How to Seal Granite Kitchen Countertops: Step-by-Step

Can you seal granite countertops? Yes, you can and should seal your granite kitchen countertops to protect them. Granite countertop sealing is a crucial part of granite countertop care and granite countertop maintenance. This guide will walk you through how to seal granite to keep it looking beautiful for years.

How To Seal Granite Kitchen Countertops
Image Source: www.thespruce.com

Why Seal Your Granite Countertops?

Granite is a natural stone, and like all natural materials, it has pores. These tiny openings can absorb liquids, which can lead to staining and etching. While granite is tough, sealing it adds an extra layer of defense against everyday kitchen spills. This process is key to protecting granite countertops from damage.

Common Kitchen Hazards for Granite:

Oils: Cooking oils, salad dressings, and butter can easily soak into unsealed granite, leaving dark, stubborn stains.
Acids: Citrus juices, vinegar, and wine are acidic. While granite is relatively resistant to etching from acids compared to marble, prolonged exposure can still cause dullness on the surface.
Dyes: Coffee, tea, red wine, and even colored juices can seep into pores and cause discoloration.
Water: While less damaging than other liquids, constant exposure to water without sealing can lead to mineral buildup and potential cracking over time, especially in humid environments.

How Often Should You Seal Granite?

The frequency of granite sealer application depends on the type of granite and how much it’s used. Generally, you should reseal your granite countertops every 1 to 5 years.

Testing Your Granite’s Seal:

A simple water test can tell you if your granite needs sealing:

Pour a small amount of water (about a quarter-sized puddle) onto your countertop.
Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.
If the water is still in a distinct puddle or has not darkened the stone, your seal is likely still good.
If the water has soaked into the granite and left a dark mark, it’s time for DIY granite sealing.

Choosing the Best Granite Sealer

There are many products available for granite countertop sealing. The best granite sealer for you will depend on your granite’s porosity and your preferences.

Types of Granite Sealers:

Impregnating Sealers: These are the most common and recommended type for granite. They penetrate the stone’s pores and bond with the mineral structure, creating a barrier that prevents liquid absorption without altering the stone’s appearance. They are breathable, allowing moisture vapor to escape.
Topical Sealers (Surface Sealers): These form a protective film on the surface of the granite. While they offer good protection, they can sometimes alter the finish of the granite (making it look shinier or more matte) and may wear off faster, requiring more frequent reapplication. They are generally not recommended for granite countertops as they can trap moisture.

What to Look for in a Granite Sealer:

Penetration: The sealer should be able to penetrate the granite’s pores.
Breathability: The sealer should allow moisture vapor to escape the stone.
Durability: The seal should last a reasonable amount of time.
Ease of Application: The process should be straightforward for a DIYer.
Finish: Most impregnating sealers do not change the look or feel of the granite.

A Few Reputable Brands to Consider:

Tenax
Aqua-Mix
Stoner

When in doubt, consult with the company that installed your countertops or a local stone care specialist. They can often recommend the best granite sealer for your specific stone.

Preparing Your Granite Countertops for Sealing

Proper preparation is key to effective granite sealer application. You want to ensure the surface is clean and dry to allow the sealer to penetrate properly.

Step 1: Thoroughly Clean the Countertops

Before you apply any sealer, your granite needs to be spotless.

Remove all items from the countertops, including appliances, décor, and anything else sitting on them.
Wipe down the surfaces with a mild, pH-neutral stone cleaner or a mixture of water and a small amount of dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or acidic solutions, as these can damage the granite or strip away any existing seal.
Rinse the countertops thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
Dry the countertops completely with a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth. Any remaining moisture can prevent the sealer from penetrating effectively.

Step 2: Ensure the Countertops are Completely Dry

This is a critical step. Water trapped within the pores will prevent the sealer from soaking in.

Allow ample drying time. Depending on your kitchen’s humidity, this can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight.
You can speed up the drying process by using a hairdryer on a low setting or a fan.

Step 3: Mask Off Surrounding Areas (Optional but Recommended)

While most granite sealers are designed not to stain surrounding materials, it’s always a good idea to protect sensitive areas, especially if you are using a colored sealer or are concerned about drips.

Use painter’s tape to mask off edges of cabinets, backsplashes, or walls where spills might occur.

The Granite Sealing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that your countertops are prepped, it’s time for the granite sealer application. This is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your granite countertop care routine.

Step 1: Apply the Granite Sealer

Read the manufacturer’s instructions on the sealer bottle carefully. Different products may have slightly different application methods.
Work in small sections (about 2-3 square feet at a time) to ensure the sealer doesn’t dry before you can wipe it off.
Apply the sealer liberally using a clean, lint-free cloth, a paintbrush with natural bristles, or a foam applicator pad. You want to saturate the surface.

Step 2: Let the Sealer Penetrate

Allow the sealer to penetrate the stone for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. This is usually between 10 to 30 minutes.
You should see the sealer soaking into the granite. If it starts to evaporate too quickly, it might mean your granite is very porous and needs another coat.

Step 3: Wipe Off Excess Sealer

Using a clean, dry, lint-free microfiber cloth, wipe away any excess sealer from the surface.
Buff the countertop to remove any residue and restore the natural sheen of the granite. Ensure you don’t leave any wet spots.

Step 4: Apply Additional Coats (If Necessary)

For very porous granites, or if you want extra protection, you may need to apply a second coat.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the drying time between coats. It’s generally recommended to wait at least a few hours before applying a second coat.
Repeat steps 1-3 for each additional coat.

Step 5: Allow the Sealer to Cure

This is a crucial step for the longevity of your seal. Grantie sealant guides will always emphasize this.
Let the countertops cure for the time specified by the manufacturer. This can range from 24 hours to 72 hours. During this time, the sealer fully bonds with the granite, creating a strong protective barrier.
Avoid using the countertops or placing anything on them during the curing period.

Maintaining Your Sealed Granite Countertops

Once you’ve successfully sealed your granite, proper maintenance will ensure the seal lasts.

Daily Cleaning:

Use a soft cloth or sponge with mild dish soap and water.
Wipe spills immediately to prevent them from setting.

Weekly Cleaning:

A dedicated pH-neutral stone cleaner is ideal for weekly cleaning.

What to Avoid:

Harsh Chemicals: Ammonia, bleach, glass cleaner, and acidic cleaners can damage the sealer and the granite itself.
Abrasive Scrubbers: Steel wool or abrasive pads can scratch the surface.
Sitting Water: While sealed granite is resistant, prolonged exposure to standing water isn’t ideal. Wipe up spills promptly.

Re-Sealing:

As mentioned earlier, regularly test your granite with the water test. When the water starts to soak in, it’s time to reseal.

Troubleshooting Common Sealing Issues

Even with the best intentions, you might encounter a few hiccups during the DIY granite sealing process.

Uneven Shine or Haze:

This usually happens when excess sealer isn’t wiped off completely or if the sealer dries too quickly.

Solution: Lightly dampen a clean cloth with denatured alcohol or the granite sealer manufacturer’s recommended cleaner. Gently rub the hazy areas to remove the excess sealer. Buff dry.

Dark Spots or Stains After Sealing:

This can occur if the granite wasn’t completely dry before sealing, trapping moisture, or if the sealer didn’t penetrate properly.

Solution: If the spots are due to trapped moisture, allow more time for the stone to dry completely. If the problem persists, you may need to use a poultice designed for granite to draw out the stain. In some cases, resealing might be necessary after the stain is removed.

Sealer Not Penetrating:

If the water test still shows absorption after sealing, the sealer may not have penetrated.

Solution: This could be due to an ineffective sealer, a very dense granite, or improper application. Ensure you are using a high-quality impregnating sealer. Try a second application, ensuring you’ve followed all preparation steps meticulously. If it still doesn’t absorb, you might need to consult a professional.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sealing Granite

Q: Can I use a DIY sealer that I bought from a hardware store?
A: Yes, as long as it’s specifically designed for natural stone and is an impregnating sealer. Always read reviews and choose a reputable brand.

Q: Does sealing granite change its appearance?
A: High-quality impregnating sealers are designed to penetrate the stone without altering its color or finish. They will not make your granite look “wet” or shiny. Topical sealers, however, might change the appearance.

Q: How long does granite sealing last?
A: The durability of a seal can vary. Typically, a good seal will last anywhere from 1 to 5 years, depending on the type of granite, the quality of the sealer, and how heavily the countertops are used and cleaned.

Q: What if my granite is already sealed? Do I need to seal it again?
A: It’s recommended to perform the water test periodically. If the water beads up, your existing seal is still effective. If the water soaks in, it’s time to reseal.

Q: Can I seal my granite with the existing sealant on it?
A: Generally, yes, you can apply a new coat of sealer over an existing one, provided the old seal is still somewhat effective. However, if the old seal is failing significantly or has been damaged, it might be beneficial to strip the old sealant before applying a new one, though this is rarely necessary for routine resealing.

Q: How do I clean granite after sealing?
A: After the sealer has fully cured, clean your granite countertops with a soft cloth and a mild, pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid abrasive cleaners or acidic substances.

By following this comprehensive guide to how to seal granite kitchen countertops, you can effectively protect your investment and keep your beautiful granite surfaces looking their best for years to come. Consistent granite countertop care is the key to longevity.