Whether or not old sealer was removed, the granite still needs to be cleaned prior to sealing. Spray a daily granite cleaner on the surface and wipe off with microfiber pads. The pads must come up clean (no dirt or residue) before proceeding to the next step.
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.
Flush the area with a mix of water and mild dish soap; rinse several times. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary. Avoid harsh cleaners: Granites may contain trace levels of acid-sensitive minerals, so don't use cleaning products containing lemon, vinegar, or other acids.
Granite polish should only be applied once the seal has cured and the surface is dry and clean. Spray Granite Gold Polish® directly onto the surface and buff into the stone with a dry paper towel or lint-free cloth, then wipe dry.
After sealing a granite countertop, you will need to wait a period of time to allow it to take effect. The most common length of time here is 48 hours, but this may vary between products – once again, read the instructions!
Clean the granite countertop 24 hours before sealing, making sure to avoid potentially damaging vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, bleach, or harsh commercial cleansers. First, take everything off the counter and wipe it down well with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove all surface dust.
Note: Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule.
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.
Do use a mild detergent soap. Regular Dawn or other dish soaps work well. Do use a soft cloth. No special tools needed here: a soft cloth will help remove all grime and dirt without damaging countertops.
A mild dish soap is the handiest cleaner you have that is safe for granite. Alternatively, consider a commercial cleaner that's specifically formulated for granite. Many natural cleaning products are also safe for use on this surface, but read the label for confirmation before using them.
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.
You don't want to apply sealant too often. If you do, sealant will pool on the surface instead of absorbing into the stone. This will create a dull surface coating that makes your countertop less attractive. The surface coating is easier to damage than the granite, so you might notice scratches and burns.
If it beads up, you have a secure seal. If after a few minutes the water has soaked into the granite, then it's time to reseal the stone. DON'T: Use harsh or abrasive cleaners and sponges. Windex; acidic cleaners, like vinegar, lemon, lime; or anything with ammonia or bleach should be avoided.
Sealing granite is a relatively simple process and can be done by a professional or by homeowners. Before sealing, it is important to know the makeup of your stone, so check with your fabricator and/or installation documentation to make sure you select the correct product and sealing process.
The answer is yes, you can permanently seal your granite and that will give you a completely maintenance-free countertop.
Unsealed granite counters are susceptible to stains from food, drinks, and other spills. Since granite is porous, is can quickly absorb food and liquids, which is then hard to get up. Sealing your countertops is the best way to avoid stains like this.
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.
You should not use Lysol on your granite countertops, backsplashes or vanity tops. The cleaner contains harsh ingredients that can cause your sealer to lose its effectiveness. In specific, scents such as lemon contain citric acid, so you need to keep away from those.
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.
If the water absorbs into the countertop quickly (the granite darkens), then it is time to reseal. But if the water only absorbs after five minutes or more, you may not need to seal right away. Usually, your countertop supplier will seal your new countertops after the fabrication process.
Granite polishing powder: Also called stone polishing compound, powder offers a quick and easy way to put a fresh gleam on granite while removing minor scratches and stains. If using it dry, choose a buff polishing pad to work the polish over the surface of the granite in a steady, circular pattern.
But not to worry, because sealing granite counters is not difficult or even time consuming. The quickest way to determine if your granite countertops are due for a sealing is to conduct the water droplet test.