Sealing Granite Counters
Sealing Granite Counter Tops
Sealing granite counters is important because contrary to popular belief granite is porous. Applying a high quality sealer helps block liquids [stains] from seeping into the granite. It does this by absorbing into the pores of the stone.
Stains and discolorations often develop on granite from red wine, certain juices, cooking oil, bacon fat can cause granite headaches.
Granite counter-top sealers reduce the rate of absorbency, so the granite will not absorb and stain as quickly. Sealing your granite is not a 100% guarantee that a stain will not occur, and it will not prevent chemical damage from corrosive “etching” on Marble, Travertine or Limestone.
Sealer basically “buys you time” by keeping the stained liquid on the surface longer, allowing you to clean it up. Stains can still occur if wine, coffee, oil or other substances are left on the stone long enough.
There are some sealers on the market that have a 10 year lifetime. I apply sealer to my counter tops annually as opposed to applying two coats at one time. Some types of granite are more porous than others which may necessitate more or less sealing.
Is Sealer Needed?
A good litmus test to check on the condition of your sealer is to dribble water on the counter top. A well sealed counter will cause the water to bead up. If the water darkens in color or soaks in then it’s time to apply sealer to your counter top.
How to Seal A Granite Counter top:
1. Purchase a good quality granite sealer. Look for one that is designed to resisted water and oils stains.
2. Remove all of the items off your counters and thoroughly clean the granite, ensuring it is dry before sealing.
3. For cook tops: I use a putty knife and small blocks of wood to pry up the cook top.
4. Once you have the cook top raises a 1/2″ inch I use the blocks of wood to hold the cook top off the granite so I can clean the area and then seal it.
5. Using a clean rag apply some sealer to the rag and work in a small area to thoroughly cover all the surface and to allow the sealer to work into the granite. [Follow manufacturers recommendations]
6. Allow the sealer to dry the recommended amount of time, usually 4-8 hours before using the counter again. A good time to seal a counter top is after dinner, allowing it to dry overnight.
7. Buff the counter top with a soft, clean rag.
Protecting Your Granite Counter tops:
1. Immediately wipe up spills.
2. Clean the counter tops with a mild dish washing soap. Avoid common household cleaners have high levels of acid and other chemicals that have the potential to damage your granite counter tops.
3. Apply a sealant to the counter tops once they have been installed.
A solvent-based sealer can be applied to granite counter tops to help keep them looking new. The life of granite sealer depends on several factors, but you can assume you will need to reapply sealer every two to three years.
With proper care and cleaning, your granite counter tops will continue to look beautiful for years.
How To Apply sealer to Granite Counter Video