Protect your granite countertops by sealing them properly
Granite countertops, while hard, are surprisingly absorbent.
Fortunately, it’s easy to seal a granite countertop.
Check with the manufacturer since most will seal a new countertop.
Beautiful Modern kitchen with a counter height barJodi Jacobson/E+/Getty Images
Water-Based vs. Solvent-Based Sealants
Water-based and solvent-based sealants are applied the same way.
The main differences are the ingredients and how long they last.
Water-based sealants are friendlier for the environment than solvent-based sealants, containing fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
However, the ingredients may still include urethane, acrylic, silanes, siloxanes, and fluoropolymers.
It helps that water-based sealants cost lessabout $15 for a 24-ounce spray bottle.
Other significant benefits of water-based sealers are that they are non-flammable and have no strong solvent odor.
It does a better job of penetrating the stone, while water-based sealers are more topical.
Solvent-based sealers also appear glossier than water-based solvents.
A little granite sealer usually goes a long way.
A few squirts are generally enough to coat an average-sized kitchen or bathroom counter thoroughly.
Wipe the Granite Surface
Wipe off the sealer with the microfiber padimmediately after spraying the granite.
Do not let the sealer sit on the surface for long, as hazing may occur.
Buff the Surface
Buff the surface to a smooth glossy finish with a clean microfiber towel.
Repeat Coats
Apply up to three coats of sealer.
One coat of granite sealer is not enough if the granite has been completely stripped of sealer.
However, somestains can be removed from graniteby making a simple poultice.
Professional sealing can cost up to $20 per square foot to seal.
Use mineral spirits, isopropyl alcohol, or acetone to remove the sealer from the granite countertop.
Call a countertop technician with natural stone cleaning experience if none works.
Most granite countertops need to be sealed unless previously sealed at the factory or if highly polished.
Also, many countertop surfaces that appear to be granite aren’t.
Quartz countertops often look like natural stone yet should not be sealed.
You cannot permanently seal granite countertops.
But some granite sealers last longer than others.
You also need to ensure that enough sealer coats have been applied.
