How to Seal and Take Care of Granite Counter Tops

Granite is the most popular surface for kitchen countertops and with good reason. Granite is practically indestructible and very easy to seal and take care of after it's installed. Retail home improvement chains will try to talk consumers into buying their brand of factory sealed granite at a higher cost. A better option is to choose the color of granite you really want from a granite dealer and seal it yourself after installation. Once you learn how to seal and care for granite countertops, you'll realize the higher cost per linear foot for pre-sealed granite isn't really worth it.

Granite is not only beautiful, but it's the most durable of all natural stone surfaces, unless you consider diamonds as an option for your kitchen counters. Since that's unlikely, granite is an easy choice for most of us. It's tougher than steel and easily polished to give it a sheen that can't be mimicked with other countertop surfaces. All of this beauty and it can still take a hot pan straight from the oven and your kitchen knives are the only objects that suffer when you chop on the granite countertop.

Since there are thousands of types of granite, the density of the stone varies with different colors. Some are so dense that sealing is not necessary at all. Others do have porous surfaces that can absorb moisture and grease. But a high quality granite sealer will make the granite impervious to food stains and moisture.

Sometimes it pays to spend a little extra money to buy top quality products and this is the time to do it. Granite dealers know which products properly seal and take care of granite countertops, so it's worth the small extra cost to buy their sealers and polishes. Experience taught me to go back to the top quality products after buying a cheaper stone polish for everyday cleaning. There was a significant difference in the way the inexpensive polish looked and felt on the granite.

It's such a simple process to seal granite countertops, that those of us fascinated with granite and other rocks don't mind the few extra minutes to take care of them. The way I see it, if a material has lasted the heat and compression in the center of the earth, I believe it can withstand any possible abuse I might put it through in my kitchen. Besides, I find it exciting to prepare food on a surface that is literally millions of years old.

First remove everything from the granite countertops so all surfaces can be cleaned and sealed at the same time. Thoroughly wash all granite surfaces with hot soapy water, wipe dry and leave the surfaces overnight so any remaining moisture evaporates from the stone before you seal it.

Spray or pour the liquid granite sealer on the counter top, working in 3 foot sections. Use a soft cloth to spread the sealer on the granite. Allow the sealer to set for one to two minutes depending upon the manufacturer's directions on the label. The granite sealer penetrates into the stone to seal and protect the stone from absorbing grease and other liquids.

Wipe the granite surface dry and repeat two to three times depending on the type of granite. Light color granites need the extra coats of sealer since these are usually more porous than dark granites. Some black granites are so dense in texture that sealing often isn't necessary.

The granite countertops will need to be resealed once every 12 to 18 months depending on use. Harsh cleaning products can cause the sealer to weaken and will need to be resealed more frequently. The same thing will occur if acidic fruits and vegetables are chopped regularly on the granite countertop.

An easy way to tell if your sealer is still working is to check for water absorption. If water beads up on the countertop, then the granite is still sealed. Another way to check is by laying a damp cloth on the granite and leave it overnight. If the granite is noticeably darker in that area, then the granite needs to be sealed again.

Buy a good stone polish at the time you purchase the sealer for your granite. Polish helps keep the granite surface clean and protected until it's sealed again. Some granites will begin to feel slightly rough on the surface between polishes. A good quality stone polish enhances the shine, keeps the surface smooth and adds another layer of protection for the granite.