How To Clean and Seal Granite and Travertine
by Roger
QUESTION:Antiqued golden flame granite (tan color) and semi-polished rustic (brown color) travertine were installed as countertops. Both were sealed with a silicon based impregnator.How should I clean the countertops and would it be okay to add more sealant? Would I have to use a silicon based impregnator? Also, I've not heard a complete explanation of what "antiqued" granite really means, but I liked the look and feel. Thank you ANSWER:For daily/weekly cleaning you can use hot water (soap will build up on the surface) and/or a granite and marble spray cleaner like STONE PLUS Cleaner.Sealing again may be necessary since neither surface is polished (polishing makes stone less absorbent). But you don't have to guess about it. You can do a simple test with water that will tell you if your countertops are still absorbent. Perform this test every year... really you'll notice just from general use... to determine when or if you need to seal. When it's time to seal I'd recommend using SenGuard or Stone Sentry Sealers. An antiqued surface is just one of many finish styles like polished, honed, brushed, tumbled. Usually it's done by water with an added abrasive to give it an old "rustic" look. It's done much more often on travertine and marble because the composition of these stones responds more effectively to the treatment. Good Luck, Ryan P.S. Get all the facts, answers, explanations and simple solutions with step-by-step instructions for any issue, problem or question with our Granite & Marble Maintenance Manuals.
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