The best way to seal a granite countertop is to have some knowledge that you'd better have if you're a homeowner – that is, if this granite surface is where you're preparing your meals. While this natural stone countertop looks invincible, granite is actually porous (much like marble), which means that the substance can easily seep in.
Oil, water, juice, ink – any liquid or spill, really—can soak in and stain the granite, and to prevent this from happening, most granite countertops are covered with sealant. But this layer wears out over time, so you can reapply it to the granite as needed.
Luckily, sealing granite countertops is something that most homeowners can do on their own by purchasing granite sealants at their local hardware store. If you want your granite to continue to look good and last, check out these steps on how to seal your granite countertops.
The answer to sealing depends on the type of natural stone you install on your kitchen countertop.
For lighter-colored stone countertops, which are often porous, you should usually seal them with granite sealant once a year.
You'll need to seal darker, harder natural stone (such as quartz countertops) every 10 years, or maybe not at all. To find out if your granite countertops need to be sealed again, try the water test: just sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface of the granite. If the water droplets are upward, the seal is secure. If water droplets pool, it means that the seal has been damaged and should be reapplied to the granite.
Whatever you do, if your granite countertops don't need to be "just for extra protection," don't seal your granite countertops as this can create a cloudy seal residue on your granite that's hard to remove. However, if your countertop needs more sealant, or you find black spots (which indicate a stain below the surface), go ahead and seal!
Before sealing, remove everything from the countertop or granite table. Clean your granite countertops with water and dish soap, granite cleaner, and paper towels, or a lint-free cloth such as a microfiber cloth or old t-shirt. Allow it to dry completely before starting the sealing process. Do not use lemon juice or other acidic solutions to clean granite countertops or other stone surfaces, as it can weaken the sealant over time.
Choose a penetrating sealant that is made specifically for granite countertops or marble, or at least for natural stone countertops. Before sealing the granite countertop, test the sealant by spraying a small piece on an inconspicuous corner or a small piece of granite. Before proceeding, make sure that there is no discoloration or residue of the sealant on the granite.
While you should read the instructions on the bottle, with most granite sealants, you'll start by spraying a thick layer evenly on the countertop surface. Make sure you have covered the entire granite surface with no dry spots left.
Once the countertop is completely covered with a layer of sealant, let it rest. After 15 to 20 minutes, while the sealant is still wet, wipe the granite countertop with a lint-free cloth to wipe off the excess.
Allow your granite to cure for at least an hour before touching or using it again;Also avoid cleaning countertops or applying sealant again for the next 24 to 48 hours. If you're a cornball type, it's also a good time to whisper into your countertop, "I'm never going to take you like granite."
After sealing, clean the granite countertops with a neutral pH cleaner and dispose of the granite countertops properlyNever use harsh or vinegar-based cleaners on granite. You can make your own granite care cleaner with a water-based solution of 50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% water. For a gorgeous kitchen, sealing countertops made of granite is worth it, especially if you're using a quality sealant.