Which Granite Sealer To Use?

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Which Granite Sealer To Use?

by LJ
(New Orleans, LA)

QUESTION:

I just purchased granite counter-tops (crystal yellow) and I want to seal them. However, there many different sealers out there and I was wondering if there were any reviews or studies ranking the performance of the different sealers? I have looked at two in particular: MB-4 Impregnator/Sealer for Stone,and Stonetech Bulletproof Stone Sealer. Thanks for your help.
Sincerely, LJ

ANSWER:

LJ, I understand your confusion. There are many sealer brands and no comparative studies. The chemicals /ingredients have evolved (and are still evolving) so they get better and better, but there are still plenty of low-grade sealers on the market.

Our ebook All About Sealing Granite & Marble thoroughly covers this topic, so consumers can get a detailed understanding about sealers. It doesn't break down every brand... just too many (although recommendations are given), but rather provides complete information regarding different technologies, how to apply, how to strip sealers,etc.

I've recommended Stonetech in the past, so I think it's a good sealer (and if Stonetech or some other brand comes out with an improved product... I'll recommend them). MB-4 is good too (also a former recommendation) and used to be the best on the market, but...

Today, neither sealer would rank as the best. Sealer technology has advanced beyond how those two sealers work.

The top two sealers that we recommend are STONE SENTRY or SenGuard Sealers.

SenGuard is currently the best sealer available utilizing the most advanced and durable chemical technology yet invented. SenGaurd also comes in a simple do-it-yourself kit with instructional DVD and book, etc... everything you need to do the job properly.

STONE SENTRY is an excellent sealer, but uses prior generation technology similar to MB. These are still very good sealers and cost less than SenGuard, but will need re-application at some point.

We like Stone Sentry over MB because Stone Sentry performs as good or better, but is cheaper, so overall the best value.

Just remember that no sealer will work as well as designed without proper application. It's not a difficult job, but you must completely saturate the stone without letting the sealer dry on top.

Follow the directions carefully and you'll do fine.

Be sure to sealing granite countertops test first to know if you even need to seal the stone. Some don't need it and trying to apply it can cause problems.

Now, Crystal Yellow almost certainly will need sealing, but it's always best to test

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!

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Which Granite Sealer To Use?

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Re: Better Sealant - Granite Shield
by: Ryan

Granite shield is a very good sealer. Forms permanent bonds requiring only one application just like SenGuard Marble & Granite Sealer, which is the sealer we recommend for a few reasons.

We take issue that granite shield uses misleading language and in some instances flat out lies on their website.

Granite shield is not a "green" product. By having to seal only one time, you save from throwing away bottles of other sealers that require re-application. Good, but hardly qualifies as a "green" product.

From granite shield website:

"You don't have to worry about wiping up spills immediately or have to use coasters or place mats like you have to do with other presealed granite countertops."

--Just not true. You don't have to use coasters or place mats, etc. or worry about spills with "other " sealed countertops either.

"With other well known sealers they are temporary and depending what you use to clean your granite may only last weeks, usually 6 to 12 months at the longest. "

--Flat out false. While it is true that some sealers will require re-sealing this quickly, there are several sealers on the market that will easily last 5 year and up to 10 years on some stones.

"In the long run using Granite Shield it will save you hundreds to thousands of dollars,"

Granite shield is very expensive. It must be applied by a franchised operator and only so many "licenses" are allowed per area, so prices remain high.

While it may save you the trouble of re-sealing, you'd have to re-seal 3 to 10 times (depending on the sealer you use) before granite shield would save you money.

They do provide a lifetime warranty, but is it worth anything?

I'll say the same about Granite shield warranty as Senguard warranty...

You are paying a lot and getting very little. Your risk of staining is minuscule. If you did manage to stain it... stains are rather easy to remove.

You end up paying $100s more for a warranty you'll never use and they know it.

That's why we recommend SenGuard Marble & Granite Sealer. Same protection... way less expensive.

No warranty, but as I've explained here and in several other posts, I truly believe the warranty is near worthless.

Stains and etching are easily and cheaply handled by the homeowner.

Again, granite shield is very good. If you choose to use it, you won't be disappointed. I just think you have a much better choice that provides the same permanent bond technology and protection for at least 50% less.

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Submitted by: Ryan

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Granite shield is a very good sealer. Forms permanent bonds requiring only one application just like <a href="http://store.countertopspecialty.com/SenGuard-Permanent-Marble-Granite-Sealer-p4.html">SenGuard Marble & Granite Sealer</a>, which is the sealer we recommend for a few reasons. We take issue that granite shield uses misleading language and in some instances flat out lies on their website. Granite shield is not a "green" product. By having to seal only one time, you save from throwing away bottles of other sealers that require re-application. Good, but hardly qualifies as a "green" product. From granite shield website: "You don't have to worry about wiping up spills immediately or have to use coasters or place mats like you have to do with other presealed granite countertops." --Just not true. You don't have to use coasters or place mats, etc. or worry about spills with "other " sealed countertops either. "With other well known sealers they are temporary and depending what you use to clean your granite may only last weeks, usually 6 to 12 months at the longest. " --Flat out false. While it is true that some sealers will require re-sealing this quickly, there are several sealers on the market that will easily last 5 year and up to 10 years on some stones. "In the long run using Granite Shield it will save you hundreds to thousands of dollars," Granite shield is very expensive. It must be applied by a franchised operator and only so many "licenses" are allowed per area, so prices remain high. While it may save you the trouble of re-sealing, you'd have to re-seal 3 to 10 times (depending on the sealer you use) before granite shield would save you money. They do provide a lifetime warranty, but is it worth anything? I'll say the same about Granite shield warranty as Senguard warranty... You are paying a lot and getting very little. Your risk of staining is minuscule. If you did manage to stain it... stains are rather easy to remove. You end up paying $100s more for a warranty you'll never use and they know it. That's why we recommend <a href="http://store.countertopspecialty.com/SenGuard-Permanent-Marble-Granite-Sealer-p4.html">SenGuard Marble & Granite Sealer</a>. Same protection... way less expensive. No warranty, but as I've explained here and in several other posts, I truly believe the warranty is near worthless. Stains and etching are easily and cheaply handled by the homeowner. Again, granite shield is very good. If you choose to use it, you won't be disappointed. I just think you have a much better choice that provides the same permanent bond technology and protection for at least 50% less.

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better sealant
by: Anonymous

i have had my tops sealed with Granite Shield, this green product came with a lifetime (transferrable) warranty against stains, they had certified technicians come to my home and apply the sealant and now my tops look brand new everyday ...

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