Granite countertops like other natural stone countertop materials such as marble sandstone and slate are resistant to staining and easier to clean only when properly sealed.
What can i use to seal granite.
Determine if the countertop requires sealing.
Light colored and white granites and un polished honed tumbled softer stones such as marble some travertine and limestone and onyx may need sealing every 1 3 years.
The deeper into the surface of the material the sealer penetrates the better it will resist stains keep out bacteria and clean up with just mild detergent and a wet wash cloth.
Test whether the granite needs sealing.
Somewhere inconspicuous like in a corner of the counter put a few drops of water on top.
The way to protect your stone surfaces wherever they are is to use a high quality granite sealer that is designed for all kinds of stone.
Dark colored granites and polished marble and travertine can be sealed less frequently.
The frequency of sealing will vary depending on your stone.
Properly sealing granite is the most important thing you can do to ensure your granite looks great and lasts as long as possible.
Although you may find that many countertops do not require being sealed applying a sealer is common practice.
Sealers at home improvement stores cost around 15.
Depending on how often you use the countertops and how light or dark the granite is you may need to seal it anywhere from every three months to yearly.
Not at all in some cases.
This guide will walk you through the types of sealers available how to test your current seal and how to reseal granite.
Use decorator s tape to divide your test granite in half and seal one half using the brand of sealant you plan to use on your countertop.
To test your surface leave a few drops of water or a wet paper towel on the granite for 10 to 15 minutes doing this in an inconspicuous area.
Mix the epoxy according to the package instructions and select a color that will closely match your granite so it is less visible once dry.
Carefully fill in the seam again moving back to front and wipe off any excess as you go.
After letting your granite sealer dry for 30 minutes you may want to perform the water test again especially the first few times you re seal your granite until you get the hang of it.
Once your sealant has set put your granite on a level surface and add a small amount of water on each side.
But remember it depends on your particular stone and sealant so be sure to perform.
Use an epoxy kit to fill the crack between slabs of granite on your counter.
A properly sealed surface helps to avoid damage.
Check out the guide at the bottom of this article for how to seal granite or follow the manufacturer s instructions.
Every 3 5 years or.
Using this stone upon installation of the countertops or stone surface and then continuing to follow up with re sealing when necessary will extend the life of the stone and keep it looking beautiful.
Choosing the right sealant is essential.