Oil Test on Uba-Tuba Granite

by Kathy
(Lexington)

QUESTION:

Thank you for a great site! We moved into our newly constructed home 2 months ago. We have Uba-Tuba granite countertops. I did the test you recommended and the oil darkened the spot immediately which I was not expecting.

When I cleaned off the oil with dishwashing soap and water, I could not tell where the oil had been. Am I doing something wrong? Did the spot only appear darker because I was looking at the countertop through oil?

ANSWER:

Kathy, thanks for the compliment.... lots of good info is the goal.

Your assessment is quite likely true, since oil is rarely clear.

Uba Tuba typically doesn't need (won't take) a sealer, so it would be highly unusual if the oil absorbed instantly.

Really, you can use plain water to get accurate results with this test. (I should probably edit that page)

Re-do the test with water on a few scattered spots around your countertop. Most likely the water puddles won't darken (or will take 15+ minutes) and you won't have to seal.

On the other hand, some uba tuba will need sealing, so if you do see the spots darken in 10 minutes or less, then one coat of sealer ought to do the trick.

I'd use MB-4 Impregnating 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.