If you are the owner of a granite countertop, you should be aware of the importance of meticulously caring for your granite to ensure that it looks stunning and is usable for many decades to come. Granite sealing is one of the most important procedures for granite products, which must be carried out regularly so that water does not get into the pores of granite and does not spoil this natural stone.
In this blog, we will cover the step-by-step guide to discovering how to seal a granite countertop easily. So, stick around with our tips, and be sure that your countertops will be able to shine like a diamond!
How to Seal Granite Counter
Because of the granite structure – porous natural stone with 0.05‒0.17% water absorption coefficient, – this material can a bit seep liquids and lose its features during the period of use. To prevent stains, rust, or discoloration on your countertops, you need to seal the surface properly. To help you achieve this goal, we provide you with tips on how to seal granite counters with a little effort and time. Let’s see the following steps!
Test the Surface
Before the sealing granite counters procedure, it is essential to carry out a preliminary assessment to determine whether the sealing procedure is actually needed. To begin, select a suitable location on the granite surface to conduct this test. Then, gently pour a bit of water, and observe for approximately 20 minutes whether it absorbs, or the amount of liquid is the same. Sealing granite is unnecessary if the amount of water remains equal to what was initially poured. But if the liquid is seeped into the stone and the countertop is spotted, you should seal the granite countertop immediately.
Alternatively, instead of water testing, you can add a few drops of oil. In this case, if the oil causes a dark stain, you need to consider sealing the granite countertops.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid testing with acidic liquids, such as vinegar or lemon juice. Such actions will simply damage the granite surface and cause headaches for you.
Counter Surface Preparation
After the testing (if the sealing is needed), it’s time to clean the granite countertop. So, firstly, wipe the dust off the surface, paying particular attention to the seams and corners. Then wash it thoroughly with water and mild dishwashing detergent. We recommend not using other cleaning chemicals, but only washing powder to prevent damage to the granite material. Finally, wipe the granite stone in a circular motion with a dry microfiber cloth and wait for a few hours to get the surface dry. It is recommended to allocate a 24-hour period for the drying process.
Test Sealer
Once you have prepared the granite counter for sealing, first of all, put on gloves to protect your skin and open windows for excellent air circulation. Make sure that the weather is sunny, and the humidity is at an optimal level to ensure a good seal of the granite countertop and quick drying.
Afterward, read the instructions on the label and apply a small amount of the product to a hidden area of the granite surface. Gently rub it to assess how well the sealer matches the stone. After 20 minutes, analyze the result.
Apply Sealer
If the sealed granite area has darkened, you need to change this product and contact the manufacturer. But in case the sealer is good, spray it on the counter, and wipe thoroughly over the entire surface with a soft cloth. Make sure that there are no gaps in the granite stone, and pay close attention to the corners, edges, and seams.
After the first coat has dried for a few minutes (20-25), apply a second one, and do not use the counter for approximately 48 hours. Although a few hours are sufficient for the sealing surface to dry, it’s essential to find out the info in an instruction about the time, as different manufacturers recommend different times.
By the correct process for sealing granite countertops, you can rest assured that no liquids will alter the surface’s color or have any negative effects on the granite.
Why Do I Need to Seal Granite Countertops?
Whether a granite countertop has been in a house for years or has been installed recently, some homeowners are often unaware of the proper care required for maintaining granite surfaces. So here, we will share the reasons why sealing granite countertops is necessary.
1. Excellent appearance: Proper sealing of the granite countertop ensures stunning shine for at least a whole year that can definitely wow everyone who gathers at a festive table.
2. Durable lifecycle: Since the sealant blocks the access of liquids to the pores, your granite counter will be protected from mold or even rust. Therefore, rest assured that this granite piece will be handy for a long time.
3. Safety: Clogging the pores with dirt can promote the development of many harmful bacteria that pose a potential threat to people who consume food prepared on this countertop.
4. Comfortability: Sealing granite counters provide many conveniences when during cooking and cleaning. You just need to wash or dust regularly wash or dust the granite surface to maintain a dazzling appearance.
Conclusion
Granite countertops serve as eternal reminders of the elegance, durability, and usefulness that authentic stone can bring to our homes. Sealing granite surfaces is becoming an important ritual that homeowners must perform to preserve the magical appeal of this stone while protecting it.
We hope our article was helpful to you, and now you know how to seal a granite countertop without much effort. So, add the shine to your granite pieces. Additionally, if you are looking for other info about granite, contact the Marble Unlimited team, to find everything you need!
Common Questions About Sealing Granite Counters
If you still have some questions about sealing granite counters, we will provide answers below. Let’s take a closer look!
How to Choose the Correct Sealant?
Before choosing the correct sealant, you should consider various factors to ensure that the sealant is an excellent option for your granite countertop and provides a reliable and lasting seal. Here is some advice about it:
Try to find a universal sealant for natural stone surfaces. However, if you have any doubts about the composition of the countertop material, it is advisable to seek guidance from a specialist. Provide him with a photo of the granite countertop so that he can make the best recommendations.
In addition, the composition of sealants can differ significantly from each other, for example, there are water-based and oil-based sealants. Water-based sealant is not as dense and dries quickly, while oil-based sealant is the opposite. Therefore, before buying, consider the location of the countertop and evaluate the ventilation so that the sealant can dry completely and not cause you unnecessary difficulties.
Also ask about the manufacturer, go for trusted products. We also recommend reading reviews from other customers who have seen the quality firsthand.
By following these suggestions, sealing the granite kitchen countertop will be a straightforward task!
How Often Do You Need To Seal Granite?
For the great and shiny appearance of your granite countertop, it’s great to apply a granite countertop sealer once a year. But if you interact with granite surfaces infrequently and the impact on this stone is not significant, it is recommended to carry out maintenance every 5 years. The sealing process should be done individually for each countertop. Before proceeding with the sealing, conduct a test using water or oil to ensure the best results.
What to Use to Seal Granite Countertops?
For the sealing granite counters process, you need to have: a bit of water or oil and mild clothes for testing, at least two microfiber cloths, mild detergent, and water for cleaning, as well as rubber gloves, clothes, and sealer for the sealing procedure.