August 16, 2017 | Bob Myers
The best way to seal granite countertops is a bit of knowledge that  you'd better have if you're a homeowner—that is, if this surface is  where you prep your meals. While this natural stone might seem  invincible, it's actually porous, which means that substances can easily  seep in.

"Oil, water, juice, ink—any liquids or spills, really—can soak in and stain granite," says Emily Long, a home improvement expert with SafeWise.

To  keep this from happening, most granite countertops are covered in a  sealant. But this layer can wear off over time, so it's up to you to  reapply as needed. Luckily, sealing granite countertops is something  most homeowners can do themselves by purchasing granite sealant at their  local hardware store. If you want your granite to continue looking great and last for ages, check out these steps on how to seal granite  countertops.

How often should you seal granite countertops?

The answer to this depends on what type of stone you have installed in your kitchen.
"For  a lighter-colored stone—which is typically more porous—you should  generally seal it once a year," says Long. Darker, harder stones can be  sealed once every 10 years, or may not need to be sealed at all.

To find  out if your granite countertop needs to be sealed again, simply  sprinkle a few drops of water on its surface. If the water beads up, the  seal is strong. If the drops pool, that means the seal is  compromised and should be reapplied.

Whatever you do, don't seal  your countertops if they don’t need it “just for extra protection,” as  this can create a cloudy residue that’s difficult to remove. But if your  countertop is in need of more sealant, proceed!
Here's how to seal granite countertops.

1. Clear off and clean your counters

                                                                                  Remove everything from the counters first.     marbledotcom/YouTube

First, clear everything off your countertops. Clean the granite with  water and dish soap or granite cleaner and a lint-free cloth (like a  microfiber cloth or an old T-shirt). Let it dry completely before you  start the sealing process.

2. Spray with sealer

                                                                                                               Spray sealer evenly over the entire surface.        marbledotcom/YouTube

Choose a penetrating sealer specifically made for granite, or at  least for natural stone. Before sealing your countertops, spray a small  section in an inconspicuous corner. Make sure there’s no discoloration  or residue before you continue.
While you should read  the instructions on your bottle, for most sealers, you start by spraying  a generous coat evenly over the surface of your countertops. Make sure  you’ve covered the entire surface, with no dry spots left.

3. Wait, then wipe off

                                                                                                                          Wipe it off before the sealer dries.  marbledotcom/YouTube

Once the countertop is completely covered in a layer of sealant, let  it sit. After 15 to 20 minutes, while the sealer is still wet, wipe the  surface with a lint-free cloth to mop up the excess.

4. Let it cure

Let  your granite cure for at least an hour before touching or using it  again; also avoid cleaning it for the next 24 to 48 hours. If you're the  cornball type, this is also a good time to whisper softly to your  countertops, “I’ll never take you for granite.”

5. How to protect granite countertops

After  sealing, treat your counters right by cleaning them with neutral pH  cleaners; never with harsh or vinegar-based cleaners. You can make your  own cleaner with a solution of 50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% water.


Please consider The Myers Team your resource for all things real estate.  We have over 30 years of real estate experience, specializing in the  Montgomery County area.  If you are refinancing, want a recommendation,  need a service provider or just have a home related question, please give me a call at  301-910-9910 or email me at bobmyersteam@gmail.com.
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