Although most granite countertops don't need to be sealed, it does help the stone resist dirt and spills, which can cause etching and staining [source: Marble Institute of America]. Show
By its nature, granite is moisture-resistant -- however, it's also porous. Sealants block liquids from seeping into the granite. A properly sealed countertop will cause liquids to bead on the surface. Advertisement Liquids with color -- like grape juice and red wine -- cooking oil and fat can all discolor the countertop. Pizza grease can be a culprit, too, when it soaks through the bottom of the pizza box and onto the countertop. In small areas where the faucets, sinks and stovetops lie, you should apply sealer after the countertop is installed. This should be done before appliances are put in because you won't be able to reach these spots later on -- but seeping liquids can [source: Hart]. Generally, you should seal most kitchen granite countertops annually. Keep in mind that different pieces of granite have different porosities. Some countertop areas may need to be sealed more often than others. To determine if it's time to reseal a countertop, dribble some water onto the countertop. If it beads up, great. If the water soaks into the granite, it's time to reseal. Sealing is straightforward. Get a good-quality granite countertop cleaner, a granite sealer that's designed to resist water and oil-based stains, and some clean rags. Follow the cleaner's directions first, making sure the granite is dry before you start sealing. Some sealers, such as those with a solvent base, are good for several years [source: Marble Institute of America]. When sealing, work in small areas, allowing the sealer to absorb for the recommended amount of time before applying the second application. Then move to another area. Follow the sealer's recommended amount of drying time (usually several hours or overnight) before using the countertops. Before making the decision about granite countertops, it's important to know the benefits and costs. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of granite countertops. Ephemeral or everlasting? Granite countertops are so durable they can literally outlast the building in which they reside. Can you guess what material is the most popular for creating an everlasting on a headstone? Granite [source: Everlife]. 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.
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. In order to maintain the beauty and elegance of your granite countertops at home, you should learn how to properly seal granite. Although granite is one of the toughest materials around, you will still need to understand how to take care of it to make sure its luster and beauty stay with it for as long as possible. Why is Proper Sealing Important?Generally speaking, granite is a hard, natural stone material. Due to its nature, it would be quite easy to think that it can withstand just about anything – and you could be right. However, you could also be equally wrong. When you frequently subject your granite countertop to knives, food, or acidic substances, your surface could show signs of wear and tear. Various kitchen activities can damage the surface, leading to scratches, burn marks, acid stains, and other unsightly marks. To protect your countertop from everyday kitchen activities, it is important that you know how to seal granite countertops. Sealing the granite is a great way to protect your countertop from outside elements that can damage the surface. However, this must be performed periodically as everyday activities can wear away the seal. Factors to Consider When Sealing GraniteTo properly seal granite, you must consider different factors. These must be taken into consideration to protect the surface while eliminating any risk for further damage. Porosity of the MaterialThe porosity of granite determines its ability to absorb certain liquids, including the sealant. A few granite varieties are quite porous. When left unsealed, various liquids such as water, oils, or other liquids can be absorbed into the granite, causing unsightly stains to appear. Applying sealant to the surface blocks these pores and adds a protective layer over the surface. This blocks its ability to absorb other liquids and protects your granite countertop. Type and Quality of Sealant UsedNot all sealants were made for granite countertops. Some countertop sealants work better than most at effectively sealing the stone’s pores. This is based on its ability to penetrate the material – the deeper into the surface it penetrates, the better it resists outside elements. Quality of Sealant ApplicationMost granite countertops come pre-sealed, which won’t require resealing depending on how the sealant was applied. When the surface was properly sealed, it won’t easily succumb to the elements and won’t require resealing for a couple of years. Granite countertops need sealing, and with a little effort, your countertop will look just like this Black Galaxy one! Do I need to Seal Granite Countertop?To understand whether your granite surface does, indeed, require sealing, you will have to test it. This can be done in two ways. The first one, the water drop test, tests for the porosity of your stone while the second one, the oil and lemon test, not only tests for the material’s porosity but also for any presence of materials that are sensitive to acidic spills. The Water Drop TestThe TestDrop a few drops of water on your granite countertop and let them sit for a while. The Results
The Oil and Lemon TestThe Test
The Results
IT'S TIME TO CHANGE YOU KITCHEN LOOK! We have tons of slabs in stock to make the best countertop ever! Browse our catalog and you’ll find that very granite slab you will absolutely fall in love with! Quality You Can TrustGranite countertops are famed for their beautiful qualities and are elegant additions to your home. But with the amount of exposure it gets as part of our daily activities, it’s easy to worry about the state of our countertops. It can be especially worrying if you’re unsure of the quality of your countertop. But with Granite Selection, you wouldn’t have to worry. We at Granite Selection are experts when it comes to everything granite. Get your granite from us and worry no more. Schedule your measurements and give us a call at (888) 906 3317. We’ll be more than happy to assist you. How long does granite sealer last?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.
How do you know if granite needs to be sealed?How to test if your marble or granite need to be sealed:. pour a tablespoon of regular tap water onto the counter and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.. Wipe away water with a dry cloth.. Is there a darkening of the stone?. If there is darkening, your counters could use some sealer.. If color hasn't changed, the stone is sealed.. Do granite countertops need to be sealed periodically?Standard Sealing Recommendations
Many professionals recommend sealing granite countertops at least once each year. If you cook frequently in your kitchen and use the countertops daily, you might need to reseal the granite even more frequently.
Can you seal granite too much?You don't want to apply sealant too often. If you do, sealant will pool on the surface instead of absorbing into the stone. This will create a dull surface coating that makes your countertop less attractive. The surface coating is easier to damage than the granite, so you might notice scratches and burns.
|