4 Simple Steps for Sealing Granite Counters
Sealing granite countertops regularly protects the granite from stains, etches, and other damage. The good news is sealing granite is an easy do-it-yourself project. Many homeowners seal their granite counters once or twice a year, although you can seal them more regularly if you wish because it is not possible to over-seal natural stone.
Here are some steps you should take before, during and after sealing granite countertops.
1. Know When to Seal
It's important to recognize when your countertops need to be sealed again. You can check the integrity of your seal with a simple water test. Pour a small amount of water, about 3 inches in diameter, on the surface of the stone in a few places and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. If a dark ring or mark appears, it means water is penetrating and your countertops need to be sealed again.
2. Clean the Granite
Before sealing the countertops, you want to make sure the surface is clean. You can use Granite Gold Daily Cleaner® to clean granite countertops without causing damage. Make sure you avoid using common household cleaners and abrasives that break down the seal and cause damage that is expensive to repair.
3. Use the Sealer Properly
Be sure to use a protective sealer that is designed for natural stone. When you use granite sealer, make sure it's applied evenly to dampen but not soak the surface of your countertops. Granite Gold Sealer® is should be used properly for best results. This spray-and-wipe solution should be sprayed on the surface of your countertop in a 3-foot section. Right away, wipe the sealer into the stone using a lint-free cloth. Wiping the sealer immediately is important because letting it dry on the surface will lead to hazing. Once it's wiped, buff the countertops with a clean lint-free cloth. You can repeat this process 2 to 3 times for even better protection, waiting 20 minutes or until dry to the touch between applications.
4. Don't Forget to Polish
Polishing natural stone after it's cleaned brings out its natural beauty and reinforces the protective seal. For additional protection and shine, wait about 24 hours after the sealer has cured before you polish the countertops. Polishing your countertops is about as easy as sealing. Apply the stone polish to the surface by spraying with the bottle about 6 to 8 inches from the surface. Immediately buff the counters with a lint-free cloth or dry paper towel. After buffing, wipe the countertops dry with a clean cloth.
For additional tips on sealing, cleaning, and polishing stone surfaces, get in touch with Granite Gold® today. We are a family owned company with stone care expertise that spans three generations.
Give us a call at 1-800-475-STONE to learn more about what we have to offer.