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Granite Sealer Guide

Sealing Granite Countertops, Marble & Travertine

The topic of granite sealers and sealing natural stone is full of controversy and confusion. One of the main reasons for this is the fact that most people (including many fabricators and installers) do not understand...



How impregnating sealers work or when to appropriately use them even though there is a simple test for sealing granite countertops that you can easily perform to tell you what to do.

Now, to be fair, many recommendations are knowingly made based on client expectations and peace of mind rather than a real need for sealing granite countertops or other natural stone.

On this page, I will do my best to lay out the whole picture, reasons for, against and why, so you can make an informed decision for yourself.

Myth #1:

Marble and granite sealers "prevent" stains....

Well, sort of, but not exactly. Let me explain...

A sealer will only slow down the natural rate at which a stone absorbs a liquid.

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Some stones are so dense (soapstone, many granites, some travertines, etc.) that liquids just cannot penetrate... or stain... while others will stain if a spill isn't wiped up immediately.

So, a sealer does not provide an absolutely impenetrable shell (which is the common perception)... it simply gives you more time to clean up the mess before it stains and keeps the stain near the surface, so it can be more easily removed if a stain does occur.

Now next-generation sealers like SenGuard Permanent Bond Sealer represent a big jump forward with chemical properties that actually repel liquids and staining may be near impossible, but theoretically if a leaky bottle of oil is left on the surface for days it could still absorb enough to stain.

However, under "normal" circumstances most liquids and oils will evaporate before staining when a top sealer has been properly applied.

Interesting: Polishing stone also helps to decrease the absorbency rate, but this is not the main reason to do it.

Polishing brings out the color in a stone. However, a polish can wear off, so it's not recommended for floors unless you don't mind the extra work and expense to keep it looking good like you see in hotels and corporate office lobbies.

Myth #2:

A granite sealer is what makes the surface shiny....

Completely and totally false. The shine or "polish" on the surface of any stone is created by intense friction using diamond abrasives. It's a mechanical process and not a chemical one.

Chemicals however, particularly acids (like liquor, vinegar, coffee, sodas) can damage or essentially remove the polish on certain calcite based stones like marble, travertine and limestone.

It's a reaction between the calcite and the acid. It's called "etching" and it's the primary reason such stones are not recommended for use in the kitchen and why you should do the Lemon Juice Test on a sample of the exact stone prior to purchase and/or installation.

The "stains" that result are the clear or lighter colored "water spots" or "glass rings" that are commonly reported with such stones. But they are not "stains." Nothing is absorbed into the stone.

It is physical damage to the surface of the stone. Luckily, most cases of etching are mild to moderate and can be repaired using a special marble polishing etch remover.

However, if severe enough your only option is to call in a professional to re-polish the surface. And that's the answer to....

Myth #3:

Sealers protect against glass rings and water stains....

Not true.

Sealing has absolutely nothing to do with etching and will not prevent it at all.

Only using coasters, trivets, place mats and completely avoiding contact with the acidic and alkaline foods and products will prevent etching.

What Should You Do?

As a general rule, granite sealer should be applied to all natural stones. However, this does not mean that "every granite and stone must be sealed"... not true... but when necessary...

I recommend Stone Sentry or SenGuard Sealers.

Many dark-colored denser granites (browns, blues, blacks) do not require sealing... often travertine, limestone and many marbles don't need sealing especially when polished and neither does soapstone (although sealing and/or oiling is recommended mainly for cosmetic reasons).

Again, this is not a hard and fast rule. It depends on several factors (more below). That's why you need to test to determine when applying a granite countertop sealer is appropriate.

And Not Do...

You should not apply a granite sealer to a stone that does not need it "just to be safe".

It doesn't work that way.

Testing will also help you avoid applying a sealer to a stone that cannot absorb it.

Applying a granite sealer to dense granites or polished travertine or marble when testing shows you should not only creates a problem you definitely don't want.

If applied to such stones, the sealer does not absorb, just sits on the surface, dries and creates a hazy, streaky mess. It can be stripped off, but what it's a pain. Best to test!

How Often To Re-Seal

Frequency of granite sealer re-application really depends on four variables:

  • The absorption rate of your stone (porous or dense)
  • The type and quality of granite sealer used
  • How well the initial sealer was applied
  • Products used for cleaning granite countertops (common household cleaners are too harsh and will degrade the sealer)

Light colored granites and un-polished (honed, tumbled) softer stones such as marble, some travertine and limestone and onyx may need sealing every 1-3 years.

Dark colored granites as noted in the greens, browns, blues and blacks can be sealed less frequently: every 3-5+ years or . . . not at all. But remember, it depends on your particular stone and sealant, so be sure test a sample.

All sealers are not equal and a few are able to protect your countertops for 10 to 15 years when properly maintained.



Again, it also depends on the porosity of the stone and how well the sealant is applied. Sealants do break down and degrade over time (although permanent bond sealers like SenGuard Marble & Granite Sealer are much improved in this regard) and it's certainly much easier and far less expensive to re-seal your stone pro-actively rather than paying for the hassle of removing stains or marble restoration.

But you don't have to guess, worry or consider any of the above factors. Again, all you have to do is water test the surface. This simple sealer test sums it all up and tells you if you should apply a granite sealer or not either initially or for re-application.

Sealing Is Simple

In reality, sealing your stone countertops is a simple wipe on, wipe off procedure. It's not complicated and no special knowledge is required except the ability to follow some simple instructions. So relax. You have nothing to worry about.

The key is to completely remove any sealer residue from the surface after it has absorbed into the pores below the surface saturating the stone, but before it dries.

Helpful Tip: Consistently using a specially formulated natural stone cleaner like STONE PLUS Cleaner, as I recommend, will reduce the frequency of re-sealing required.

This type of product can be used weekly or for end of day cleaning to keep your countertops shiny and streak-free.

Quartz vs. Granite

First of all, the makers of quartz countertops have made a much bigger issue out of applying granite sealer than it really is.

Quartz countertops are excellent (we highly recommend them as essentially equal to granite) and you can't blame them for trying to effectively market their product, but the issue of sealing and granite counter top care is really a minor advantage of quartz when compared with the advantages granite has in natural beauty, uniqueness, the quality and quantity of colors and patterns available and the ability to make repairs if needed, which is not possible with quartz.

All other qualities and characteristics of each product are the same. After all, engineered stone is 93% quartz which comes from granite.

Even though Silestone, Zodiac, Cambria and other makers of quartz counter tops try to convince you that applying granite sealer is a complicated hassle--it just isn't true. It's only a marketing story. True it's one less task and expense, however.....


Applying granite sealer is a simple procedure and you should not let it be a factor when deciding whether to install granite or quartz counter tops. And truth be told... it is possible to stain quartz and the resin in quartz is more susceptible to heat damage than granite.

Bottom line is that the differences between granite and quartz are so insignificant that you should simply install the color and pattern you like best whether granite or quartz.

Questions About Sealing Granite,
Marble and other Stones?
Ask It Here!

Are you installing new granite, marble or other stone countertops... floors or just purchased a house with natural stone? Have a question about "sealing" the stone... how to do it... which products to use... or any other sealing related question? Need an answer?

Well, use the form below and just ask! I'll tell you everything I know with links to answers below.

Define the general topic with a title. Ex: "how often to seal granite," "sealing black granite," "sealing travertine," etc.

Read Other Sealing Granite and Marble Questions & Answers

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ANSWER:...

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ANSWER: If you didn't ...

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However, he applied ...

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QUESTION: How do I guard against these? Is there a clear silicone or plastic gasket that can be applied around the sink?

ANSWER: It's not too common,...

Preparing Granite For Sealing  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We just had granite counter tops installed. We were told to use a 0000 steal wool to clean off the water marks and then seal them. We purchased ...

Best Product for Cleaning Granite Countertops  Not rated yet
QUESTION: What is your best product for cleaning granite countertops? I want something easy that does not streak or leave an oily residue when done....

Using Epoxy Coating On Limestone Countertops  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Are there any epoxies you would recommend for sealing/coating limestone counter tops? And if so, do these epoxies protect against acidic food ...

I Stripped Coating Off Granite Countertops-Now what?   Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have stripped the "coatiing" on my granite counters in the kitchen. Now what do I do. I have 3 products. I stripped the last one because ...

Honed Absolute Black Granite Etching  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Does honed absolute black granite need sealing?? We had it installed recently in our kitchen and I have noticed streaks and light gray areas ...

Black Magma Granite..what's wrong?  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We are in the process of having Brazilian Black Magma Granite countertops placed in our kitchen/bar area. When originally placed, the edges ...

Does black granite easily leave fingerprints?  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Does black granite counter tops show fingerprints easily ?

ANSWER: Fingerprints are not easily seen on polished black granite, but they ...

Polishing Granite Countertop  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Can I polish our new bathroom granite before sealing it? It doesn't seem to have the shine we saw at the showroom.

ANSWER: Granite countertop ...

Removing Water Spots On Stone Countertops  Not rated yet
QUESTION: how do I remove a water spot left by water left by condensation from a glass ? Brand new counter, not sure how it was sealed, an waiting to ...

Unlevel Countertops  Not rated yet
QUESTION: My installer put in our countertops and they are not level. He blames the cabinets for not being level and said they are set in place and cant ...

Best Sealer For Marble Kitchen Countertop  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We are installing a Marble counter in our kitchen and looking for the best way to seal and maintain the top. What produces would you recommend ...

"Wet Look" On Granite Countertops  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Just installed venetian gold counter tops looks great how do I get that wet look?

ANSWER: The "wet look" is achieved by applying a color ...

Granite Sealing Product  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Can I use TileLab's surfacegard penetrating sealer to seal my granite kitchen countertop?

ANSWER: Yes that sealer can be used. Most granite ...

Removing Gloss Sealer from a Quartz Countertop  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We have just had a brownstone Cambria quartz countertop installed. When the backsplash was installed the installer sealed it with Tilelab Gloss ...

Sealing Granite Floor Tile Before Grouting  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Do I need to seal flamed granite tile flooring before I grout it?

ANSWER: Sealing granite floor tile prior to grouting is not necessary....

New Granite Countertop Pits & Sealing  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We recently got new granite countertops. It took the men only a few minutes to wipe or "polish" the counter after installation. When I look ...

Best Marble Sealer For Kitchen Floor  Not rated yet
QUESTION: i am nearly done installing my temple grey marble kitchen floor and would like to seal after grouting. i know nothing about sealers and dont ...

Cleaning, Repairing and Sealing Marble floors  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We just moved into a home that has a white marble floor kitchen with veins of beige. It also has a decorative marble trim that is made of a ...

Care and upkeep of new granite vanity top  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Just had this granite vanity top installed. Purchased at Home Depot. brand: Pegasus, color: Napoli.

Website claimed this fact: Granite ...

Granite Surdace Feels Slightly Rough  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We have new granite countertops, "new venetian gold" and when I gently run my fingers across the surface I can feel areas of the 'raw stone"...

Peeling Sealant on Black Granite Floor Tile  Not rated yet
QUESTION: What should I use to remove peeling sealant from black granite floor tile? I had som painters doing work, and when they were cleaning spilled ...

Sealer Residue - Black Galaxy Granite   Not rated yet
QUESTION: Hello, I applied tile sealer to black galazy granite - unfortunately I didn't read your advice prior to doing so. Although I only let it sit ...

Grease Staining On Tumbled Marble Backsplash  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Do we need to be concerned about grease on tumbled marble backsplash? Do we need to be consider this factor and not only water? Can this be ...

Black Residue On Granite After Sealing  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We have an expensive granite countertop from Brazil (reinforced underneath) - called Carmello. It was sealed before installation. It is dark ...

Sealing Marble: Determining If Marble Needs Sealing  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We just installed a marble vanity top. How do we know if it has to be sealed?

ANSWER: Determining if sealing marble is necessary is very ...

Cleaning Spilled/Dried Sealer on Ceramic Tile  Not rated yet
QUESTION: How can I clean drops of sealer from ceramic tile in my bathroom?

ANSWER: You'll have to get your hands on some methylene chloride ...

Hard Water Stains On Granite Countertop  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Hi. We have just moved in to our house and have been here 5 weeks. The water is very HARD.

We were told that the granite benchtops were ...

Cleaning Granite Before Sealing Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: My contractor applied the sealer to the counter top without deep cleaning with acetone. I knew that the surface was dusty and needed cleaning ...

Scratches In Black Pearl Countertop  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We recently had Black Pearl countertops installed and now I am seeing various surface scratches. I was under the impression that granite does ...

Removing Sealer From Quartz  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I purchased a white caesarstone quartz directly from a manufacture but I didn't realized they sealed the stone until it was installed under ...

Emerald Pearl vs. Blue Pearl Absorption  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I am debating between the above 2 granites. I see contradictory statements about sealing the above 2 granite. what is the water absorption ...

Why Is My Sealed Granite Blotchy?  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I used SCI cleaner to clean my black granite and 8 hours later used SCI Sealor to seal it. The black granite in the bathroon (which was done ...

Trouble Sealing Travertine  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We are having travetine installed, for the 2nd time. 1st install had spots, sponge marks and a dirty window sealed in. The installer tore up ...

Enhancer on Madura Gold Granite Kitchen Countertops.  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I recently had Madura Gold granite countertops installed in my kitchen. As they were being installed I noticed large dark rectangular areas ...

Best Granite Epoxy for Sun Exposure  Not rated yet
QUESTION: What glue or expoxy to hold slabs together exposed to very hot sun all day?

ANSWER: You may ask because you probably know that many/most ...

Re-caulking Between Granite Countertop and Backsplash  Not rated yet
QUESTION: The bead of silicone between my black granite countertop and backspash is turning white and rubbery. Water does get on it from the sink. They ...

Re-Sealing Honed Absolute Black Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We've had our absolute black honed granite countertops for about 5 years. They were sealed upon installation. I read that granite should be ...

Sealing Granite Cafe Imperial  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Reading above about the black granite and the blue pearl granite colors, not having to be sealed. I just installed Cafe Imperial and wondering ...

Removing Dark Water Mark Before Sealing Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have a light colored granite (I don't know the name). My question is how do you get the dark water marks to dry and disappear before you ...

Removing Grout Haze From Travertine Backsplash  Not rated yet
QUESTION: My contractor installed honed & filled Travertine tiles (with a 2"x2" crackle glass accent tile) on my backsplash 2 days ago. The surface of ...

Removing Sealer Residue on Brown Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: My granite was sealed by the installer. We waited the full 24 hours as requested by the installer. Now, how do I remove the haze left by the ...

Gritty Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We recently had New Venetian Gold granite installed in our bathroom. It feels very gritty. I've cleaned it with SCI contertop spray cleaner ...

To Seal or Not To Seal Black and Green Ubatuba Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION We are thinking of installing black and green Ubatuba granite. The store claims it is very dense... almost nonporous and may not need sealing....

How Often To Apply Granite Sealer  Not rated yet
QUESTION: When should medium to dark granite be sealed for the first time? How frequently thereafter?

ANSWER: This one is easy! All you have to ...

Is Lifetime Granite Sealer Applied By Contractor Worth It?  Not rated yet
QUESTIONS: We are having granite installed tomorrow. Sedna in our kitchen and Uba Tuba in our bathrooms. Our contractor offers a "lifetime" granite ...

Should We Seal Underside Of Granite After Installation  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We have just received tropic brown granite in our newly remodeled kitchen. It has yet to be attached, but will hit that stage in about a day ...

Sealing Restored & Polished Travertine  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Hello......I'm receiving bids for restoring my Travertine floor........I would like it brought up to a shine.....I'm getting mixed reviews,...

SenGuard DIY Sealer Kit  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Is the SenGuard granite sealer available locally for DIY, and how many sq'ft' does a kit cover? This information from your web site answered ...

Can I Seal Silestone To Make More Glossy  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I purchased the Silestone Stellar night countertop and 8 months down the road I realized that they installed the Leather Stellar night instead ...

Food Safe Sealing Granite Cheese Boards  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I just bought some granite cheese boards, hand made by someone who didn't know how to clean them or seal them so they are food safe. Both are ...

darker areas around sink & work area  Not rated yet
QUESTION: The granite color is Luna Pearl - it was installed almost 3 years ago by the builder of our brand new condo. From the beginning I felt it ...

Water Turns Marble Countertop Dark & Yellow  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have a new bathroom vanity (double sink) with a marble counter top. It seems to turn darker just from water that gets on the counter from ...

Sealing Carrara Marble  Not rated yet
QUESTION: What is the best sealant for Carrara marble in a bathroom--walls and countertop? Thanks

ANSWER: The top two sealers I recommend are SenGuard ...

Why Isn't My Granite Super High Gloss Shiny  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We had a granite countertop installed two years ago. I have noticed a few pits in it and it does not appear like it has a thick coating of ...

Sealing Slate For Cheeseboard  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I am making presents of cheeseboards from slate and have used impregnator. I am interested in making them shiny. Is there something I can put ...

Remove Hard Water Stains on Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: The Uba Tuba granite in my kitchen looks great, except for around the kitchen sink faucet. As the base of the faucet(chrome) hard water / calcium ...

Sealing Travertine Shower Frequency  Not rated yet
QUESTION: How often should you seal travertine tile installed in a shower and what type of sealer would be best for water and soap scum?

ANSWER: Travertine ...

Problem Sealing Honed Absolute Black Granite Floor  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Our installer sealed our honed absolute black granite floor with 511 by Miracle. The sealant left a residue that appears uneven and smeared....

Which Type of Sealer Applicator  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I want to seal my granite myself but don't know what kind of applicator to use to get the smoothest application that won't bubble or streak....

Treating Cambrian Black Antiqued Granite with a Sealer, Mineral oil or Nothing   Not rated yet
QUESTION: I purchased cambrian black (antique finish) tops for my kitchen. My internet research returns various results--"yes, seal it"; "yes, seal ...

Dull Cup Ring Forms with 5-Second Exposure to Acid  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I left a cup of diluted tile cleaner (Heavy Duty Acidic Cleaner from Home Depot, hydrocholoric acid based) on the vanity top for about 5 seconds....

Metallicus Granite Mica Flecks Coming Off  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I work for a granite fabrication facility, and recently we installed a kitchen for a customer, using Metallicus for the Island. The customer ...

Sealing Peacock Green Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have peacock green granite that is a black with green and gold highlights in the background that was installed a year ago.

Do I need to ...

Type of Sealer & Guarantees  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I am thinking of buying Sensa granite which has a sealer guarantee of 15 years, but I read about Granite Shield which is supposed to be guaranteed ...

Care/Maintenance of Antiqued Granite in the Kitchen  Not rated yet
QUESTION: My client is purchasing Arctic Cream granite and is having it antiqued or possibly just honed. We are trying to find out how the care and maintenance ...

White Film on Tumbled Travertine Shower Floor  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have a floor in my shower made of Noce Travertine Tumbled Mosaics. The shower is about 4 years old. Recently the 2-by-2 squares started turning ...

Sealing Arabian Black Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have a client wanting to install arabian black granite, will this need sealer?

ANSWER: It likely will, but as with any stone the only ...

'Granite Guard' Lifetime Sealer  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Our fabricator bid $300 to apply Granite Guard Lifetime Sealer to our Giallo Tropical granite kitchen countertop (brown, gold with some black)...

Marble Sealing Mistake  Not rated yet
QUESTION: My usually brilliant wife mistakenly applied a stone sealer to our new polished marble table top. As mentioned in an earlier reply, it did ...

Cleaning Zodia Quartz Countertop  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I gave a zodiac kitchen island counter top that is a dark burgandy. The cooking range is in the center of the stone. what do U recommend to ...

Hairline Cracks in New Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We have just installed new granite. The cutout for the stove top was too small, but the installer shoved the stove top into the space. The ...

To Seal or Not To Seal Tropical Brown  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We are purchasing Tropical Brown granite countertops (not installed yet). We've never had anything but laminate countertops until now. I ...

How To Seal Turkish Travertine  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Dear Sir, I am just finishing to build my dream home and I have chosen the Travertine from Turkey (light beige) as the floor for my living ...

Sealing Basalt  Not rated yet
QUESTION Please advise if we could use the same process sealing Basalt as we would granite. The Basalt is called Raven Black and it is from China. There ...

Bring Back Shine on Worn Star Galaxy Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: My star galaxy granite work tops look dull with a hazy gray look, how can I bring the new deep black shine back.

ANSWER: Was the granite ...

Professional SenGuard Application vs. Sealing Granite Yourself  Not rated yet
QUESTION: A countertop company is trying to sell us on the importance of the SenGuard treatment that protects granite from staining and comes with a ...

Granite Countertop Seams More Visible  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Hi. We built a home about 5 years ago and used Uba Tuba granite for kitchen countertops. We have several different slabs and I believe all ...

Sealing & Stone Maintenance  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Hello. I have tan brown, emerald pearl and pietra imperial (ladies dream or fantasy) stones in my home. How often should they be sealed (if ...

Removing Haze on Sealed Ubatuba  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We recently had Uba Tuba installed for our kitchen countertops. Our installer said wait 72 and then wipe up with terry cloth towel. Days later,...

Sealant In Washing Machine  Not rated yet
ANSWER: I put some rags I used to seal with in the washing machine, how bad is this?

QUESTION: Not being a chemist or appliance expert I can't say ...

Removing Enhancer Residue  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have Jade Peacock. It was enhanced. Now it is a sticky residue mess.

ANSWER: Is the granite polished? Did you test the granite to ...

Re-Sealing Travertine Floors  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We installed Travertine floors in our kitchen, entry (front and back), around fireplace, and in main level bathroom (no tub or shower) in 2004....

Best Granite Sealer  Not rated yet
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 ...

Sealing Mexican Saltillo Tiles  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We have a house in Baja Mexico with saltillo floor tiles through out. The sealant that was used on the floor originally by the builder was ...

Sealing Tumbled Marble Kitchen Backsplash  Not rated yet
QUESTION: When should you seal tumbled marble backsplash tiles (kitchen)... before or after the grouting is done or both? How long after the grouting ...

Dull Rings On Marble Table  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have a marble coffee table. The table looks like it is comprised of slats of marble slate, very heavy table. Over time I have had some inconsiderate ...

Sealing Tumbled Green Marble  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We are going to cover our kitchen island with light green tumbled marble. We understand it should have a sealer applied to protect it. We have ...

Caring for Metallicus granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: My wife and I are very interested in a granite named "Metallicus". It is a dark granite with what I call rivers of silver and gold across it....

Sealing Polished Marble Bar Top  Not rated yet
QUESTION: What should I use to seal polished marble tile bar top with 1/4" grout lines?

ANSWER: First, you should test the marble to make sure ...

Stripping & Re-Sealing Travertine Floor  Not rated yet
QUESTION: After using a stripper much elbow grease and scrubbing to remove the sealer from my giallo smooth travertine floor, there is a dusty film on ...

Sealing Travertine with Permatreat  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We are going to start a major bathroom remodel to mitigate mold. We purchased 18"x18" Pendio Beige travertine from EM for the floor and shower ...

Granite Blistering  Not rated yet
QUESTION: OUR HOME GRANITE FLOORING WHICH IS CALLED AS RAW SILK GRANITE WAS EXTRACTED FROM A QUARRY FROM TAMIL NADU IN KRISHNAGIRI REGION. A FEW MONTHS ...

Cleaning Zodiac Quartz Countertop  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have a new (7 months) Zodiac bathroom countertop. I was told not to seal it and did not. I have been cleaning it with a natural "Green" cleaner,...

Hard Water Build Up Around Faucets  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Although I wipe and dry around the faucets there is still build-up... a crustiness that gathers around the faucet bottom. I have tried fine ...

Cleaning & Sealing Black Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Black granite, cleaning before re-sealing and then application of sealer, and drying time.

ANSWER: Prior to sealing you can clean your ...

Too Early To Seal Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I think the name of my granite countertop is santa cecilia or something like that. It was installed last year, is it too early to seal it?...

Is Our Granite Sealed or Not?  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We just got the granite countertops installed in both our kitchen and all the bathrooms. The color is on the light side, beige/cream color....

Granite Sealer Repair  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have granite countertops which the sealer has been discolored by paint stripper. Paint stripper rags where left on countertop and when pulled ...

Installing & Sealing Travertine Kitchen Backsplash  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I just purchased travertine tiles (several tiles set/spaced on mesh)and plan to use it as a backsplash in the kitchen. The travertine appears ...

Dull Granite Countertop  Not rated yet
QUESTION: My granite countertop appears to be etched. There is no shine to it at all. Looking at your products- do I use the marble paste first then ...

Repair Granite Chipping Around Sink  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I am renting a house. I have been told that the countertops are granite. The color is dark/black, with shell/like iridescent marks in it....

Installing Granite Tile Without Grout  Not rated yet
QUESTION: How do we install granite tile on the floor without grout. any thin adhesives to be applied on the sides of the tile before laying it?

ANSWER:...

Honed Absolute Black Granite Countetops For Kitchen  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have been told that the honed absolute black granite stains very, very, very easily by some and that this is not true by others. I really ...

Sealing & Removing Stains on Volga Blue Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We have some spotting around our prep sink that looks like water stains... Two people have come out and no one has been able to get rid of ...

Dark Grey/Black Spots on Travertine  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I just had travertine installed in my kitchen and noticed greyish/black spots, what is causing this to occur? Thanks, Jerry

ANSWER: Jerry,...

Do I Need To Seal Honed Black Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have honed black granite countertops. I got them because I didn't want the "shiny" look. Do I need to seal them?

ANSWER: You almost ...

Sealing Granite: Red Dragon & Labrador Antique   Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have a slab of red dragon and a slab of labrador antique. They are both countertops and will be used for food preparation. Are these two ...

Sealing Resined Typhoon Bordeaux Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I just had a new counter top installed, made of Typhoon Bordeaux Granite. I did the water drop test, and it appears to pass with no apparent ...

Professional Granite Floor Cleaning  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have a multi-coloured granite floor. When I bought the house, it was all shiny. Now it has waxy looking build-ups, and I swear there are ...

Spotty Granite Sealer  Not rated yet
QUESTION: My countertop was installed this past week, I noticed right away that it looked "water spotty" or like the sealer dried spotty (only can see ...

Black Spots on Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We just had granite counter tops installed in our outdoor kitchen...Someone spilled either dip or mayo on the counter and it has left several ...

Maintaining Antiqued or Leathered Absolute Black Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We recently had antiqued absolute black granite installed. The installer applied granite sealer, but did not color enhance it as I like the ...

Granite Repair Rough Pitted Juparana Fantistico  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I just got granite installed in my kitchen, I picked it out in a slab shop, name of the granite is Juparana Fantastico. I didn't realize it ...

Cloudy Spots On Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Hi - I have brown/black/tan/silver fleck granite in my kitchen. I have had white cloudy marks in spots that I have tried to polish with many ...

Enhancer Sealer vs. Regular Sealer  Not rated yet
QUESTION: What is the difference between a regular sealer and an enhancer sealer?

ANSWER: A "color enhancing" sealer can be used on honed, tumbled ...

Sealing Dark/Green Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I understand that dark/dense granites do not require sealing at all. I have the BUTTERFLY GREEN (Brazil) countertops and would like to know ...

Sealed Honed Black Granite Water Spots  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Hello-
I recently had honed granite in Aracruz black installed for my kitchen countertops. The installer told me that they applied a sealer ...

Sealing Honed Black Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Not sure exactly, it's black or more dark smoky gray. We got it a rem sale. It's honed (or not polished to a sheen.) We'd like to seal it, but ...

Sealant Removal  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Ok so here's the problem, the place that installed our granite had us purchase a sealant, they told me to put two coats on thick and let it ...

Sealing "Antiqued" Cambrian Black granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We like the look and feel of "antiqued" Cambrian Black granite counter top for kitchen island and counter-tops with "chiseled" edging. please ...

Sanding Uneven Black Granite & Sealing Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I bought a slab of black pearl granite. I have some areas where the stone itself seems to stick up higher than the finished surface. I am wondering ...

Perma treat sealer  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have paradiso light granite countertops. Over the last several years they have started to look darker in color to me. Will the cleaning ...

Wrong Sealer on White Marble?  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Hi- A few days ago I installed a white marble top, and used translucent phenoseal. Unfortunately, the sealant darkened the top. It might not ...

Grit On My Granite Countertop  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I don't know if I need a sealer or a good granite cleaner or both for my counter of 6 months old. It appears my brown speckled granite counter ...

Permanent Sealing Called Granite Shield  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have millenium cream granite in my kitchen. In our area there are 3 places to buy granite. I am now going to put granite in both of my bathrooms....

Sealing Granite Floors Around Leaky Toilet  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Our small bathroom was just redone with full sheets of granite, (avoiding the leaks, we had before), to our surprise we found that water seeps ...

Removing Granite Sealer Residue Left By Installer  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Our installer put on a sealer on our Emerald Green granite after completing the installation with instructions to wipe it off the next day ...

Sealing Blues In The Night Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Just reading about the sealing fiasco of this particular granite I am wondering how it is protected from stains without a sealer?? I just ordered ...

Removing Sealant Film on Black Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have new granite - Absolute Black - the installer applied a liberal coat of sealer, then told me that it would be up to me to buff it off ...

Removing Sealant Residue from Tumbled Stone  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I've used impregnating miracle sealer enhancer on my dore royal backsplash tiles. It left residue making the tiles look cloudy and dirty. What ...

Granite Shield - Any Experience?  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I am using Labrador antique granite for my kitchen counters... Does this stone need sealing and/or will it take a sealer? Someone told me about ...

PermaSheild Toxicity???  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Is there any information about the product PermaSheild used by Stonemark? Specifically regarding the possible toxicity of the process/product?...

Dark Rings On Ubatuba  Not rated yet
QUESTION: How do I remove dark water-rings on Ubatuba?

ANSWER: Huh... don't know that I can answer that one without more info.

Here's why:

Most ...

How Often To Seal & Best Sealers  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We have a "light colored" granite that has been in our kitchen for 6 or 7 months. The installer told me that, even though he sealed it right ...

Re-Sealing Granite Counters  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We had granite counters installed about 1 year ago. The granite was called Lava (primarily charcoal with russet streaks and cream colored patches)...

Cleaning Grout & Sealing Travertine Problem  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I just had a travertine floor honed surface laid and the installer grouted the tiles and then put an impregnating sealer enhancer on the tile....

Ink Stained Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: My piece of granite counter has been stored outside in the weather in WI for the last 2 years and is stained with printer's ink from a flexo ...

Non-Toxic Natural Granite Sealer  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I purchase a light colored granite countertop and I would like to seal it with a natural non-toxic liquid. What is available?

ANSWER: As ...

Does My Granite Need Sealing  Not rated yet
QUESTION: My granite is color is tropical brown. The place I bought it is kind of vague about whether to seal it or not. I have heard that sometimes ...

Caring for Black Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have Black Galaxie granite on both my kitchen and bathroom counter tops. I do not believe that they have ever been sealed.

I have used ...

Enhancer Sealer on Polished Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We are installing new polished granite counter tops in the kitchen, which are presently not sealed. When you wipe a wet towel over the countertop ...

Candle Wax Stain on Black Galaxy Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: How do you get stains from spilled candle wax out of my Black Galaxy Granite countertop? My husband wiped the candle wax off immediately but ...

Non-Slip Treatment  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Can a granite be flamed to give it the non-slip look/effect?

ANSWER: If you are asking if a "flamed" finish on granite will make the surface ...

New Marble Has Steaks  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have just had marble tile (arrabescato carrara; honed) installed in our bathroom and it has a dull, streaky appearance. My guess is that ...

Cleaning UbaTuba Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We have UbaTuba and the saleperson from the builder did not recommend that we seal it, so I asked her what is the best way to clean it, if ...

Sealing Red Palladio  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I see that you say some darker stones may not need to be sealed. What do you suggest for Red Palladio, since it isn't a true granite? Thanks ...

Make Dull Granite Countertop Shiny  Not rated yet
QUESTION: My granite counter top is dull and has always been dull. I want my counter top to shine like my other friends counter in their kitchens. What ...

Sealing Quartz Hearthstone  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I installed a hearth made up of 2x3 ft quartz stones 1.3 inches thick. They are light grey with streaks of light brown. I'd like to seal ...

Re-Sealing Travertine   Not rated yet
QUESTION: What is the process for re-sealing. Does the old sealer coat need to be removed?

ANSWER: No, you do not need to remove the old sealer,...

Sealing and Cleaning Black Honed Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Should honed black granite be sealed and what is the best way to clean it. It is on a bar and also surrounding my gas cook top. Thank you, Ramona
...

How To Clean Excess Sealer  Not rated yet
How do I clean off excess sealer from travertine?

ANSWER: Well, it's a chore for sure. You'll most likely need to use a powerful and noxious solvent ...

Sealing Santa Cecilia Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Is it necessary to seal santa cecilia granite countertops in kitchen?

ANSWER: Yes, you will probably need to seal it, but you should test ...

Repair Pitting/Chipping of Blue Pearl Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTIONS: Our Blue Pearl Granite had some pits when installed but now it seems to have more after a year of use. Is this normal? Is one type of granite ...

Confusion Cleaning-Sealing Black Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I've read that only 2% of all granite stones are really 'true' granite. I have Labrador Black Silver Flake, installed in 2004 and the installer ...

Cleaning and Sealing Dark Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have been told to clean my granite counter tops with acetone before using the sealer. Acetone seems harsh. Should I do this?

ANSWER:...

Sealing Black Granite Tiles  Not rated yet
QUESTION: My husband and I installed black granite tiles on our countertop, ourselves. Not sure the color of black etc? Do we need to do a one-time sealant?...

Travertine Sealer Streaking  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I sealed my new travertine floor and I see streaking. The product recommended by the tile store was Etch N Seal. Can I buff w/ a rotary soft ...

Sealing Uba Tuba Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Ryan, We sealed a portion of our newly installed Uba Tuba countertop with 511 impregnator. It left streaks and hazing in some areas which we ...

Remove Dry Sealer Off Polished Marble  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I had just closed on a new home. I had upgraded my bathroom shower wall to marble (BOTTICINO FIORITO). The marble is polished. I decided to ...

Restoring and Sealing Travertine  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Hi -- I bought a house with travertine kitchen counters, installed by previous owners. I think the sealant is worn away and the travertine ...

Sealing Travertine Shower  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Should travertine in a shower be sealed? I have heard both yes and no. Thanks.

ANSWER: The sole reason to seal any stone is to improve ...

Removing Sealer From Slate  Not rated yet
QUESTION: HELP!! I have a slate shower that I'm trying the sealer. It looks really crummy... Getting the sealer off is taking HOURS and HOURS of scrubbing....

Sealing Antique Brown Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have recently just had Antique Brown granite countertops installed in my kitchen. Every time I (or the kids) leave a wet glass or other item ...

Sealing Light Color Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We had a light color granite top installed in a new house. It was sealed at the installers shop. After we moved in. Red wine was spilled on ...

Granite Sealer For Grout?  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We used 24x24 granite tiles on our kitchen counters. I have granite sealer which I purchased at the Tile Shoppe but do not know if it should ...

Granite Water Faucet Stains  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Just put in sealed black granite top in bathroom. It has white staining around the faucet handles--Is this from water? How do I remove it?...

removing lime build up from granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have two year old dark (not black, more gray,black,white and rust). The lime deposits have built up around the faucet and the usual methods ...

Sealing Black Impala Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Is it necessary to seal a Black Impala granite kitchen counter? If so, how often and with what product?

ANSWER: Typically, no... Black ...

Sealing Granite Naturally  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I need to seal dark granite, but I'd like to do it in a more natural way without harsh chemicals (more earth-friendly and not as damaging to ...

Sealing Travertine Floor  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I am planning to lay filled and honed classical travertine tiles in my hall, kitchen and bathroom. I will be sealing the floor myself and I ...

Enhancing and Sealing Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: My kitchen granite countertop is very porous and a light color, but with very nice detail. The enhancer really brings up the beauty of it. I ...

Granite Benchtop Rough Spots  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We are in the process of building new home and expensive granite benchtops have been installed in the kithen. The colour is Labrador Antique ...

Sealing Tumble Marble Shower  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I am about to install tumbled marble, creamy colored, in my shower surround and bathroom floor. My installer said not to seal it-- is he correct?...

Removing Granite Sealer  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We put a sealer on that did not smooth out. Now we are trying to remove the sealer and it's proving to be very difficult. We are afraid we ...

Sealing Blue Pearl  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have Blue Pearl granite countertops. What product is best for sealing this granite?

ANSWER: NONE! Blue Pearl is very dense, not very ...

Enhance Granite Countertop Shine  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Last year we purchased a multi-colored granite with a lot of dark grays, light grays, rust color, and different beiges throughout with quite ...

How To Strip Sealer  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have Black Galaxy which I (unfortunately) already sealed with Tenax Ager/sealer (the one that darkens the stone). Now, of course, I have ...

Removing Sealer From Travertine  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have a travertine table top, which was purchased two years ago. It had been sealed when bought. It now has scratches, it looks like to me ...

Spotty Granite Countertops  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We just purchased a home with what they call UPGRADED GRANITE but when you are at certain angles and the light hits it the right way it looks ...

Sealed Granite Looks Spotty  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I sealed my black/brown granite (Key West) with a spray sealant. I followed the directions. Apply, wait 30 min., then wipe off. It was mostly ...

Sealing Uba Tuba Granite and Ceramic Tiles  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Should I seal Uba Tuba granite counter top and what kind of sealant should I use? Should ceramic ...

Restoring Antique Marble Table  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I purhcased an antique table with a light coloured marble top. The shine is diminished in some areas. How can I restore the shine?

ANSWER:...

What Do You Seal Granite With?  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Lots of discussion about how to determine if you NEED to seal it--I know I do. But with what??

We have "Platinum" granite countertop in ...

Best Country Origin For Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I am going to install granite countertops in my new home, I have seen stones from India, Canada and Brazil. Is any stone origin better to choose ...

Filling Granite Countertop Pits  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have used a penetrating sealer on my granite countertop, but what can I use as a surface sealer to fill in all the pits in the stone?

ANSWER:...

Sealing Travertine  Not rated yet
QUESTION: Just had my Travertine installed and I have some older maybe 8-month old Stone Tech enhancer sealer. I was told not to use because it has expired?...

Sealing Black Pearl Granite  Not rated yet
QUESTION: We installed Black Pearl granite about 10 months ago. We have very hard water in this area and I believe this is what causes the gritty buildup ...

Sealing Travertine Shower  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have travertine floors and showers. Should I put a sealer on all of those?

ANSWER: Many travertines are dense enough that they don'...

Permanent Sealer  Not rated yet
QUESTION: A company is offering a permanent sealer for all my granite and travertine surfaces. It will cost me about $1200 but I am not sure that it ...

Sealing Black Galaxy Problem  Not rated yet
QUESTION: I have black galaxy granite and my wife decided to seal the countertop... and it dried with streaks and looks like crap. I tried marble polish ...

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