It has been noted that porcelain countertops are considered too new and unproven to give them the benefit true granite or quartz countertops provide. A sealant would only be necessary if your particular granite slab was not as durable as the regular slabs used. The color of your surface is also an important factor in determining the frequency to seal. Finally, check how susceptible to staining your granite is by … Sealants block liquids from seeping into the granite. These materials are cohesive and when compressed under high heat, they leave no pores. Test whether the granite needs sealing. If your countertops have already been sealed or naturally repels liquids, applying a granite sealer can cause your counters to appear dull or look like they have a waxy buildup. Due to its unique appearance and timelessness, granite countertops are a top choice for both residential homes and commercial spaces. When people complain of a haze or a streaky film on their granite counters it is because they sealed granite that did not need it. While we strongly suggest leaving the sealing to a professional at Colonial, Granite Gold sealer is the only over-the-counter product worth using on your own. Granite Gold polish and daily surface cleaner are excellent products and should be part of your granite cleansing routine. Make sure the surface is dry before you begin sealing. Well, there is certainly a bit of hysteria regarding granite countertop sealers and the real need for sealing granite and many natural stone varieties is generally overblown. You can also stop in your local granite shop and they will usually have sealer on hand that they will be willing to sell to you. How to seal granite the right way. With granite countertops being installed into 64% of new homes built in America, it’s clear that people love granite. Caring for Your Granite. Many professionals recommend sealing granite countertops at least once each year. Most dark granite is so dense, it would never absorb liquid. However, the frequency900 with which you need apply new sealant can vary based on the type of sealant used and type of stone you have. The sealant will sit on top of the granite unable to be absorbed, and cause the granite to appear hazy. I have enough left that I'm going to look into refacing the cabinets instead of painting them or maybe having them professionally painted. Is Sealing Granite Countertops Necessary? Consult a trusted countertop company for guidance on how often to seal your countertops. The quickest way to determine if your granite countertops are due for a sealing is to conduct the water droplet test. If your granite countertop is properly sealed, liquids and oils will bead on top of it rather than seep into the stone. This means that any liquid that has color can potentially stain granite countertops. However, regular sealing (usually once per year) helps prevent staining of the granite. Take it for Granite: Is Sealing Granite Countertops Really Necessary? The color of your surface is also an important factor in determining the frequency to seal. Sealing your countertops made from granite is worth the effort for a gorgeous kitchen, especially if you use a quality sealer. If you cook frequently in your kitchen and use the countertops daily, you might need to reseal the granite even more frequently. This means that it will absorb liquids easily. This is sometimes true, but is not always the case. Some granite, and other stones, may be more porous and need to be sealed even more often. The granite should then be wiped down with acetone to remove cleaning residues. Some need sealer to prevent a granite stain while others don’t. Why is this? King of Prussia, PA 19406, Address: Countertops, VanityTops, Sinks, Cabinets Wholesale In Massachusetts. It can make a difference of an extra several years in the life of your countertops. Granite comes in many colors and types, meaning that the granite in your home could be more resilient than others. When sealing your own granite, first remove everything from the countertops. Although this process may seem an easy task, it is better to leave the process to our professionals for the most accurate seal. Colonial Marble & Granite has the experience and knowledge for all your sealant needs. Address: The more porous the stone, the easier it is for damage and stains to occur. When a countertop is properly sealed, these liquids will bead on top of the surface rather than seep into the stone. Finally, wipe away any excess sealer with a clean cloth. You notice that your granite has lost its shine and maybe has some scratches. A sealant would only be necessary if your particular granite slab was not as durable as the regular slabs used. Remove everything from your countertop and clean it with a clean cloth. The countertops should be perfectly sealed within 24 hours. Sealing granite, marble or natural stone countertops is a relatively easy process that usually takes less than an hour. Once your granite countertops are sealed, they will be easier to clean and you won’t need to use as many chemicals to clean them. A sealant should only be used when the granite begins to absorb liquids. Spray on Granite Gold sealer and allow it to absorb into the granite, which is usually about 15 minutes of setting time. Water will only affect your granite if it remains on the surface long enough to soak in. For expert answers, read on. Is Sealing Granite Countertops Really Necessary? Granite is among the most luxurious, in-demand countertop material available. This helps in stopping the spread of illnesses within the household. Many people are cautious about getting granite countertops because they hear they have more upkeep than quartz countertops or other options. | Marble Concepts Who doesn’t love the look and feel of a granite countertop? It is cut and fabricated into 25.5” wide countertops to fit your cabinets. Another option is to polish following sealing. Sealing granite countertops is imperative, but there is a lack of communication in the industry what that actually means. In fact, the performance of various granites can differ greatly. If you’ve got a gorgeous granite countertop and want to keep it in “show home” shape, you may need to seal it. Sealing Granite, Marble, & Natural Stone Countertops. Dribble water on your countertop to test if it needs sealing. Search: Search [email protected] Monday – Friday 8 AM – 6 PM. But not to worry, because sealing granite counters is not difficult or even time consuming. But despite it being a go-to countertop choice, many consumers wonder if sealing their granite countertops is necessary. One easy way to test if your countertop needs sealing is to dribble water on the surface and watch for it to bead over the next coming minutes. Why Quartz Countertops Do Not Need Sealing. Lighter colored granite is more porous, meaning it will usually need to be sealed, whereas darker granite countertops will rarely, if ever, require a granite sealer. How to Seal Granite Countertops: What You Need to Know After getting a new countertop or observing an old one, we are confronted with a task that may seem tedious or confusing: sealing granite countertops. The key to keeping your granite looking new is the proper cleaning, polishing and sealing of the stone. Is Sealing Granite Countertops Necessary? At least once every five years, a sealant should be applied to prevent staining from oils, water and other liquids. If sealed properly, and regularly, the beauty of this material can be enjoyed for a long time. While there’s a lot of mixed advice out there about your countertops and sealer, we’re here to clear the air. New Cumberland, PA 17070, Address: Granite, like many natural stones, is porous. Sealing a granite countertop is not difficult, and can be done in about 20 minutes by following these steps: To learn more about sealing granite countertops, contact the professionals at Arch City Granite and Marble, Inc. We serve homeowners, builders, contractors and designers in the metropolitan St. Louis area. Philadelphia, PA 19146, Address: Since granite is porous, it can hold harmful bacteria. Sealing granite countertops is imperative, but there is a lack of communication in the industry what that actually means. They should disappear. And contrary to what you may have heard, sealing granite isn’t always a necessary part of granite care. Use a granite cleaner such as Granite Gold Daily Cleaner® before applying Granite Gold Sealer®, which should be worked into the stone in 3-foot sections and allowed to sit on the surface for 24 hours. A good granite countertop sealer not only seals the pores but also cleanses the surface. Granite countertops should be sealed as often as needed and only when necessary, testing is the only way to really know. Granite countertops are more porous than quartz countertops, but not all granites are created equal. 240 DuPont Highway To most people, sealing granite countertops simply means applying a sealer to the stone. I've purchased granite countertops, sink, faucet, cabinet hardware, plumbing, backsplash demo, subway tile backsplash, and appliances. What’s more, sealing quartz countertops is not necessary. When sealing granite on your own, it is important to make sure you choose the right product as to not harm your surface. How to Seal Granite Countertops. Perform a simple water test to see if your granite countertops need to be sealed: Pour a bit of water on the counter. A granite sealant can be used on most types of granite; however, certain granite countertops can be harmed by a granite sealer. What your granite needs, depends on the granite itself. How to seal granite . Perform a simple water test to see if your granite countertops need to be sealed: Pour a bit of … While sealing a quartz countertop is possible, it’s not necessary. When your cabinet countertops are reinforced, they become far more durable and can last a great deal longer. Here’s why sealing granite countertops can preserve the beauty of the material for many years to come. Sealing your countertops properly prevents oils and stains from seeping into the stone and ruining it. Some need sealer while others don’t. This impregnating substance penetrates the stone clogging most of its pores making it quite impervious to alcohol, juices, soft drinks, cosmetics, cleaners, coffee, food, and even oils. One question that comes up a lot when working with granite countertops is “Does granite need to be sealed?” The answer is very simply “Yes.” Certain stones, like granite and many other natural stones, are porous. It would be hard to find someone who doesn’t. During your research, you may have discovered that natural stone counters, including granite, must be resealed on occasion due to their naturally porous surface.Here’s why it’s necessary to seal granite countertops. Higher density means less porosity and less risk of staining. When in doubt, do the water test. While we don’t recommend using products with bleach, ammonia or acids to clean granite, you can clean surfaces with mild soap and water and countertop cleaning liquids. Some need sealer to prevent a granite stain while others don’t. Because granite is a very hard natural stone material, you may think it would withstand all types of wear and tear you impose on it. In fact, there are quite a few benefits to sealing a granite countertop. WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS. After 15 minutes, wipe off any excess. Unsealed granite absorbs liquid spills, which can cause staining. Sealing your stone is simple, and takes about 20 minutes to complete from start to finish. Sealers at home improvement stores cost around $15. Just remember, any natural stone you select for countertops will need to be sealed. It is durable, naturally heat resistant and resistant to chipping, making granite countertops the perfect choice for active kitchens and bathrooms. Why Sealing Granite is Important. Natural stone is dense but is also naturally porous. Sure, granite is one of the hardest materials on the planet, but nothing is indestructible. Contrary to what you may have heard, sealing granite is not always a necessary part of granite counter care. To do this, you need to reinforce your countertop. In recent years a number of sealing products that claim to last as long as 15 years have come on the market. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Although you may find that many countertops do not require being sealed, applying a sealer is common practice. Granite countertops do not need sealing. And though you don’t need to seal quartz, are there steps you should take to care for your countertops? It’s a good idea to do it every 12 months, but fortunately, it’s so quick and simple that you can do it in about 10 minutes or less. This guide can help you figure out if you need to seal your stone countertop to keep it in excellent condition. In fact, the performance of various granites can differ greatly. Actually no, most granite countertops do not need to be sealed and in some cases, sealing can cause damage. Re-sealing Your Granite Countertops. 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