When looking for a kitchen or bathroom design, granite should be the first thing you explore because modern-day homes contain many different kinds of granite: they are durable, timeless, have a natural look and feel (as opposed to manmade), and will each have unique finishing touches that will give your kitchen or bath an individual design.
The properties of granite (depth of grain, warm tones), along with the durability and sustainability of the stones, will create a sense of richness in both kitchens and baths.
Granite is an igneous (a solidified liquid) natural stone created over thousands of years. The result is a piece of granite that’s completely unique in both color and design. While granite is a solid material and will last a very long time, granite is not a “closed” surface (manmade materials such as porcelain tile are). The microscopic holes in granite stone allow liquids to enter into the material, resulting in the possibility of absorbing water, oil, or grease and ultimately staining.
Because granite has microscopic holes and tiny pores, sealing is critical to protect the surface from being damaged by moisture, stains, or general wear and tear from everyday use. Many people think they don’t have to maintain their granite surfaces; however, if they aren’t sealed properly, they will begin to lose their brilliance and develop dark splotches. By knowing how often and how to correctly seal your granite countertop, you should get many years of good service from it.
Why Sealing Granite Is Important
Granite is very porous, and while it looks like solid rock, it has a certain amount of porosity. This means that any moisture contained in liquids on the surface of your granite could potentially become absorbed into the granite over time. Many different types of liquids, including water, oil, tea, coffee, and cooking liquids, will leave wet spots if left on your granite for too long. Some stains may even have the opportunity to penetrate the granite very deeply, which will make it very difficult to remove the stain once it has penetrated into the open pores of the stone.
Sealing the granite will create a thin layer of protection on the surface of your granite. This will allow the finished granite to maintain a natural finish while allowing you to quickly mop up any spills before they have the chance to stain the granite by slowing down the rate at which liquids can penetrate into the granite. Sealing granite will also help to protect the granite from wear and tear that results from normal daily use.
How Often Granite Countertops Need to Be Sealed
Granite countertops have varying sealing needs depending on what type and species of granite are present in the granite countertop in your home. Some granites are denser and can be sealed less frequently, while other granites are less dense and porous and need to be sealed more frequently. For most homes, granite countertops should be sealed at least once a year.
Granite countertops located in a high-traffic kitchen and used daily will likely need to be sealed every 6 to 12 months. In low-traffic areas, such as a bathroom, it’s commonly sufficient to seal granite countertops every 1 to 2 years. A simple way to test whether your granite countertop needs to be sealed is by performing a water test; if the surface of your granite countertop absorbs water instead of repelling it, your granite countertop will need to be sealed.
Simple Methods to Seal Granite Countertops
Sealing granite countertops correctly is simple and routine. First, clean and dry the granite before applying the sealant (dirt or oil on the granite may end up being sealed under the sealant, decreasing its surface effectiveness). If you are using a stone benevolent cleaner to help with the cleaning process, ensure that you dry the granite thoroughly before applying the sealant.
Once applied, the sealant will be spread evenly over the granite stone and allowed to sit (to enable the sealant to be absorbed by the stone) for 15–30 minutes. After a period of time, excess sealant will be removed from the granite using a soft cloth. Removing any excess sealant is important, as failure to do so will result in a dull-looking countertop. The granite countertop should not be used again until it has been allowed a minimum of 3 hours to cure after the sealing process has been completed.
Choosing the Right Sealant for Granite
It is critical to have a well-functioning sealant if you want to achieve the expected outcome. If you utilize a stone, such as granite, as a working surface in the kitchen (such as on a countertop), you should use a DIY sealant that is specifically made for natural stones and specifically for use on granite, as using a non-dedicated sealant on your surface will result in an undesirable surface change after sealing it. In addition, in addition to protecting the stone when using a homogeneous granite sealant, the homogeneous granite sealant will neither increase nor decrease the amount of shine on your granite; it will remain the same amount.
Certain sealants may darken the color of granite; if you want to achieve a deeper-colored granite, use a product that will alter the natural color of the granite. Before applying it over the entire area, you can test to see what effect the sealant will have on the granite by doing a small test area on the underside of the granite.
Long-Term Care for Sealed Granite Countertops
While sealing protects your granite from damage, it provides only part of the full protection. Routine cleaning is essential to maintain the effectiveness of the seal. Routine cleaning by wiping down the granite with mild soap and water will help preserve the integrity of the seal. As noted above, dirt, caustic cleaners, and abrasive products can damage both the seal and the granite (if used).
To prevent staining of the surface, spills or potential spills on a sealed surface must be cleaned up immediately. To prevent damage to both the seal and the stone, use coasters for beverages and heat pads between hot pots and granite. The use of these simple items will keep not only the granite surface looking nice and clean, but also extend their life.
How Sealing Helps Granite Last Longer
Everyday use, heat exposure, or liquid spills can cause granite to experience damage on a daily basis. The use of a sealant will help to decrease the amount of damage to your granite surface as well as serve as an effective barrier between the granite and any liquids. While sealing your granite will prevent staining in many instances, it will also help to make the granite more stain resistant and easier to maintain.
With continued care and maintenance (sealing on a regular basis and taking care of your granite), a granite countertop will last a long time and continue to maintain its beautiful appearance and smooth finish. Kitchen surfaces requiring a simple maintenance routine can add years of beauty and enhance the overall value and decorative appeal of any kitchen.
FAQs
In order to determine if your granite needs a sealant, put a few drops of water on the surface and allow them to remain for 3 to 4 minutes. If the water seeps into the stone, you need to reseal it. If the water remains on the surface, this means that your seal is still doing its job.
Can a homeowner seal a granite countertop?
Yes. Homeowners are able to perform sealing of a proper quality with a stone sealant product. Be sure to thoroughly clean the surface being sealed and have it completely dry before applying any sealant product. For the best results, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s directions for the stone sealant used.
Will sealing my granite countertop change the look of the granite?
When using the appropriate sealants, the majority of all sealants used will maintain the granite’s natural beauty and shine. Certain sealants may darken the granite. Be sure to test the product on an inconspicuous area before using the sealant on your entire granite project.
What will happen to granite that is not sealed?
Granite will absorb liquids and stain from exposure to liquids if it is not protected by a sealant. Unprotected granite also will develop a dull and worn appearance over time. Regularly sealing granite will keep it looking new long after your initial installation.