Most granite is very stain
resistant and does not “require” sealing. However, sealing is an added precaution, and many fabricators and installers do recommend it. Quality Granite & Marble typically makes this determination, and applies sealer when needed. A general rule used when manufacturing is, if water darkens the stone, it needs a sealer. It’s important to know a little about the granite slab fabrication process before sealing. Resin coating applies an epoxy over the stone slabs. This resin
fills the voids, veins, and fissures. This process was developed to make unstable stone sellable. The more the process was used, the more common it became. Many fabricators simply apply resin coating to all slabs to keep things simple. When you mix a sealer with an unknown resin, it may turn the resin cloudy. This is one reason you may not want to blindly apply a sealer. Check with your installer first.
For stones that do require, or would benefit from, sealing, there are a few variables to considers when determining how often new sealer is needed.
- How much abuse the countertop gets
- How often the granite is cleaned
- How absorbent (porous) the natural stone is
- The type and quality of the previous sealer used
Many sealers applied at the factory last 10-15 years, while store bought (DIY) sealers may only be good for 6-12 months. So it’s important to know if you had a sealer before, and what type.
A simple water test will help you determine if sealer is needed. Pour about a quarter cup of water on a few areas of the counter. See how long it takes for the water to absorb. If the water absorbs into the stone in less than five minutes, the stone does need to be sealed. If the water is still standing after 30 minutes, no sealer is needed. Anywhere in between five and 30 minutes, the stone may benefit a sealer.
Sealing granite is a relatively simple process and can be done by a professional or by homeowners. Before sealing, it is important to know the makeup of your stone, so check with your fabricator and/or installation documentation to make sure you select the correct product and sealing process. If you have questions about how often you should seal your granite, call us at 316-946-0530.
Sealing your granite countertops regularly protects the granite from stains, etches, and other damage. The good news is sealing granite is an easy do-it-yourself project. Many homeowners seal their granite counters once or twice a year, although you can seal them more regularly if you wish because it is not possible to over-seal natural stone. Here are some steps you should take before, during, and after sealing granite countertops.
1. Know When to Seal
It's important to recognize when your countertops need to be sealed again. You can check the integrity of your seal with a simple water test. Pour a small amount of water, about 3 inches in diameter, on the surface of the stone in a few places and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. If a dark ring or mark appears, it means water is penetrating and your countertops need to be sealed again.
2. Clean the Granite
Before sealing the countertops, you want to make sure the surface is clean. You can use Granite Gold Daily Cleaner® to clean granite countertops without causing damage. Make sure you avoid using common household cleaners and abrasives that break down the seal and cause damage that is expensive to repair.
3. Use the Sealer Properly
Be sure to use a protective sealer that is designed for natural stone. When you use granite sealer, make sure it's applied evenly to dampen but not soak the surface of your countertops. Granite Gold Sealer® is should be used properly for best results. This spray-and-wipe solution should be sprayed on the surface of your countertop in a 3-foot section. Right away, wipe the sealer into the stone using a lint-free cloth. Wiping the sealer immediately is important because letting it dry on the surface will lead to hazing. Once it's wiped, buff the countertops with a clean lint-free cloth. You can repeat this process 2 to 3 times for even better protection, waiting 20 minutes or until dry to the touch between applications.
4. Don't Forget to Polish
Polishing natural stone after it's cleaned brings out its natural beauty and reinforces the protective seal. For additional protection and shine, wait about 24 hours after the sealer has cured before you polish the countertops. Polishing your countertops is about as easy as sealing. Apply the stone polish to the surface by spraying with the bottle about 6 to 8 inches from the surface. Immediately buff the counters with a lint-free cloth or dry paper towel. After buffing, wipe the countertops dry with a clean cloth. For additional tips on sealing, cleaning, and polishing stone surfaces, get in touch with Granite Gold® today. We are a family owned company with stone care expertise that spans three generations. Give us a call at 1-800-475-STONE to learn more about what we have to offer.