Sealing granite countertops is an easy do-it-yourself maintenance project you can complete in less than a day — but how often should you do it?
Prevent Staining, Preserve Color
Granite is a hard, strong stone — perfect for everyday kitchen prep. Not only do homeowners love the durability of stone, they love the beauty as well.
Sealing granite countertops is the primary way of keeping stone stain-free. It’s also how you keep its natural color bright and vibrant.
Talk to Your Manufacturer
If you aren’t sure when the right time is to seal your granite, discuss it with a countertop manufacturer or stone supplier. They will give you a rough estimate of how often your stone needs resealing, depending upon a number of factors such as the shade of the granite. Lighter colors may need to be sealed more often than dark.
Do the Water Test
The best way to tell if it’s time to reseal is to do the water test. Put a few drops of water in the center of the countertop, or wherever you use the stone most. Let the water stand for at least 15 minutes.
If it is absorbed after the testing period, it’s time to re-seal. If the water beads up, your seal is still working.
The Sealing Process
Sealing granite countertops is straightforward and simple. You can find granite sealer at most home-improvement stores. Check to see if your countertop needs any special kind of sealer before purchasing a product.
Before beginning the sealing process, remove all items from the countertops and clean the counter with warm water and soap to make sure no crumbs or sticky smears remain. Then place plastic wrap over the sink and spray the entire counter with sealer.
Leave the sealer on the countertop for about 10 minutes. Some stones may require a second treatment. Wipe the leftover product off the stone, then polish the surface with a cloth or paper towel.
Let the sealant cure for about six hours before you resume use of the countertop. Follow your specific sealer product’s instructions — some coatings require a longer wait time.
Ongoing Granite Maintenance
You can keep your granite smooth and beautiful by caring for it and observing some basic rules of use.
- Wipe up spills right away to prevent staining.
- Use mats or potholders to guard against hot cookware affecting the seal.
- Don’t use abrasive, acidic cleaners or powders.
If you notice a chip or crack in your stone, contact a professional — they may be able to help repair the finish.
Choosing Granite
From helping you select the perfect shade of stone for your kitchen or bathroom to giving advice on sealing granite countertops, trust Intermountain Stone. We’re the granite experts you can depend on when you have a question about countertop installation and maintenance.
