Typically, granite should be resealed every 12 to 18 months. Nevertheless, there are some other factors that come into play when determining how often to reseal granite countertops. For example, a lighter colored granite will need to be resealed more often because it is typically more porous.
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.
While there are a variety of ways to care for and maintain your stone countertops, stone sealer is one of the most important. Throughout the life of your countertops, a sealer is necessary to keep your counters looking their best and to protect against scratches, stains, and overall dullness.
You most likely need to reseal your granite countertops at least once a year. However, these factors could affect how often you need to apply a new protective layer to your stone surfaces: Type of granite: Your one-of-a-kind granite countertops have unique maintenance requirements based on their porosity.
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.
It is like any other natural material. Wood has its grain, and stone has its pores. Fortunately, it's easy to seal a granite countertop. It takes just a few minutes and requires little more than a granite sealer and a clean pad.
The answer is yes, you can permanently seal your granite and that will give you a completely maintenance-free countertop.
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.
A simple water test will help you determine if sealer is needed. Pour about a quarter cup of water on a few areas of the counter. See how long it takes for the water to absorb. If the water absorbs into the stone in less than five minutes, the stone does need to be sealed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
ANSWER - Even though you sealed your granite counter top it doesn't prevent staining if the coffee spill was left on for an excessive amount of time or if it wasn't cleaned completely. The stain should be removable.
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.
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.
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.
A standard sealer will help generate a shiny finish that reflects more light than an unsealed surface. An enhancing sealer will create a shiny, wet look. For a brighter-looking surface, a granite polish will work best. Polishing creates a very glossy, shiny granite surface that really stands out.
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.