As a general rule, you can use your granite again right away after sealing, but only if you have buffed the sealer into the stone without letting it dry on the surface. The surface will need to stay dry for at least 24 hours before polishing the stone, but the countertops can be used two hours after sealing.
Keep surface dry for 24 hours after the application process is complete. This is so the seal can completely cure and bond with the pores of the stone. After 24 hours perform the water test on all key areas of the surface.
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.
Sealing after polishing is a common mistake made by homeowners who clean, seal, and polish with spray-and-wipe solutions specially formulated for granite surfaces. The correct order is as follows: Clean, Seal, and Polish.
Note: Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule.
A properly sealed countertop repels water, causing it to bead up on the surface. But if it isn't sealed in a place where water is constantly used – like the kitchen and bathroom – water will penetrate the stone and leave behind water marks and a dirty appearance.
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 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.
Since granite countertops have a sealant on them to keep them shiny and stain-resistant, you want to avoid using anything too acidic or basic on the granite. Frequent use of vinegar, Windex or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant.
Choosing the Right Sealant is Essential
For this reason, look for products in the class known as impregnating stone sealers. They are chosen by professional contractors for sealing granite, marble, and slate countertops. The top-rated product in this class is Tenax Hydrex Impregnating Stone Sealer.
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.
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.
After you've finished cleaning granite countertops, just apply a thin coating of granite polish and wipe it into the stone with a soft cloth. The polish will dry to a dull finish, which you can then buff with a clean cloth to achieve your desired shine.
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.
A few '15-year' sealants are some of the best chemically engineered sealers available. They penetrate deeply into the stone and provide superior water & oil repellency. However, like all sealers, '15- year' sealers cannot prevent etching and unfortunately, they do not prevent stains for 15 years either.
It's not much but because of the porosity, the tiny holes that are not visible to the naked eye can absorb water. 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.
It's best to use only dish soap and water. Cleaning granite is simple: just mix warm water with a mild dish soap and wipe the countertops gently until clean.
The acids contained in these cleaners will degrade the sealant and can leave unsightly stains on the countertop. That means those Clorox disinfecting wipes (which contain citric acid) that make cleanup so easy are actually quite bad for your granite's seal.
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.
Warm water and dish soap: The best way to clean granite countertops is to use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap, such as cleaning with Dawn Powerwash, says Ahmed Jamal, cleaning expert behind CleaningAdvisor.
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!
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.
Buy a polishing powder designed for natural stone countertops. You'll generally have to mix the powder with water to form a paste. Then “polish” problem areas with a soft cloth. Some products require you to leave the paste on overnight (mostly for stain removal).