How To Seal A Granite Countertop

Seal granite countertopsAmong homeowners, granite countertops remain a popular kitchen and bathroom finishing choice. Granite boasts a combination of natural beauty and durability that’s unmatched among most commercial options.

But different from many other countertops choices, granite is a natural material; mined from the Earth. It is porous and highly absorbent.

To protect the granite in your home, therefore, and to ensure its quality over time, you’ll want to seal your countertops at least once annually. A proper granite sealing will prevent stains and damage that can ruin your countertops’ appearances.

Sealing your granite countertops is a simple job, but one that requires a little bit elbow grease.

First, you should make sure your granite is actually ready to be re-sealed. To do this, soak a white cotton cloth in water and leave it on the corner of your countertop for a 10 minutes.  Lift the towel and check whether the area under the towel is discolored, or dark. This will indicate that your granite is absorbing liquid and needs sealing.

If the area is not disclored, your granite is already sufficiently sealed.

If your countertops do need to be sealed, here’s how to do it :

  1. With a spray cleaner, wipe down the entire surface and allow to dry
  2. Using a clean white rag, apply granite sealer to the surface uniformly
  3. Allow 30 minutes for the granite to absorb the sealer, or longer
  4. When dry, re-apply a second coat of sealer

Depending on the thickness and quality of your home’s granite, it may need to dry overnight so allow yourself the proper time to finish the job.

Once sealed, use preventative maintenance to keep your granite countertops looking great. Place coasters under beverages, hot plates under dishes and clean up spills immediately.

A well-cared for granite countertop will last for years.

How To Keep Your Granite Countertops From Getting “Cloudy”

Cleaning granite countertopsGranite is a popular “finishing choice” for homeowners because of its good-looks and its strength. A well-maintained granite counter-top boasts natural beauty and outlasts most other finishes.

But granite is also natural rock, mined from the earth. It’s porous and highly absorbent.

Therefore, if your home features granite in its kitchen, its bathrooms, or other living spaces, you’ll want to make sure the counter-tops are cared for to prevent staining and/or clouding over time. 

The first step is to seal your countertops every 12 months — 6 months in areas of heavy use.

Sealing a counter-top is akin to applying polyurethane to hardwood flooring; it protects the material’s natural traits, while keeping out “the elements”. Specifically, sealing granite creates a non-porous layer on the surface that is impenetrable to juice and grease, as examples.

Sealant can be purchased at a local hardware store, or on Amazon.com. Prices start around $10. Just make sure you’re following the manufacturer’s application instructions. Sealant won’t work if applied improperly.

Then, once sealed, avoid harsh cleansers. Instead, opt for a warm sponge and mild detergent. Cleaning with soap will help leave a reflective finish on the surface that will not strip the seal. Using soap also prevents the “cloudy counterspy” condition that’s so common with granite.

And, lastly, every day, take preventative measures to keep your granite shining. Just because a countertop is sealed, that doesn’t mean it’s immune to damage. Use coasters under beverages, put hot plates under dishes, and clean up spills as they happen. 

A granite counter-top will last years will proper care.