Does Granite Need To Be Sealed

Should You Seal Your Granite?

Granite is an igneous rock formed through magma crystallisation under the Earth's surface. It's mostly quartz and feldspar, although it can also have mica, amphiboles, and other minerals in it. Granite is typically used to make quartz countertops because the material is heat- and stain-resistant.

Around 95 per cent of ground quartz, one of the world's hardest minerals, is mixed with polymer resins. Engineers utilise explosives to extract granite chunks from the Earth before transforming them into countertops. It is then taken to a manufacturer and carved into slabs.

Following that, machines polish the surfaces. Granite slabs are then cut and sized to meet your home and countertop needs. Regardless, you might wonder, does granite need to be sealed even after it goes through a rigorous manufacturing process? This article will answer the question 'does granite need to be sealed and tell you much more about caring for granite.

Does Granite Require Sealing?

Granite can be sealed to prevent stains and scratches from damaging it. Seal it every three-five years to keep the granite looking new. Contact your local manufacturer for assistance if you're unsure how often you should seal your granite. It takes about 24 hours for the seal to take effect.

Granite is a beautiful and durable stone that is hard to break or scratch. However, its grain can allow water to seep through, causing stains and discolouration on granite countertops. While granite usually doesn't require sealing, protecting your counters with an anti-stain solution or sealant will help avoid this problem.

The following factors explain why granite sealing is crucial:

• The stone resists spills and dirt that could etch or discolour granite.

• Sealants must be applied to stop liquids from permeating the granite. Liquids bead up on a countertop with an appropriate seal, making it easy to wipe away.

• The countertop may become stained by cooking fat and oil and by coloured liquids such as red wine and grape juice.

• Pizza oil is another typical stain. It can ooze out of a pizza box and covers your counters.

What Are The Benefits Of Sealing Granite Countertops?

Cleaning sealed granite countertops is easy as you won't need to use abrasive cleaners. Granite is porous, which makes it a haven for microorganisms. A clean work surface will serve you better for a longer time. Additionally, sealing helps to lessen fractures and cracks where these organisms could survive.

You may clean granite with countertop cleaning products, light soap, and water. It is advised not to use items that contain acids, bleach, or ammonia.

How Are Granite Countertops Sealed?

Test the absorbency of your granite countertops prior to sealing them. Your countertops may suffer significant damage if they absorb oils or liquids. A sealer can help prevent this problem. The suitable sealer gives you plenty of time to clear up spills before they stain your counters.

Countertop sealers come in an array of varieties, so you should choose wisely, then, as a result. Do the following to determine whether you need to seal your granite countertop.

Test with water

Determine if your granite countertops require a sealant or if they are already sealed by doing a quick water test. Sprinkle a quarter cup of water on your granite counter, then let it air dry. Please record the water flow from when you poured it until it was absorbed.

• There is no need to seal if water does not soak and is instead repelled.

• Granite countertops must be sealed if the water absorbs and leaves a black stain.

Examine the sealer's instructions

Review the instructions and warning labels just for your information. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully because they vary across granite sealers.

Clean granite countertops

You must clean your granite countertops before sealing them. Your counter won't sit flat if you don't clean them.

Apply sealant spray

Apply sealer spray liberally with a spray bottle onto the countertop. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes. The sealer will penetrate the granite stone during this period. Ensure the sealer is current before purchasing since countertop sealants can degrade like grout sealants.

Wipe off excess sealant

Once the initial coat of sealant is dry, you might need to apply another coat. Check your product package for specific requirements since some granite sealers require a second application.

Also, take the following precautions:

• Wait for 48 hours before using the counter in step seven.

• It is crucial to give the sealer time to dry. Make careful to give your countertops at least two days to be alone. If not, you might make a mess.

Use a fan if you don't want to wait 24 hours for the sealant to dry. Ensure you keep the fan off the countertop.

Use sealant properly

Only use a protective sealant made specifically for natural stone. Make sure the granite sealer is sprayed evenly on your countertops' surface. Spray a 3-foot (0.9m) piece of your countertop with sealant solution, then wipe off excess.

Apply sealer onto stone with a lint-free cloth. Wipe excess sealer as soon as possible because letting it dry on the surface may induce haze. After wiping them down, polish the countertops with a fresh, lint-free cloth.

Advantages And Drawbacks Of Granite Countertops

Granite countertops have benefits and drawbacks, and they are as follows.

Pros

• Granite countertops retain their value over time.

• It is a unique, organic surface with a nearly glowing appearance.

• Your home will gain value after installing granite.

• Granite is hygienic; it has no issues with bacterial contamination.

• It can withstand pan heat because it was formed under heat and pressure.

• Cleaning is simple and easy. You just need warm water and a light detergent.

Cons

• Granite countertops are unbreakable. You will have to either learn to live with the colour or remove an entire counter if you grow bored. You cannot change the hue.

• It might not be the top option if you prefer a perfectly uniform appearance because each granite block is unique.

• Granite is a pricey material. Installation is labour-intensive and can cost up to three times as much.

• Granite may become permanently discoloured if you seal it with an existing stain.

• Granite can break when struck with a hard, pointy object, such as a butcher cleaver.

• It needs additional structural support because of its weight, particularly in large spans.

• The material is challenging to remove once it has been cemented to cabinets and may cause damage to them during removal.

How Often Should You Seal Granite Countertops?

Granite countertops are a long-term investment that requires regular upkeep to keep them looking good. The frequency of resealing granite countertops is dependent on several variables.

Keeping granite free of stains and other problems that could damage the surface requires periodic reapplication of sealant. The need for rigorous care and maintenance of granite has decreased since the introduction of modern natural stone sealers.

What Are The Best Techniques To Seal My Granite?

The sealing of granite countertops at least once a year is advised by many experts. You could require more frequent resealing of the granite if you constantly cook in your kitchen and utilise the counters. Professionals in the stone industry have historically given this advice.

The need for yearly applications of sealers to granite countertops has decreased thanks to breakthroughs in sealing polymers and nanotechnology, which have made it possible to create very efficient and long-lasting sealers for granite stain protection.

The frequency of resealing can also be impacted by how frequently you maintain your granite counter. You will need to reseal more regularly if you put chemicals on the granite that degrade or wear away the sealer. Regularly cleaning granite surfaces with warm water and a scoop of mild hand soap is the most effective and safest method.

Factors To Think About

Your granite's colour has a significant role in determining how often you need to reseal. Granites with dark hues like Black Pearl, Indian Coffee Brown, and Tan Brown are typically denser than those with lighter shades.

The granite is less porous and less likely to discolour due to its higher density. Additionally, darker granite counters can conceal minor blemishes and defects better than lighter ones.

Testing the sealant

When it's time to reseal the granite kitchen countertop, you can test it first. Put a few drops of ordinary water on the granite and wait five minutes to observe what occurs. The sealant shields the granite if the water still forms beaded drops on its surface. It's time to reseal your counter if you return to it and the droplets are gone because they soaked into the granite.

Why should granite be sealed?

Like many other natural stones, granite has pores. A sealer should be applied at least once every five years to avoid stains from oils, water, and other liquids. Oils and liquids will bead on top of your granite kitchen countertop instead of soaking into the stone if it has been properly sealed. Granite can be stained by grease and coloured liquids like wine and grape juice.

Sealing granite countertops

Following these methods will seal granite countertops in around 20 minutes:

• You should clean your countertop with a clean cloth after everything has been removed. Before you start sealing, make sure the surface is completely dry.
• Spray a good layer of sealant over the countertop while wearing gloves. Ensure that the surface is completely covered.
• After 15 minutes, remove any extra by wiping. Spray some sealant onto a cloth and wipe at any hazy spotting you find with the cloth.
• Within 24 hours, the counters ought to be completely sealed.

Always remember to polish

Sealing and polishing natural stone enhances its aesthetic appeal and strengthens the seal after cleaning. Wait around 24 hours after the sealer has dried before polishing the countertops for more protection and gloss.

Polishing countertops is about as simple as sealing them. Spray the stone polish onto the bottle's surface at a distance of 6 to 8 inches (15-20cm). Apply a dry paper towel or lint-free cloth to the counters immediately to buff them. Use a fresh cloth to dry the countertops after buffing.

Seek Professional Countertop Sealing Services

Countertops made of granite have a stunning visual appeal. You need to know when you need to apply another sealant to your countertops. A quick water test will allow you to determine the integrity of your seal. Pour a tiny amount of liquid on the stone's surface in a few spots, about 3 inches (7.6cm) in diameter, and let it sit for 30 minutes.

If a dark ring or mark emerges, it implies water is getting through, and you need to protect or seal your countertops once more. It's easier and faster to have a professional seal your countertop for you. They understand everything required and will quickly and professionally complete this task.