Granite is one of the strongest materials on Earth, so is it really necessary to seal granite countertops?
Absolutely!
Granite that has not been properly sealed can store germs and moisture – things you don’t want on your food preparation surfaces.
Protect Your Countertops With Stone Sealing
While there are a variety of ways to care for and maintain your stone countertops, stone sealer is one of the most important.
Throughout the life of your countertops, a sealer is necessary to keep your counters looking their best and to protect against scratches, stains, and overall dullness.
That’s why we offer a FREE 15 year sealer with every kitchen and bathroom countertop installation – Learn more about our stone sealing process here.
If Granite Is So Tough, Why Seal It?
Since granite is such a tough natural stone, a common question is whether it’s important to seal it.
However, if left unsealed…
- Acidic substances can easily deteriorate the stone over time
- Etching can occur with exposure to things like acidic cleaning agents, vinegar or lemon juice
- Stains from various food items with colour in them such as wine or coffee
Sealing your granite is a great way to protect it from unnecessary exposure, but it’s important to note that it will need to be reapplied periodically.
How To Tell If Your Countertops Need To Be Resealed
The best way to tell when you need to reseal your countertops, is to test them!
Sprinkle a couple drops of water on top of your granite and let it sit for 30 minutes. If the water has disappeared, penetrated the surface, and darkened the granite, it’s time to reseal.
Another way to tell if your counters need resealing is by simply looking at them. If there are dull spots on a countertop that should be glossy, it’s time to reseal.
What Happens If You DON’T Seal Your Countertops?
If you neglect to seal your countertops, you run the risks of…
1. Food Stains
An unsealed stone quickly absorbs foods and liquids, leaving the stone stained in a matter of minutes.
2. Water Stains
A properly sealed countertop repels water, causing it to bead up on the surface. But if it isn’t sealed in a place where water is constantly used – like the kitchen and bathroom – water will penetrate the stone and leave behind water marks and a dirty appearance.
3. Damage
Cleaning products aren’t always the best, in fact, there are many that can actually damage your stone EVEN if it is sealed and of course, an unsealed stone is even more susceptible to damage.
- Citrus cleaners can quickly eat away at the stone’s calcium, leaving little pits in the surface
- Certain chemicals can erode and seep into the surface damaging the finish and colour
Want to Learn More?
If you don’t know how to seal a natural stone, or if you are unsure if your countertops are in need of sealant, speak with one of our stone experts!
