A Simple Water Test Lets You Know If It’s Time to Seal Your Granite

At Granite Gold®, we believe you can never seal your granite too often for superior protection against stains, dullness, and etching. Still, it's important to recognize when your granite needs to be sealed in case the existing coat has worn off. Some types of granite are also more porous than others and need more frequent sealing. If you want an easy way to check if it's time to seal your granite, try this simple water test that will only take 30 minutes of your time.

The Water Test for Granite Countertops

The water test is a quick, simple way to check your granite countertop seal. All you need to do is pour a small amount of water (about 3 inches in diameter) onto various sections of the counter and wait for a reaction. You can tell if the water has been absorbed into the stone because the granite will darken. The water should sit for 30 minutes when performing the test, but you may notice the granite darkening more quickly if your seal has worn down. If your granite darkens before the 30 minutes are up, it needs to be sealed as soon as possible. The granite either has no protection against stains and will absorb cleaners or any liquids spilled on the countertop, or the existing sealant is wearing down and offering little protection.

Apply a new coat of granite sealant right away to prevent stains and dullness. If the granite doesn’t darken within 30 minutes, this means it has a strong seal that is offering excellent protection. It's perfectly normal for a granite sealant to allow water to eventually penetrate the stone, but it should take at least 30 minutes before a puddle of water begins to darken.

Ultimately, you can’t over-seal granite or other types of natural stone, so even if your counters passed the water test, there’s no harm in sealing them again. Many homeowners seal their granite multiple times per year. Frequent sealing protects the surface of the stone for long-lasting resistance to etching, stains, and soil buildup. Once you’ve sealed your granite counters, make sure you regularly clean them with a specially formulated granite countertop cleaner and maintain the shine with a safe-on-stone polish. Maintaining granite and other types of natural stone is essential, and it’s crucial to use products that will not harm the stone.

At Granite Gold®, we offer a wide array of cleaning, sealing, and polishing products that can keep your counters looking beautiful for years to come. Give us a call today at 1-800-475-STONE to learn more.