Perma-Shield/SenSa Sealers

QUESTION:

Read your article. Thank you. Clears up the need for the Perma-Shield on the granite. Conflicting opinions on whether the 15yr warranty sealers are of any real value to provide a worry-free granite countertop. Seems the same care that should be given them with or without the extra protection is necessary. Dealers want what you want and aren't forthcoming about not having a perma-shielded stone.

Any last word? Just pick out the granite and don't worry about the seal if we are using proper cleaners - seal 1-3x a year and enjoy? We're gearing towards the ornamental gold color of granite which is a mix of light/dark colors. I'll get a sample and let some stain producing liquid sit on it awhile...Thanks!

ANSWER:

Actually, this is a topic I've been investigating more lately. Technology is always evolving and sealers are getting better, but it is rarely a yes/no answer or apples to apples comparison. There are so many variables.

So, I try to emphasize the process you need to go through when buying granite, assessing what your needs and expectations are choosing the right stone for the purpose and/or determine if and when you need to seal it.

The great part is that it is easy to find the answer to the seal/no seal question.

Whether you are shopping for stone, just bought a house with stone, or have had it for 10 years.... if you are wondering about sealing, all you have to do is test.

Test your samples like you intend to and you'll be able to rule out any granites or other stones that are more absorbent than you'd like, etc.

The Perma-Shield and SenSa products are good products. They are applying the sealer "at the factory" so the application can be the best possible.

Now, many of the granites that are offered by them are already very stain resistant. And polished marble is also very stain resistant.

So, you have to consider how much of an improvement are they actually making to the original stone and how much extra do you have to pay for it vs. buying the same stone and sealing it yourself.

Plus, their warranties come with stipulations. However, most companies are not going to offer a warranty that is going to get them in trouble or cost them a lot.

What is true is that there can be a BIG difference in the quality of sealers. Buying the better/best sealer is the way to go.

As I said, I've been investigating. SenGuard (used on Sensa) is a new sealer using nano-technology and chemical vs mechanical bonding.

It looks to be an excellent sealer that will provide superior protection with less frequent application.

In fact, we like it enough that we will be offering it for sale on this site soon. It's quite a bit more expensive, but the technology is more advanced and I think it's quite likely it will make good on a 15 year promise.

Sealing is not a big deal to begin with. Testing is the important part. Knowing when you need to seal. If your granite needs sealing, then do it. Test every few years to see when it needs it again. And yes.... you should use stone safe cleaning products.

SenSa/Perma-shield are simply offering a product that takes the uncertainty of staining/sealing out of the equation for the consumer. Many people want that.

I don't doubt they can deliver, but you can achieve similar/same results on your own if you do your homework. So, it's just a matter of looking at the cost and which road makes most sense for you.

Good Luck,

P.S. Get all the facts, answers, explanations and simple solutions with step-by-step instructions with our Granite & Marble Maintenance Manuals.

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