Sealing Madura Gold Granite

[?] Subscribe To This Site

Sealing Madura Gold Granite

by Lorrie
(Chino Hills, CA)

QUESTION:

We just recently had a new granite countertop installed called Mardura Gold. When we asked our installer, he said that it was already sealed but he would seal it again if we wanted to.

After he sealed the granite, we noticed that there are some areas that looked dull and not as smooth.

What can we do to bring back the shine to our countertop? Also, even after he "sealed" it, I did the "water test" and noticed that the color became darker where the water was. Does this mean that the countertop wasn't properly sealed? HELP!!!!

ANSWER:

Nice choice... I have madura gold in my kitchen!

Well, if you noticed this right after he sealed, then I'd have to say it's sealer that has dried on the surface. And why did he think it was already sealed?

Madura gold can be very dense and not require sealing, but some slabs may... it varies.

When sealing, you need to allow the granite to absorb as much sealant as possible, but the most important step is to completely wipe off all surface residue before it dries. If it dries on top you will get a dull haze.

I'd apply more sealer to the affected areas, scrub with a soft-bristle brush and see if you can get the dried sealer to remix with the new wet sealer. Then wipe the surface completely dry.

If this doesn't work (you still have the dull haze), then you'll have to strip the granite sealer with either acetone or if really stubborn, methylene chloride.

And if you notice the granite getting darker under a puddle of water, then it is not sealed, or not sealed well or sealed with something that is not really a sealer.

However, it could be that the dried granite sealer is messing up the test. So, perform it on several places, especially where the granite looks normal shiny.

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.

I highly recommend Stone Care Pro Products to maintain all your marble, stone and granite countertops and floors in optimal condition. I've used other good products (Stone Tech, Miracle, MB) but found Stone Care Pro is the most reliable and effective and cheaper too!

Comments for
Sealing Madura Gold Granite

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Rating

How to use SenGuard
by: Ryan

Lorrie,

SenGuard comes with a DVD and an instructional booklet so you'll know exactly how to apply it, so no worries there.

But basically, you seal in sections or areas. Pour on and spread around so you get a consistent glassy surface. Let the sealer dwell (time depends on the absorbency of the stone) to absorb as much as possible. Don't let the sealer dry on the surface. Wipe clean and dry after dwell time.

You can use a paint brush to spread around after pouring on surface, but you don't want to "paint it on." The surface won't absorb enough.

Have enough clean cloths to wipe and dry. You may need a second coat... depends on the stone. Do the water test to determine.

You'll have to let the sealer cure 24-72 hours before using.

Good Luck!

Rating

applying senguard?
by: lorrie

How do I apply Senguard? Do I have to use a paint brush or a microfiber cloth will do? How long do I wait before wiping off the surface after first application? Do I need a second coat after the first coat? If so, how long does it take for the sealer to absorb for maximum protection? Can I use the countertop right after sealing it?

Rating

Which Sealer To Use
by: Ryan

All three are very good sealers. SenGuard is the best of the bunch forming permanent bonds that will be more durable and far outlast the other two. You may never have to seal again with SenGuard, but it is more expensive if you only account for one application.

Of course you may need to re-seal in 5-10 years with the other two, so SenGuard isn't really more expensive if you consider lifetime cost.

Stone Care Pro: Stone Sentry would be my second choice.

And yes, you may have some luck removing the granite sealer with steel wool, but using a solvent will be more effective.

When doing the water test, you need to time it. If it's getting dark within 5-10 minutes then you definitely need to seal. If 10- 15 minutes then you may apply, but be very particular about applying properly so you don't get it dried on again.

15+ minutes and you have a stone that is really not that absorbent and you'd have to overlook a spill for a good 15 minutes for it even to have a chance at staining. Does happen, but not often so the risk is very low.

Also, the longer it takes for the water to absorb the more difficult it will be to seal well, since you will have to keep the surface wet with sealer for 20 minutes to allow for complete absorption before the sealer will even be effective.

Having to do this you run the risk of it drying on top and getting the streaks, so the benefits don't really outweigh the effort in sealing.

Because even if you choose not to seal and did get a stain from leaving a spill for 30 minutes you can still get the stain out in most cases.

So, a bit of a judgment call to seal or not with longer absorption times, but your risk of staining is very low too.

X Close Editor

Rating

Submitted by: Ryan

Title

Comment
All three are very good sealers. SenGuard is the best of the bunch forming permanent bonds that will be more durable and far outlast the other two. You may never have to seal again with SenGuard, but it is more expensive if you only account for one application. Of course you may need to re-seal in 5-10 years with the other two, so SenGuard isn't really more expensive if you consider lifetime cost. Stone Care Pro: Stone Sentry would be my second choice. And yes, you may have some luck removing the granite sealer with steel wool, but using a solvent will be more effective. When doing the water test, you need to time it. If it's getting dark within 5-10 minutes then you definitely need to seal. If 10- 15 minutes then you may apply, but be very particular about applying properly so you don't get it dried on again. 15+ minutes and you have a stone that is really not that absorbent and you'd have to overlook a spill for a good 15 minutes for it even to have a chance at staining. Does happen, but not often so the risk is very low. Also, the longer it takes for the water to absorb the more difficult it will be to seal well, since you will have to keep the surface wet with sealer for 20 minutes to allow for complete absorption before the sealer will even be effective. Having to do this you run the risk of it drying on top and getting the streaks, so the benefits don't really outweigh the effort in sealing. Because even if you choose not to seal and did get a stain from leaving a spill for 30 minutes you can still get the stain out in most cases. So, a bit of a judgment call to seal or not with longer absorption times, but your risk of staining is very low too.

Cancel Delete Delete & Ban

throbber Updating Comments page...

Rating

which sealer to use?
by: Lorrie

Thanks for the advise. I feel a little better knowing ther's something I can do to ix the problem. Would you recommend me using Senguard or Stone Pro or MB-4 to seal? Can I use a fine steel wool #0000 to remove the dried sealer? Also, I noticed some darkening in areas where water puddles. So this means I really need to seal, right? I really appreciate your help. I really liked our Madura Gold but am disappointed that it has lost its sheen and looked streaky.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Granite & Marble Sealer Questions

footer for countertop page

Sealing Madura Gold Granite

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

Comments for Sealing Madura Gold Granite

Comments for
Sealing Madura Gold Granite