Before applying a new coat of sealant, take the "water test." Take 1/4 cup of water and pour it on the countertops. If the water stays "beaded" on top, your counters should not need sealant. However, if the water appears to seep into the surface or you notice a dark spot, you should seal the granite.
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.
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.
You don't want to apply sealant too often. If you do, sealant will pool on the surface instead of absorbing into the stone.
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.
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.
Unsealed granite countertops will soak up anything that is spilled on the surface. Put a few drops of water on the granite, leave it on the countertop for a few minutes. If you come back and see that the water is gone and soaked into the granite it is time for the stone to be resealed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Unlike cleaning and polishing, sealing requires not using the surface at all for 2 hours and waiting 24 hours before polishing to allow the sealer time to cure. Here's what you need to know about how to seal granite and why the sealant should be allowed to cure.
Some products require a second coat, so follow the instructions for doing so. If the product you use requires one coat, allow it to cure, which can take between 2 and 48 hours. Nonetheless, granite experts recommend waiting a full 48 hours before wiping a newly sealed granite countertop with anything wet.
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!
After scraping away the residue and cleaning the stone with water, you can use a polishing powder to restore the shine. These polishing products are safe for most stone. You will need to reseal the stone after completing this process. Another option for small areas is Stone Scrub or Acetone to remove residue.
Once you have applied the resin or epoxy, you will need to give it time to dry before sanding it down and resealing the area. Large cracks in granite will require professional intervention. In some cases, you won't be able to save the granite, and you will have to consider replacing the countertops.
The outcome is a still-wet look that glistens while enriching the colors in natural stone and resin-enhanced stone products like quartz. A closing thought from Doctor Granite … re-polish and re-seal your granite countertops periodically and they'll provide you with durable beauty for decades to come!
Granite is a Porous Material
Brand new granite counters often have a sealant applied during installation. However, this sealant wears off over time, which is why reapplication is so crucial.
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.
You might need a polishing powder. 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.
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.
One way to get rid of the cloudy residue is to use a baking soda paste. Another option is to use a commercial granite polish and a buffing pad to remove the haze.
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.