Sealing granite countertops may not be necessary!
Sealing granite and other stone tops may be critical if you want to protect your counters from staining. Here’s how to test your granite countertops to see if they need sealing at all. Also, here’s how to properly seal granite countertops yourself!
Yes, you can easily seal your own granite countertops with professional quality … probably better than your granite contractor or builder did.
Do All Granite Tops Need To Be Sealed?
First, did you know that your granite counters may or may not need granite sealer? “Granite” varies in how porous or absorbent it is and how susceptible it is to staining. Actually, the color and patterning of your granite can indicate how porous your countertops may be.
Absolute Black granite is so dense or “tight” that it just never stains . . . and it won’t absorb sealer! Other stones like marble, travertine, and limestone are typically more porous and can “etch”.
New Home Countertop Protection Indoors & Outdoors . . . protect floors too! MB Stone Care Guides
Should I seal my granite?
Granites vary in how porous they are. Actually, some granites should never be sealed. Other stones may need several coats of sealer. Is it time to seal? Try the Water Test:
Sealing Granite Countertops The Right Way
Granite contractors and installers may use low quality silicon or siloxane-based granite sealers (that’s if any sealer was applied at all!) Sealers of this type are common in the granite countertop industry and require re-application as often as every 6 months.
A better granite sealer is MB-24 Barrier. from MB Stone Care. MB-24 represents the evolution and improvement of their MB-4 sealer, which my team applied to literally thousands of granite countertops. MB-24 provides even better protection than MB-4.
Quality granite sealers or impregnators penetrate below the surface rather than sit on it like topical sealers. The sealing substance is delivered inside the stone by natural absorption.
Sealer/Impregnator consists of a solid resin (which seals the “pores” of the stone), and a solvent or water “carrier” to deliver the resin into the stone.
Note: With calcite-based stones like marble, onyx, or limestone, no matter what sealer you use, you cannot avoid the damage caused by acids. Anyone who tells you differently is not being truthful.
How To Seal Granite Countertops
Sealing granite countertops is as easy as spray on, let sit, and wipe off. It literally takes minutes. And if you’re using a high quality granite sealer, you don’t need to re-apply for several years.
You get maximum stain protection after the sealer is fully cured – 24 to 36 hours. Here’s a Guide from MB Stone Care showing how to Protect Your Countertops From Stains.
As a granite fabricator and installer, we always degrease countertops and give them their final cleaning with denatured alcohol. For daily granite care, see how to clean granite countertops daily. Denatured alcohol, it turns out, does wonders for cleaning granite and cutting through film buildup on your counters. The result is the original shiny surface.
If you apply sealer to a stone that doesn’t need it and won’t absorb it, some sealer will remain on the surface of the stone. Especially with dark color stones, damage may appear such as “ghost water stains” or “water rings”. The granite isn’t stained. In fact, you can consider the sealer is what has created the look of a stain. Don’t seal granite tops if they don’t need it. See How To Remove Granite Stains.
Seal Grout Lines Especially In A Newly Built Home
Grout is typically porous and especially subject to staining. You should always seal grout lines. Start with a good cleaning, even if your tile and grout are newly installed. Seal grout lines with multiple coats using the best sealer you can. Here are video instructions for cleaning grout and sealing grout.
What Else Should I Seal?
Besides protecting natural stone surfaces with granite and stone sealer, you can also protect other porous surfaces. Granite sealer can protect brick, masonry, concrete, and terra cotta surfaces. Do quartz countertops need to be sealed?
Sealing granite and marble tables . . . should I seal my granite tables?
Do granite top tables need to be sealed? If you’re going to place food or drinks on a granite table, it’s a good idea to seal it. Here’s what you need to know about sealing granite & marble tables . . . stain removal too – Recommended granite & marble table sealing procedures.
How To Seal & Protect Granite Counters in Hotels, Restaurants, Bars, and Offices
Sealing and protecting granite tops in public and commercial spaces is no different that sealing countertops in your home. See How To Seal Granite Tops In Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars With Permanent Stain Protection
Countertop Care & Precautions
Certain habits can eliminate maintenance issues with your natural stone and granite countertops. Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices.
Many common foods contain acids that can dull or etch the surface of many calcium based stones like marble or limestone. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver, or other objects that can scratch the surface.
Good news is, granite counters don’t usually need the same care as other stones.
What’s the best sealer for granite countertops?
Should I use special granite cleaner for my countertops?
Can I repair a chip in my granite counters?
Cleaning & Sealing Granite and Concrete Outdoors
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