Did you know granite requires a little bit of extra love when it comes to countertop maintenance?
And by extra love, we simply mean sealing this gorgeous natural stone.
Although granite can take a beating in the heat, it’s porous therefore requires an extra layer of protection so everyday life doesn’t seep into the pores and cause permanent damage.
Let’s find out how to seal granite countertops so you can maintain their beautiful appearance.
HOW TO SEAL GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
When it comes to granite countertops it’s all about longevity. And sealing can absolutely help granite live a long and healthy life.
#1—WHERE TO BEGIN
The first step is to find out if your granite countertop needs to be sealed.
Some are pre-sealed while others are not. The best place to begin is to ask your local showroom or stone yard (in most cases the place where you purchased the countertop) if it’s sealed.
If not, then it’s time to get your sealing on!
(Psst! If it’s already sealed there’s really no benefit in adding another layer of sealant. That’ll only make it look fuzzy and hazy—two unattractive attributes for a countertop, for sure.)
#2—IF YOU DON’T KNOW/TIME TO RE-SEAL
Oftentimes you may not know if the granite is sealed, especially if you just purchased the home.
It may also be time to re-seal the countertops and there’s a trick to help you find out—whether you inherited it or need to give it a touch-up.
HOW TO FIND OUT IF YOUR GRANITE COUNTERTOP NEEDS A SEALANT—
- In an area on the countertop that’s not obvious, place a few drops of water, and a couple of inches from there add drops of oil (olive, etc.).
- Allow both the water and oil to sit for 15 minutes. If after that time the area has darkened, then you know it’s time to proceed with sealing.
#3—PREPARATION FOR SEALING GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
You’ll need at least twenty-fours before you begin the sealing process to clean the countertop properly.
- Remove any dust on the countertop with a dry microfiber cloth.
- Clean surface with a mixture of 1 teaspoon dish soap/2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol, mix in a spray bottle, and fill with distilled water.
- Using a microfiber cloth, spray the countertop with mixture and polish in a circular motion.
- Wait for another 24-hours to allow the countertop to dry.
#4—TEST SEALANT
Before you even test—don’t forget the actual sealant! Your local granite countertop store is a great place to start as they can recommend what’s best.
Now that you have your sealant, it’s super important to test before you start the sealing process.
- Grab gloves, ventilate the area (open windows; pause the sealing if it’s raining, or open other windows where there’s no moisture), and read the sealant directions.
- Follow directions and apply to the small test area. Allow to sit for the recommended time (usually 15-20 minutes).
- If discoloration in that area occurs wipe the area with a clean rag, take pictures, and head to a local professional like Sol Granite for direction on a product better suited for your countertop.
#5—GET TO SEALING
If you’ve found the perfect fit of a sealant, now it’s time to be like Mr. Miyagi and wax on and wax off. Or something like that!
- Follow directions and apply sealant evenly to granite surface in equal sections using a circular motion.
- Allow the product to absorb for the recommended time listed.
- After the allotted time is up, wipe the countertop—especially if there’s any sealant leftover—and wait a full 48 hours before use. That means no wiping or kitchenware use while it cures.
SEALING COUNTERTOP | TIPS AND TRICKS
- Choose the proper sealant (topical, enhancing, and penetrating) for your specific granite needs.
- Seal your countertops a minimum of once a year. If your kitchen is a high-traffic area due to entertaining or cooking, we recommend sealing more often.
- If you’re not the DIY type and don’t mind handing over some more money, you can hire a professional to seal countertops and it may even last longer.
Who knew granite countertops had such an edge to them with sealing?
If you want to keep granite sparkling for the lifetime of your home don’t forget to maintain proper care like sealing and this gorgeous and unique natural stone will shine!
Have any questions?
Need help with your home design project?
Stop by the Sol Granite showroom today and let us help you bring your design dreams to reality!
Sol Granite
4804 Dillon Drive (Behind Texas Roadhouse)
Pueblo, CO 81008
719-544-3085
