Should I Seal My Granite Kitchen Counters?

Why bother sealing granite countertops if it’s one of the hardest materials on the planet?

Unsealed granite countertops collect bacteria and moisture, making them unfit for use in a kitchen. Although there are several methods for keeping your stone countertops in good condition, one of the most crucial is to use a stone sealer.

Maintaining your countertops’ lustre and protecting them from scratches, stains, and general dullness requires the use of a sealer over the long term. You can easily search for ‘granite sealing service near me’ online to find the best around you. 

There isn’t much to sealing. You should arm yourself with some clean rags, a high-quality granite countertop cleaner, and a granite sealant that can withstand both water and oil stains. Make sure the granite is completely dry before you seal it in accordance with the cleaner’s instructions. Some sealants, like those made from a solvent, can last for years.

If you want a good seal, seal in small sections and wait the recommended time between coats. Then leave that place and go somewhere else. Wait the specified amount of time (typically several hours or overnight) before utilizing the countertops after sealant application.

While factory-applied sealers can last for ten to fifteen years, do-it-yourself (DIY) sealers may only last for six to twelve months. That’s why it’s crucial to know whether or not you’ve ever used a sealer, and if so, which one. If you’re not sure if you need sealer, a simple water test can tell you. Distribute a quarter cup of water around the countertop in a few spots. Count how many hours it takes for the water to disappear. There is a need to encapsulate the stone if water can be absorbed into it in less than five minutes. After thirty minutes, if the water has not evaporated, there is no need to use a sealer. The stone could benefit from a sealer anywhere from five to thirty minutes after application.

Cleaning and maintaining your granite countertops will become less of a chore after they have been sealed. Plus, the surface will be cleaner and safer to use. Due to its porous nature, granite is a potential home for bacteria; sealing it can reduce the number of germs thriving in the stone’s cracks and fissures.

Because the porosity of granite varies widely from slab to slab, you may need to seal some of it more frequently than once every five years. To see if your counter top needs to be sealed, simply dribble water on it. If water beads up on contact, it’s good; otherwise, you may want to seal it.

Granite may last a long time, but it is also hard and fragile. It will break if it is twisted or knocked around during shipment or setup. However, even with the most careful handling and the most skilled installers, cracks might appear on occasion. In addition to being extremely heavy, granite is clumsy to work with, and a fracture can easily form in its thin places (like around the sink cutout).