Best Granite Sealer
by Brandon Stephens
QUESTION:Wanting to find the best sealer available. Application has to be simple enough for a novice (but handy) person like myself can handle. New construction so this will be its first seal.Also do most granite installers seal their jobs. Thanks. ANSWER:Many granite sealers on the market will do an adequate job sealing granite countertops.We've used all the top brands, but have found some that are more effective, durable and cheaper which are the recommended sealers you'll find at the Stone Care Center. However, the very best granite sealer currently available is SenGuard Marble & Granite Sealer. Nearly all of the granite sealers now available (except Senguard) from the most recognized brands (Dupont/Stone Tech, Miracle 511, Aqua, SCI) are of the fluorcarbon type, which we refer to as "last generation" sealers. In other words, the chemical technology is good (and was the very best a few years ago), but will still need to be re-applied periodically. Frequency of re-application depends on several variables like: quality of sealer, quality of application, absorbency of stone, cleaning products used. SenGuard employs the most advanced chemical technology, forming permanent bonds for the most effective and durable coverage requiring only one application. What we refer to as a "next generation" type sealer. No other retail sealer can do this. Senguard sealer is a more expensive sealer up front, but is cheaper in the long run since you don't have to re-apply it every few years like you do with the "last generation" type. But first, you should perform the water test for sealing granite countertops to make sure it even needs sealing. All the sealer manufacturers and many installers will tell you (incorrectly) that "all" granite, marble and stone "must be" sealed. Well, this is just not true, but good for sealer sales! Some granites (and many marble and travertine slabs) are so dense that a sealer won't absorb properly or at all, so no need to try. Nothing else will absorb either, so no risk of staining. Testing is the best way to determine if and when a stone needs sealing or re-sealing. Even if the absorbency characteristics of the your stone are well known, you should still test. Natural stone products don't always behave exactly the same. If testing shows that you should apply a granite sealer, then Senguard is the "best granite sealer" to apply. For "last generation" sealers (that will need re-application), then I'd suggest using one of these recommended marble and granite sealers. Most installers do not apply a sealer. Applying a granite sealer is not considered a "standard" part of a granite countertop installation. It is an add on... as it should be since the installer will never know if the stone you buy will even need sealing (until testing it as explained above). As noted, too many installers are ignorant about sealer application and will apply or tell the client to apply a sealer when unnecessary. But again, testing will remove all the mystery and give you a definitive answer. So, really it is best just to tackle this easy job and apply a granite sealer yourself when needed. It doesn't require any skill other than following simple directions. It is basically a pour on, let absorb, wipe off procedure. There are a couple key points to ensure proper application, but again very simple. You'll find complete instructions in the All About Sealing e-book. Good Luck, Ryan |
