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.
The porous surface of stone allows water to cling to it and absorb, darkening the appearance. Usually, liquids that have been spilled on your countertop will evaporate within half an hour, so even if you have very porous granite, spilling something like water or oil isn't going to permanently damage your counter.
The granite may darken or lighten in color when the water is absorbed into the stone. However, once the water evaporates, the color of the stone should return to normal. You need to seal the surface regularly with a high-quality sealant, which prevents water absorption.
Dyes can include homemade blends such as charcoal and linseed oil. Pre-packaged color enhancers are also used to darken granite.
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.
Granite is impervious to water, but the polished surface may be exposing one or more of these minerals that can oxidize and change color when exposed to water. Granite and marble can also be etched slightly by mild acidic fruits and juices or discolored from a hot pan set out on the counter to cool.
Dark Granite Is Denser Than Light Granite
All varieties of granite are incredibly durable, but darker stone tends to stand up better to excessive wear and tear. If you want the option that is going to last the longest and be the easiest to maintain, you're probably better off getting a darker color granite countertop.
If the finish is damaged, no amount of cleaning, buffing, and polishing can get it back. It will need to be resurfaced. Refinishing should be done by a pro. Start with your installer to see if he or she knows someone they trust to handle a stone restoration.
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.
The answer is yes, you can permanently seal your granite and that will give you a completely maintenance-free countertop.
Keep the Surface Dry for 24 Hours
It's crucial that you buff the sealer into the surface of the stone until the surface is dry. If the sealer is allowed to dry on the surface, it can leave streaks and haziness.
Sealed granite countertops are much less likely to absorb water, however if water is left on your countertop for long periods of time, it can cause a darker spot. Oftentimes, water will just dry and evaporate but if it's been left to sit for a long time, it might needs a bit more help.
There are several different reasons for cloudy-looking granite, but the most common is simply because they're not completely clean. Grease from food prep or cooking splatters can get smeared across your countertops, making it look hazy.
# Absolute Black Granite
Black has always remained one of the favorite colors when it comes to the granite used in the bathroom or kitchen areas. It has been best in adding the bathroom or the kitchen with the contemporary impact of the variation taste.
Overall, you will find that the most expensive types of the stone are blue granite. Various types of blue granite, like Azul Aran and Blue Bahia granite, are in the high-end of the price range. The most expensive type of granite is Van Gogh granite. This is because these slabs are highly desirable, yet very rare.
The Old View
We all know (perhaps a bit too well) the traditional solid black granite countertop. This design may feel overdone or outdated. Many older homes contain these countertops, and refreshing the space is essential to creating a comfortable and modern feeling.
Granite is a porous stone, making it susceptible to stains from liquids or other substances left to sit on the surface. The liquid seeps into the small holes in the rock, making it harder to remove it. Spills are common on a kitchen counter, but bathroom counters are also prone to stains from toothpaste or make-up.
Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor. However, even discolorations can typically be cleaned or polished away by using a poultice for granite stain removal, or by hiring a professional to take care of more stubborn stains.
Natural granite stone will not fade or yellow in the sun. Granite slabs treated with dyes or resins can fade or darken over time.
For some reason, this idea that vinegar will remove concrete sealer has become one of the more pervasive myths about concrete, and it is just that: a myth. That's because almost all concrete sealants are made to be resistant to acid, which vinegar is.
Sealer residue means the penetrating sealer has been misapplied and has left a cloudy/hazy look to the natural stone surface. Sealer residue can sometimes feel a little greasy or sticky to the touch. In other words, sealer residue is the remaining sealer that was not wiped off properly after that 20 minutes.
If the temperature during application is too low or humidity is too high, the coalescing solvent will evaporate before the water does and the sealer will dry white or powdery because the latex particles did not fuse together before drying.