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How to Seal Granite Countertops

Believe it or not, but some Granite Countertops don’t need to be sealed.  Although its true all Granite is porous, it’s not true that water will penetrate all types of Granite.  A simple water test will prove if your Granite needs sealing or not.  Place a small amount of water on the counter until it puddles and then wait 10 minutes.  If the puddle of water is still there, you don’t need to seal your Granite.  If the puddle has turned into a stain its time to reseal your granite.

What makes a good Granite Sealer?

 You want a sealer that absorbs into the stone.  If the sealer isn’t absorbed you are basically just going to wipe it off and it’s likely not going to last very long.  I have also observed that sealers that get really good penetration also enhance the natural beauty of the granite.  Many sealers have Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), because of the respiratory impacts (asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis) most customers prefer sealers without.  Stone sealers can also leave a harsh chemical smell that can takes days to dissipate.  Finding a granite sealer that doesn’t smell is preferred.  A good sealer will also be easy to apply and remove.  

 What’s the best way to apply sealer to Granite?

Don’t be fooled by the commercials on TV where they just spray and wipe to create beautifully sealed granite.  This method of application doesn’t give enough to for the product to penetrate the granite.  Instead dump a generous quantity onto the granite and spread it around.  Allow the product to sit on the granite, right before it dries on the surface is a perfect time to remove the product.  This allows sufficient time for the product to create a good seal and also allows for easy removal without creating streaks.