So, you’re thinking about investing in beautiful granite countertops?
They’re a first-class choice. Granite is durable, tough and naturally stunning. Only one thing is getting in the way – you’re concerned about the sealing process.
That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide with everything you need to know about sealing granite. We’ll break down how to clean your gorgeous granite countertops step by step, plus we’ll answer the following questions:
- Are granite worktops porous?
- Do granite countertops need to be sealed?
- How often does granite need to be sealed?
Are granite worktops porous?
In its natural state, granite is entirely porous. This means any liquids are quickly absorbed into the stone.
When you purchase your granite worktop, it should come already sealed by the manufacturer. This sealant is a barrier to liquids and ensures your countertop is stain-resistant. So, provided it’s sealed regularly and correctly, the sealed countertop should be non-porous.
Do granite countertops need to be sealed?
The short answer to this question is yes, most (but not all) granite countertops need to be sealed. A granite manufacturer or repairer can do this professionally, or you can do it yourself at home.
Whether or not your granite worktop needs to be sealed (and how regularly) will depend on the exact permeability of the granite. As a general rule, darker granite tends to be less porous and, therefore, will require less (or no) sealing. Luckily, there’s a simple way to tell if your granite counter needs sealing, which we’ll cover below.
How to seal your granite countertops
1. Determine if your worktop needs sealing
The first step will be to determine whether your granite worktop needs sealing. Generally, granite countertops need sealing every 6 to 18 months, but this can vary greatly.
Most granite work surfaces are sealed at the factory before they’re sold, so you’ll likely not need to seal the material again for at least a year. This is because the sealant used at the factory is likely more robust and long-lasting than an at-home sealant.
However, this will depend on the type of sealant they’ve used. If you reach out to the manufacturer or supplier, they should be able to tell you approximately when your granite will need its first reseal.
You can also test your worktop yourself to see if resealing is necessary. Wetting a paper towel and placing it on your countertop for around 10 minutes is the simplest way. If the granite visibly darkens, it indicates that it needs to be sealed.
If the water beads up on the material and the colour doesn’t change, it doesn’t need to be resealed just yet. In this case, you might want to repeat the test in a month or two.
2. Clean your worktop
Before you reseal your granite worktop, you should thoroughly clean it.
If your granite is cleaned regularly, you shouldn’t need more than warm water, a soft cloth and mild soap. After you’ve wiped down the surface with the soapy cloth, wipe it down again with fresh water to ensure no soap residue is left. Once it’s clean, dry it thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth so water stains don’t build up.
If your kitchen worktop requires a more intense cleaning or has visible marks and stains, you can try a specialist granite or stone surface cleaner or a DIY solution, such as baking powder poultice. Check out our blog, ‘How to clean granite worktops’, for detailed information on keeping your granite sparkling clean.
3. Choose the right sealant
What do you put on granite to seal it?
Make sure you choose a professional-grade natural stone sealer or a specific granite sealer. Carbon resin sealants are generally expensive but provide the best and longest-lasting results. Silane and siloxane-based sealants are also good options.
4. Test in an inconspicuous area
When applying the sealant, it’s a good idea to open a window or outside door to ensure the area is well-ventilated and wear gloves to protect your skin.
If you’re re-sealing for the first time or haven’t used the brand of sealant before, you might want to test a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that the sealant doesn’t leave behind residue or discolour the granite.
5. Apply the sealant
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the sealant. Often, this will include shaking the sealer, pouring it onto your granite countertop, and using a soft cloth to spread it around and clean up any excess. You’ll want to pay attention to the areas around the cooker, sink and any food-preparation or drink-making areas, as regular use likely affects these the most.
After 20 to 30 minutes, you’ll want to apply a second coating and then leave it dry for at least half an hour. You can buff the surface using microfiber cloths or kitchen towels until it shines.
Leave your granite worktop for at least 2 hours (or whatever the manufacturer recommends). Even if the directions say it’s safe for use after a few hours, try leaving it for as long as possible (between 24 and 48 hours) to ensure it’s properly sealed.
How Mo’s StoneX can help
Hopefully, this helpful guide has given you the confidence to invest in the beautiful granite worktop you’ve always wanted. Sealing your granite worktops is a simple process that ensures they look stunning for years and years. Plus, there’s always the option of paying a professional to seal them if you’re worried about doing it yourself!
If you’re looking for high-quality granite work surfaces at competitive prices, Mo’s StoneX can help. We’ve over a decade of experience manufacturing, templating and installing beautiful granite worktops in kitchens and bathrooms across the UK. From classic black granite to vivid reds, our huge selection makes it simple to find the perfect fit for your home.
Our professional and experienced team handles the entire process! From providing a free initial quote to custom templating to the final installation, we’ve got you covered. You can rely on us for advice and guidance when it comes to everything related to granite worktops.
Get in touch with our friendly team if you have any questions or concerns about the granite sealing process. Or, fill out our online enquiry form for a free quote!
