How To Seal A Granite Countertop?

You don’t have to turn to specialists if you want your granite tabletop to add extravagance to the interior. To have it, you need to know how to seal granite countertops. With the help of such a procedure, your kitchen countertops will always look new and last a long time. For this, you need:

• clean the granite countertop of dust and dirt;
• prepare the sealing glue for use;
• evenly apply the sealant to the granite countertop;
• when everything dries, wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth;
• do not use the countertop for two days.

Sometimes one coating for the countertop is not enough. So, in this case, you can reseal the granite countertop. Wait until the first layer dries, and apply the second. If the countertop sealing is done correctly, the granite surface will last many years. You will only need to follow some rules to care for granite stone properly to have it always look good.

How To Know if Your Granite Countertop Needs Sealing

Therefore, if you notice the following signs on your granite countertop, it means that it needs sealing:

• The appearance of tiny cracks and cuts. At first, it is not very noticeable, but it takes on a worn look over time. It may be because you always cut something on a surface without a board.
• The appearance of spots on granite countertops. They can be formed by spilling water on the surface. It is impossible to do without liquid on the granite, so this is the first reason for sealing.

These are the two important signs that indicate the deterioration of the condition of your granite countertop. And if you notice at least one, it is better to make additional cover protection. The main thing is that at any time you want, you can reseal your granite countertop without problems. It’s easy to do yourself and generally not expensive.

You can choose the most expensive granite countertop, but it will not always look beautiful without sealing. It is the same as using a phone without protective glass. That is, all flaws and minor scratches will become visible over time.

5 Steps for Sealing Granite Countertop

Modern granite countertops are the most reliable kitchen or bar surfaces. It is challenging to scratch it due to the high hardness of the material, but it is possible. The stone’s pores can absorb grease and moisture if the tabletop is not polished. Stains from them are difficult to remove, so you will have to install a new one. Therefore, we advise sealing your granite countertop to avoid such troubles. To do this, you need to follow the next steps:

1. Do the Granite Test

It should be done to ensure that you do not reseal your granite countertop because some countertops are sold directly with a hermetic coating. So, you need:

• apply a small amount of water on the corner of the tabletop or where it is inconspicuous;
• leave it like this and wait 30 minutes;
• if during this time, the granite has turned into another color, it means that it needs to be sealed immediately to cover this dark spot;
• if the granite remains the same and has no changes after 30 minutes, it already has a protective coating. In this case, you can reseal the granite countertop as desired.

The main thing is not to do this testing on a visible part of the surface. Make it so that no one will see the black stain from the water if it does appear.

2. Clean the Granite Countertop

We advise you not to use the countertop one day before you plan to seal it. Because before this process, it is necessary to strictly avoid getting any substances on the surface or detergents, therefore:

• Remove everything from the surface.
• Clean the tabletop with a special granite cleaner or acetone.
• Wipe with a cloth.
• Check that the surface is dry and free of stains or dirt.

After that, wait one day, and you can proceed to the next stage.

3. Prepare the Tools

For sealing the granite countertop, you will need granite sealer, microfiber cloth, and rubber gloves. Thus:

• Put on gloves and grab a granite sealer. 
• First, test it on a small piece of granite to see if it suits for your countertop. 
• Usually, when using a sealer, there is an instruction manual for it. Therefore, before using it, familiarize yourself with it and do everything according to what is written. 
• After applying, rub it with a cloth and check if everything is fine. 
• If everything is ok, you can start complete sealing.

4. Start Sealing

Only after the previous steps, can you proceed to the most crucial part:

• Take a sealed product with a sprayer and spread it evenly on the granite countertop. Avoid getting the product on one part more than the other. Everything should be evenly applied.
• Then wait 10-20 minutes.
• After that, you must clean a countertop from the excess sealant with a fiber. Do this with light circular movements and leave the granite surface for two days. It is necessary so that everything is absorbed well and you do not have to reseal the granite countertop.

During this period, the applied agent will absorb into the stone and form an invisible protective coating.

5. Allow the Sealing to Harden

After sealing the granite countertop, the surface should harden when you wait two days. Try it to the touch and feel how it has hardened. You will also notice the beautiful shine and smooth surface of the granite. That is, there will be invisible protective sealing. 

After that, you can try applying water to the granite, and you will notice that nothing changes. It means that the product has hardened, and you can use the tabletop.

Summary

A granite surface is about comfort and easy maintenance. And to facilitate this care even more, you should ensure that you have a protective layer on your countertop. If not, then it’s not a problem to fix. With a few tools for sealing and a little time, your table will serve you many times longer. The main thing is to do everything clearly according to the instructions.

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