Does Granite Need to Be Sealed?
Whether granite needs to be sealed depends on several factors. Some varieties stain easily, while others are impervious to spills. It’s always best to test the stone before applying a sealant. Depending on the type of granite, a simple water test can help you determine whether a sealer is necessary. Darker varieties tend to be stain-proof because they’re nonporous and dense, so oil and water will have a long time to penetrate the stone.
Granite countertops should be sealed after installation, but some varieties do not require any treatment. Granite counters vary in their porousness and susceptibility to stains, depending on the color and pattern of the stone. Using a sealer to protect these countertops can cause the material to haze. Additionally, not all sealants are made for granite. Some are made to penetrate the material, while others may leave a filmy haze.
Sealing a granite countertop should be done only if it is necessary. The process of fabrication involves applying a resin coating to seal voids, veins, and fissures. This coating is intended to make a stone more saleable. Some fabricators apply this coating to all slabs, but this can cause the sealer to become cloudy. For this reason, it is best to check with your installer before applying a sealer.
You should do a test on a small, inconspicuous spot to see if the new countertop needs to be sealed. Then, pour water or oil over the granite countertop, wait fifteen minutes, and check if the color has darkened. If the granite countertop looks black after fifteen minutes, it probably doesn’t need a sealer. Otherwise, the sealing will simply add a hazy film and be less attractive.
If you’re planning on applying a sealer to your granite countertops, it’s important to apply it evenly and make sure that you don’t soak the surface. A spray and wipe solution such as Granite Gold Sealer is a good choice. After spraying, you’ll need to wipe the product into the stone with a clean lint-free cloth. If it’s applied incorrectly, it can cause hazing or peeling.
Granite countertops need to be sealed regularly to protect them from scratches, spills, and heat. Keeping them protected will also help them look beautiful for many years. In addition to this, a sealer will also give them extra resistance to stains and liquids. This will make them easy to clean and maintain.
