection against acidic spills. StoneGuard is a physical barrier that lives on top of the stone, blocks etching and stains in real time, and can simply be replaced when it ages.

Question 3

Why choose StoneGuard instead of other films?

Accepted Answer

StoneGuard was engineered from every layer specifically for stone — including a gas-permeable adhesive that lets the slab breathe. Most "competing" countertop films are repurposed automotive paint protection film or window tint, originally designed for glass and metal, not calcite. Repurposed films can seal the pores of the stone or behave unpredictably over time. StoneGuard's technology and its application to stone are protected by patent, and we're trained and certified to install it.

Question 4

Who is M&T Surface Protectors?

Accepted Answer

We're a family-run, certified StoneGuard installation company based in the tri-state. Michael and the team have spent years specializing in one thing — protecting and restoring high-end natural stone in private residences. We don't do flooring, we don't do tile contracting on the side. Stone surfaces are the entire business, which is why our work and our pace look different from a general contractor.

Question 5

What stones does StoneGuard work on?

Accepted Answer

Marble, quartzite, granite, soapstone, limestone, travertine, onyx, and engineered quartz — essentially any natural or man-made stone slab with a relatively smooth surface. Highly textured leathered or rough-hewn finishes can be a challenge for adhesion; we'll evaluate your specific slab during the consultation and tell you honestly whether StoneGuard is the right call.

Question 6

Where can StoneGuard be installed in my home?

Accepted Answer

Anywhere there's a flat stone surface that takes daily use: kitchen counters and islands, bathroom vanities, bar tops, dining tables, fireplace surrounds, conference tables, and waterfall edges. We've also done coffee tables and built-in desks. If it's stone and you use it, it's a candidate.

Question 7

Can StoneGuard be used outdoors?

Accepted Answer

No — StoneGuard was developed and tested for indoor use only. Outdoor exposure introduces temperature swings, moisture cycles, and UV intensity that the film isn't engineered for. If you have an outdoor kitchen or patio bar that needs protection, give us a call and we'll point you toward the right product for that environment.

Question 8

Do I need to get my stone restored before StoneGuard is applied?

Accepted Answer

If your stone already has etching, staining, or surface damage, yes — the film bonds to whatever's underneath, so we want to start from a clean canvas. We handle the restoration ourselves: honing, polishing, stain removal, and prep all happen on the same project. If your stone is in good shape, we go straight to install. We'll tell you honestly which camp you're in during the consultation.

Question 9

Is StoneGuard® available for honed or polished surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Yes — both. StoneGuard Clear is engineered for polished, glossy stones; it preserves the reflective look and enhances the natural gloss by up to 300%. StoneGuard Satin is engineered for honed and matte stones; it preserves the soft tactile finish while bringing out the depth and color that can wash out in daylight. We confirm the right product based on your slab's finish during the consult.

Question 10

Will StoneGuard® change the look of my stone?

Accepted Answer

Not in a bad way. Once cured, the film is nearly invisible — most clients can't see it unless they're looking at a glancing angle. What it does change is the depth: Clear adds gloss to polished stone, Satin enhances color and variation in honed stone. Both finishes were tuned to look like stone, not like a film over stone.

Question 11

Is StoneGuard® the same as PPF?

Accepted Answer

No. PPF (paint protection film) was developed for car paint — it's flexible, optimized for curved metal panels, and uses adhesives that work against painted surfaces. StoneGuard was developed from the top layer down for stone: the topcoat chemistry, the carrier film, and the gas-permeable adhesive are all specific to porous, calcite-based materials. Despite surface similarities, they aren't interchangeable, and PPF on stone tends to behave unpredictably over time.

Question 12

Will the seams be visible?

Accepted Answer

Almost never. We template each surface as a single piece wherever possible, and where seams are unavoidable — long runs, L-shapes around an island — we place them along natural breakpoints in the slab and align the cut so the film edge disappears into the stone's veining. You'd have to know exactly where to look.

Question 13

Will it look glossy or fake?

Accepted Answer

No. Both Clear and Satin were specifically engineered to read as stone, not as plastic. Clear matches the depth of a polished slab; Satin holds the soft, low-sheen feel of honed stone. The film has no orange-peel texture, no visible thickness at the edge, and no shine that doesn't belong.

Question 14

Can I see a sample before I commit?

Accepted Answer

Because StoneGuard is a professional-only product, we don't ship loose samples — they wouldn't represent how the film looks once it's bonded to your specific stone. What we can do is bring sample boards to your in-home consultation and place them on your countertop so you can see Clear and Satin against your actual slab in your actual lighting. That's the only honest comparison.

Question 15

What chemicals can StoneGuard® protect counter surfaces from?

Accepted Answer

Common kitchen acids and dyes: white vinegar, coffee, citrus, bleach, red wine, tomato — plus a long list of other organic liquids that ruin natural stone. StoneGuard is the sacrificial layer; it takes the chemical hit in place of the slab. Wipe edge spills promptly, and avoid harsh industrial acids on the film, but for everyday kitchen life you can stop policing the countertop.

Question 16

Is StoneGuard® heat resistant?

Accepted Answer

StoneGuard is engineered for heat tolerance, but the natural stone underneath can suffer thermal shock from oven-hot items — that's true protected or unprotected. Best practice still applies: use trivets or hot pads under hot cookware when temperatures reach the upper limit of around 420°F. Treat your stone like the natural material it is.

Question 17

Will the film get damaged over time?

Accepted Answer

StoneGuard is a consumable layer by design — that's the whole point. It absorbs scratches, chemical exposure, and wear so the stone underneath stays exactly as it was the day we installed it. Following the maintenance instructions minimizes wear, and when the film eventually shows its age it can be replaced without affecting the slab. A worn StoneGuard means it did its job.

Question 18

Will StoneGuard® peel?

Accepted Answer

Not under normal use. The adhesive system is engineered for long-term bonding to stone, and our installations carry a Limited Lifetime Warranty against bubbling, fading, and natural delamination. Where film occasionally lifts is at exposed edges that get repeatedly soaked — which is why we recommend wiping edge spills promptly. If you ever see lifting, call us; we stand behind the work.

Question 19

How long does StoneGuard last?

Accepted Answer

Most of our installations look new well past a decade with normal use. StoneGuard's Performance Guarantee is structured around long service life, and because it's a replaceable consumable, even when the film eventually shows its age the fix is a refresh — not a re-do of your stone. We've returned to clients seven and eight years later and the film still looks tight.

Question 20

Is it scratch-proof?

Accepted Answer

It's scratch-resistant, not scratch-proof — and the difference matters. The nano-coated topcoat shrugs off everyday contact: dragging plates, sliding small appliances, stacking pans. It is not knife-proof, so we always recommend a cutting board. The film handles the rest of normal kitchen life without showing.

Question 21

What about UV / sunlight from my windows?

Accepted Answer

StoneGuard has built-in UVA/UVB inhibitors and is engineered for installations near windows. The film stays clear and stable under sun exposure and won't yellow over time the way cheaper repurposed films can. If your stone sits in direct afternoon sun, that's exactly the scenario it was built for.

Question 22

Will it trap moisture in my stone?

Accepted Answer

No. The top of the film is impermeable — that's how it blocks spills — but the adhesive layer underneath is gas-permeable, so the stone can naturally outgas and breathe. This was a deliberate engineering choice and one of the main reasons StoneGuard works on stone where window film and PPF don't.

Question 23

Is StoneGuard food-safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The film is non-toxic, antimicrobial, and tested to comply with low-VOC indoor air-quality standards. You can prep food directly on it the way you would on any sealed countertop — though we still recommend a cutting board for the sake of the topcoat (and your knives).

Question 24

How do I maintain StoneGuard®?

Accepted Answer

Use warm water or a pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaner with a clean microfiber towel, and dry the surface after cleaning to reduce spotting. For tougher residues, use an approved StoneGuard cleaner or surfactant — we'll send you home with everything you need. Avoid abrasive scrubbing pads and powders, and don't use knives directly on the surface. That's the entire maintenance routine.

Question 25

What cleaners should I avoid?

Accepted Answer

Skip anything abrasive — scouring pads, powders, magic erasers — and skip harsh industrial chemicals like concentrated acids or solvents. Common household sprays (Windex, 409, etc.) won't damage the film for occasional use, but a stone-safe pH-neutral cleaner is what we recommend day-to-day. When in doubt, warm water and a microfiber wipes most things up.

Question 26

Can I cut directly on it?

Accepted Answer

Please don't. The topcoat is scratch-resistant, but a sharp knife under pressure will mark any surface — film, stone, sealer, or otherwise. Use a cutting board, both for the film and for your knives. This is the same advice every stone fabricator gives for unprotected stone, too.

Question 27

Can I put hot pots and pans directly on it?

Accepted Answer

We don't recommend it. StoneGuard tolerates heat up to about 420°F, but the stone underneath can crack from thermal shock independently of the film. A trivet costs five dollars and removes the question entirely. For warm cookware off the stovetop, the film is fine.

Question 28

What happens if I spill red wine and don't notice for hours?

Accepted Answer

Nothing. That's the whole point of StoneGuard. Wine, coffee, balsamic, lemon juice — they sit on the film and wipe up clean whenever you get to it. The stone underneath never sees the spill. The one place to be a little more attentive is the very edge of the counter, where exposed stone meets the film; wipe edge spills when you notice them.

Question 29

Will it stain over time?

Accepted Answer

The film itself is stain-resistant by design and shouldn't discolor under normal use. Some installations near gas cooktops can develop a faint film of cooking residue over years — that's a cleaning issue, not a staining issue, and it wipes off with the recommended StoneGuard surfactant. If you ever see something that looks like permanent discoloration, send us a photo.

Question 30

Can I use StoneGuard cleaner on the rest of my stone?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the cleaner we provide is pH-neutral and stone-safe, so it's fine on bare marble, granite, or quartzite as well as on the film. Many of our clients use it as their default kitchen counter cleaner across the whole space.

Question 31

Can I install StoneGuard® myself?

Accepted Answer

No — StoneGuard is a professional-only application. Proper adhesion, seamwork, and finish all require certified installation, and DIY isn't recommended (or warrantied). M&T Surface Protectors are certified StoneGuard specialists; we install across NY, NJ, and PA, and we're trained to handle the stone prep, templating, application, and finish work in a single visit.

Question 32

Do fixtures, like the faucet, have to be removed for an installation?

Accepted Answer

Most installs don't require fixtures to be removed. We template carefully around faucets, soap dispensers, and cooktops so the film follows the cutout cleanly. If a fixture is unusually tight or sits flush against the stone, we'll flag that during the consultation and decide together whether removal makes sense — but it's the exception, not the rule.

Question 33

How long after installation can the countertops be used?

Accepted Answer

Light use the same day, full use the next morning. The film is touch-dry by the time we leave, but the adhesive needs a few hours to fully bond to the stone — so we ask you to keep liquids and heavy use off the surface overnight. After that, go back to your normal kitchen life.

Question 34

How long does an install take?

Accepted Answer

Most kitchens are completed in a single day — typically four to eight hours, depending on square footage, stone condition, and how many surfaces are getting protected. Large multi-surface projects (kitchen + bathrooms + bar) can stretch into a second day. We give you a firm time estimate before we start, not at the door.

Question 35

Is the install messy?

Accepted Answer

Less than you'd think. We work with a small amount of water and surfactant during application, and we tape off and protect adjacent cabinetry before we begin. By the time we leave, the kitchen is cleaner than when we arrived — that's a deliberate part of how we work.

Question 36

Do I need to be home during the install?

Accepted Answer

Briefly at the beginning so we can walk the surfaces together and confirm scope, and ideally at the end for the final walkthrough — but you don't need to hover. Most clients hand us a key or a code, head to work, and come home to protected stone.

Question 37

How do I prep the kitchen before you arrive?

Accepted Answer

Clear the counters of small appliances, knife blocks, fruit bowls, and anything that lives on the surface. Move heavy items off the cooktop and out of the sink area. We bring everything else: tools, tape, drop cloths, the film itself, and our cleaning kit. If you have specific concerns about a piece of art or stone you want extra protected, tell us beforehand.

Question 38

Can StoneGuard be removed?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the film is removable, which is one of its quietest advantages. If you renovate or sell the home and the next owner doesn't want it, we can remove the film and the stone underneath comes back exactly as it was. It's not permanent, and that's by design.

Question 39

Can it be replaced if it gets damaged?

Accepted Answer

Yes — that's the whole model. If the film gets scratched, scorched, or worn after years of use, we remove that section and re-install fresh film. The stone underneath is untouched. Most clients never need this, but knowing it's possible is part of why StoneGuard is the right call for high-end stone.

Question 40

How much does StoneGuard cost?

Accepted Answer

We charge a flat rate per square foot, with the exact rate depending on your location, the stone, and whether any restoration is needed before we install. Most kitchen projects fall in a predictable band, and we always send a written quote before any commitment. Reach out with rough dimensions and a photo or two and we'll send back a real number — usually the same day.

Question 41

Are quotes free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We do a remote quote based on photos and rough dimensions, and we'll come out for a free in-home consultation when the project is the right fit. There's no obligation either way — many people get a quote, sit on it for a few months, and book later.

Question 42

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

We're typically booked about a month out, sometimes more during spring and fall. If you have a specific date in mind — a renovation deadline, a move-in, hosting a holiday — reach out as early as you can and we'll do our best to fit it in. We hold a small number of priority slots for time-sensitive projects.

Question 43

Do you do new construction and renovations?

Accepted Answer

Yes — frequently. Many of our installs are coordinated with a kitchen renovation or new build, where the slab is fabricated, set, and then we come in before the homeowner moves back into the space. We work directly with designers, GCs, and stone fabricators when that's helpful.

Question 44

Do you offer financing or payment plans?

Accepted Answer

We accept standard payments and can break larger multi-surface projects into milestone payments tied to the work. We don't currently offer in-house financing, but plenty of clients use a home-improvement card or HELOC for larger jobs — happy to discuss what works for your project.

Question 45

What's the consultation process?

Accepted Answer

It usually goes: text or email with rough info → quick remote quote → in-home consultation if it's a fit → written final quote → schedule the install. The whole process from first message to install is typically two to four weeks for a standard kitchen, faster if a slot opens up.

Question 46

What is StoneGuard®'s warranty?

Accepted Answer

StoneGuard comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty against bubbling, fading, and natural delamination, plus a Performance Guarantee on the protective film itself. Normal wear and tear are excluded — that's the consumable layer doing what it's designed to do. Edge-wicking from exposed edges is also not covered, which is why we ask you to wipe edge spills promptly. Refer to the warranty card we leave with you for full scope and the claim process, and call us anytime if something looks off.

Question 47

What's covered, exactly?

Accepted Answer

The warranty covers manufacturing defects, bubbling, fading, and natural delamination — meaning the film coming away from the stone on its own without an external cause. The Performance Guarantee separately covers the film's ability to do its job (resist etching and staining) over its service life. Together they cover the things we and StoneGuard control.

Question 48

What's NOT covered?

Accepted Answer

Normal wear and tear — small scratches, dulling at high-use spots, eventual replacement need. Edge-wicking caused by repeated soaking at exposed countertop edges. Damage from misuse: cutting directly on the film, harsh industrial chemicals, items above the stated heat threshold. We're transparent about this up front so there are no surprises later.

Question 49

Is the warranty transferable?

Accepted Answer

Warranty terms are tied to the original installation. If you're selling your home, contact us — we'll walk you and the buyer through the specifics so the next owner knows exactly what's protecting their stone, and so you can hand off the documentation cleanly.

Question 50

What if something goes wrong?

Accepted Answer

Call or text us. Send photos. We respond same-day on weekdays in almost every case. If it's a warrantable issue, we come back out and make it right at no charge. If it's something outside the warranty (a guest dragged a cast iron skillet, an unusual chemical exposure), we'll still help you understand the options and quote a fair refresh. We're a small team and we stand behind every install we've done.

Question 51

Do you do follow-up visits?

Accepted Answer

We do a check-in with every install around the 30-day mark, just to confirm everything looks the way it should. After that we're a phone call away. Some clients we've installed for over the years have us back periodically for refreshes or to add coverage to new surfaces — we like staying in touch.

Direct answers before you protect your stone.

Will StoneGuard change how my countertop looks?

Will seams or edges be visible?

Can water get under the film?

Can StoneGuard scratch?

What does the warranty cover?

How much does installation cost?

How long will it look new?

How is this different from an anti-etch coating?