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Applying Granite SealerThe 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 granite sealers work or when to appropriately use them even though there is a simple granite sealer and stone type test that you can easily perform. Now, to be fair, many recommendations are knowingly made based on client expectations and peace of mind rather than a real need to seal the 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. Have a QUESTION about sealing? Click here to ask! Myth #1: Marble and granite sealers protect the surface against stains.... sort of, but not exactly. As stated, a sealer will only slow down the natural rate at which a stone absorbs a liquid. 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. A sealer 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. 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 recommended for floors. 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 and abrasion. It's a mechanical process and not a chemical one. Chemicals however, particularly acids (like alcohol, 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 test your sample prior to 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 and sealers have nothing at all to do with this problem. It is physical damage to the surface of the stone. In very mild cases a marble polish may restore the surface, but very often a professional must be called in to re-polish the surface. And that's the answer to.... Myth #3: Sealers protect against glass rings and water stains.... No, only coasters will. What Should You Do?As a general rule, granite sealer should be applied to all natural stones. True, some darker (many blacks), denser granites do not require sealing, travertine/limestone often doesn't need sealing especially when polished and neither does soapstone (although sealing and/or oiling is recommended mainly for cosmetic reasons). But as a general rule, a coating of sealant should be applied upon installation and then, depending on the stone and the use and abuse it takes once every 1-5 years. And guess what . . . It's Easy. Sealing your stone countertops is a simple wipe on, wipe off procedure. It's not much different than what you do to clean your countertops on a daily basis or painting a wall. It's not complicated and no special knowledge is required. 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. Frequency of granite sealer application for your particular stone really depends on two variables:
Light colored granites and softer stones such as marble, some travertine and limestone and onyx are more porous and should be sealed every 1-3 years. Dark colored granites in the browns and blacks can be sealed less frequently: every 3-5 years or . . . not at all. But remember, it depends on your particular stone so be sure to ask your supplier or fabricator and test as well. Other Opinions: You may read elsewhere that if you are using a quality sealer such as MB or Stone Tech that you should only have to seal your stone upon installation, then not again for 5 or 10 years or even never again. While in theory this may work and in practice it can be true for some stones, sealants do break down and degrade over time 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. The only real problem with this approach is sealing a stone that really doesn't need it in the first place. Some dark granites, like Black Galaxie or Uba Tuba are so dense and non-porous that a sealer will never penetrate. If applied it just sits on the surface and eventually dulls the finish. It can be removed but, what a pain. Best to ask your installer and test to see if your particular granite needs sealing. When In Doubt: There's no question that softer, more porous stones like marble, some travertine, some limestone and onyx require regular sealing and most granites can take a sealer even though many don't really need it. So unless you have a stone that shouldn't be sealed, then re-sealing regularly (even annually for first 3 years) removes the guesswork and ensures that your countertops are very well protected against staining. After all, you've made a significant investment in your countertops and the value of your home why not protect that investment in the best way possible. And really, the quantity and cost of granite sealer is so minimal and reasonable that it only makes sense to do it pro-actively. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Browsing kitchen accessories from this Online shopping site? Make sure to check out these vacuum cleaners and some new home décor shopping site here! -----------------------------------------------------------------Helpful Tip: Consistently using a specially formulated natural stone cleaner/sealer, 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 in the same way that you'd use Simple Green or other surface cleaners. Quartz vs. GraniteFirst of all, the makers of engineered quartz stone have made a much bigger issue out of applying granite sealer than it really is. Quartz countertops are excellent 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 major advantage granite has in natural beauty, uniqueness and the quality and quantity of colors and patterns available. 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. Applying granite sealer is a simple "wipe on, wipe off" 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. Questions About Sealing Granite,
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