The answer is yes, you can permanently seal your granite and that will give you a completely maintenance-free countertop.
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The truth is that most (but not all) granite countertops need to be sealed. There is a simple test to see if you need to seal the countertop you're choosing and determine when your countertop needs to be resealed (typically every 5-7 years, depending on the sealant).
Granite is a natural rock that is very porous. Your granite countertops were sealed at fabrication with our 15 year sealer. We have registered your countertop for the warranty. For more information on this sealer, and the daily care of your granite countertop, please visit their website at www.drytreat.com.
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. This means that a sealant needs to be applied to prevent staining from water, oils, and other liquids.
Note: Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule.
Water Will Discolor Them
Even something as simple as leaving a cold glass with condensation on your unsealed counters can change them. That's because water can penetrate the stone and leave behind water marks, permanently altering the appearance of your counters and potentially making them look dirty.
It's important to understand that an impregnating sealer should not alter the color or finish of the granite counter. It won't make a polished surface dull, or a matte counter shiny. It's invisible when dry.
Resealing granite prevents permanent damage to the stone and restores the original, factory shine. There are many sealers to choose from, but your granite countertops retailer should recommend the best product for your exact variety of stone.
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.
Granite is Heat Resistant
Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.
Oil-based: Oil-based sealers last longer, but they have a strong smell and may leave a sticky residue behind. Penetrating: Penetrating sealer seeps into the granite's pores to protect it from the inside out. Water-based: This type of sealer evaporates faster than other granite sealers and doesn't have a strong odor.
Watch out for red wine rings if you leave your glass on the countertop, or a leaking carton of fresh blueberries. Some other culprits include coffee, tomato juice, grape juice, mustard, citrus products, toothpaste, and anything with chemicals.
If the water is still standing after 30 minutes, no sealer is needed. Anywhere in between five and 30 minutes, the stone may benefit a sealer. Sealing granite is a relatively simple process and can be done by a professional or by homeowners.
Sealing is a simple process. First, thoroughly clean the countertop surface with water and ph-neutral dish detergent, rinse with clean water and dry. As a final step it's a good idea to use a cloth saturated with denatured alcohol (available in the paint department) to do a final wipe down.
It has a natural water resistance that helps protect it. However, it isn't water-proof. Because granite is a stone, it is also naturally porous. And while it won't absorb in the same way as, say, sandstone or limestone, it will still absorb bits of moisture that can eventually damage your counters.
Natural granite stone will not fade or yellow in the sun. Granite slabs treated with dyes or resins can fade or darken over time. Avoid this problem by working with a reputable supplier and sealing your countertops regularly.
Clorox and Lysol sprays and wipes are convenient, but they are not safe for granite countertops. They rarely contain bleach, but they do generally contain citric acid to help remove soap scum. Avoid using bleach as well.
Everything from white granite and black granite countertops to granite slabs has fallen out of style. The second reason granite countertops have lost their appeal is that the preference for light, simple kitchens has replaced the trend of dark, warm kitchens. Designers quit wanting “movement” and instead wanted peace.
Unlike granite, quartz doesn't need to be sealed on a regular basis in order to prevent staining. The nonporous surface makes it an ideal choice for food preparation and maintenance. You can clean these countertops with some warm and soapy water when necessary.
Frequent use of vinegar, Windex or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Instead, a little soap and water should do the trick. Add dish soap and warm water to a sponge, get a good lather and begin cleaning. Avoid using abrasive pads, as granite can be scratched.
Generally, quartz is less expensive than granite, but many factors influence the total price of a project. In this article, we'll look at the differences between natural granite stone and engineered quartz stone and the factors that affect pricing so you can determine which material is best for your design project.
Wait 24 Hours Before Polishing
If you want to follow up sealing with polishing to bring out your granite's natural luster and color, make sure you wait at least 24 hours after sealing. Granite polish should only be applied once the seal has cured and the surface is dry and clean.