Sealing Granite Countertops

Granite, in spite of being hard, is porous in nature. And one way to keep liquids from penetrating the pores is by sealing the granite countertops at least once a year. Sealing increases its longevity and prevents etching, cloudiness, and stains. Although granite is known to be moisture-resistant, its porosity makes the countertop vulnerable to certain liquids like fruit juice, cooking oil, tea spills, etc.

The sealing depends upon the porosity of the granite stone that has been used as the countertop. So, some would require sealing more than just once a year. Before starting the sealing procedure, it's always a good practice to test if the countertop really requires sealing. This can be done by dropping some water on it, and if the water gets soaked, it's time for a reseal. If not, give the countertop some more time (days or a month or so) and then perform the same test again. Or you can plan the sealing based on the manufacturer or the installer's advice.

The sealing procedure can be carried out with ease and in a straightforward manner. You would require a non-toxic sealer, a granite countertop cleaner, and some clean soft rags. The sealer comes in two types, a penetrating sealer and a topical sealer.

Penetrating Sealers
As the name suggests, a penetrating sealer penetrates the granite stone when applied. First, clean the countertop. Let the cleaner cover the surface for about 30 seconds, then rub it dry with a soft rag. Now apply the first coat of the sealer to the countertop, and wait for about three to four minutes till it is absorbed by the stone. After it gets dry, apply another coat and rub with the rag. After an interval of two to three hours, apply a second coat in the same method described above. Oil repellent sealers are usually preferred as they prevent oil from seeping into the granite.

Topical Sealers
A topical sealer, instead of penetrating the granite, forms a film or coat over the countertop's surface. There are two types, strippable and permanent.

Strippable Sealer or Coating:Strippable coatings are more prone to wear and tear and get worn-out and can be removed with ease. It's recommended to seek the manufacturer's advice before using the product, as most of them are not suitable for granite stones.

Permanent Sealer or Coating:These solvent-based or water-based sealers are also not often recommended for granite as once applied, it becomes difficult to remove them. It's not a good choice for kitchen countertops which need resealing every year.

The reason why topical sealers are not usually preferred by the manufacturers is their protective barrier or film on the stone surface. The film does not allow the stone to breathe, thereby trapping the moisture within the stone and restricting the movement of water vapor to the surface. This results in the stone developing a crack due to the wetness of its interiors.

Proper cleaning and maintenance of granite countertops will reduce the frequency of sealing. Although hard, the polished surface of the stone is too delicate to withstand the sharp blade of a knife, if the stone is used as a cutting surface. As mentioned earlier, liquids like fruit juice, oil, or soft drinks, if not wiped from the surface for a long time, can lead to etching and staining. Use of abrasive cleaners result in the countertop losing its glow, so mild soap and water is always preferable, and a soft cloth to dry the surface. Avoid dragging pots, pans, and other heavy appliances across the granite surface, for better maintenance.

Granite is known for its durability, which is more than any other stone, after diamonds. A little bit of care and maintenance of this stone will keep your kitchen looking classy for years to come!