Granite Sealer Problem
by Chris Odom
granite sealer streaks
QUESTION:We placed a sealer on a granite floor and then realized that the sealer created a look that the client didn't want. How can you apply another sealer or clean the floor in order to create a different look; we've already applied the correct sealer and the floor looks uneven in color.ANSWER:Chris, thanks for the picture... helps a lot! Looks to me like the floor has a streaky haze on it. If I'm seeing it correctly, then I'm sorry to say the granite sealer was applied improperly.The hazy streaks occur when the granite sealer is not thoroughly worked into the pores of the stone below the surface and then the excess wiped off before it dries. If the excess sealer on the surface dries, then you get the hazy streaks. This is not good. One problem could be that the granite didn't need sealing in the first place. I can't tell what variety of granite it is, but if it is dense enough, it won't stain and doesn't need sealing. What I'd do is strip the sealer off a tile or two with methylene chloride and then test the granite with water to determine if it even needs sealing. Once you know if granite sealer is necessary, you have two options. Option 1 If the test shows the floor needs sealing, then ... re-apply the same sealer. Work it into the stone real good... maybe even use a soft-bristle brush to agitate and hopefully mix the old sealer with the new and then wipe off the excess completely before it dries. What you are trying to do is get the fresh sealer to dissolve the old, dried sealer and allow you a second chance to get it applied correctly. The fresh sealer may not be able to dissolve the old though, so do this on a test area. Hopefully this will work, because option two is not going to be fun. If the test shows you don't need to seal, then option 2 is your only choice. Also, you'll have to do #2 if option 1 doesn't work. Option 2 Strip the granite sealer with methylene chloride, which is a powerful, noxious and toxic solvent. It will remove the old sealer so you can then properly re-apply new sealer. Good Luck, Ryan  I highly recommend MB Stone Care Products to maintain all your marble, stone and granite countertops and floors in optimal condition. I've used other good products (Stone Tech, Miracle) but found MB Stone Care is the most reliable and effective.
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