| Sealing Granite Countertops | Sealing Granite Backsplash |
| How to seal a Granite Countertop |
Sealing granite countertops is extremely important for many reasons. The most obvious reason for sealing granite countertops is to keep them from becoming stained, etched or discolored. While most types of granite are extremely durable, dense and chemical resistant natural stones there is still the possibility of them becoming stained, etched or damaged. There are many substances that can stain, discolor or etch a granite countertop and it is always better to be safe than sorry when protecting your expensive granite countertops.
Another reason for sealing granite countertops is to keep them clean and sanitary. Granite is an extremely durable and dense natural stone but it is still slightly porous. Granite countertops will be exposed to all types of food, beverages and other organic materials that can penetrate into the granite countertop if it is left unsealed. If these types of organic food products are allowed to penetrate into your granite then germs, bacteria, mold and other harmful pathogens can live inside the granite. Not properly sealing your granite countertop can create a potentially unhealthy environment in your home.
There are contrasting opinions on whether or not it is important to seal granite countertops. Sealing granite countertops with a quality impregnating sealer will not damage, discolor or alter the appearance of the granite. When granite countertops are properly sealed there will be no difference in the look, feel or level of polished sheen after they have been sealed. There are some people who believe that granite is so dense that no type of liquids, foreign substances or even granite sealers can penetrate into the granite. Some granites are very dense and virtually non porous but granite is still a natural stone with many different areas throughout the stone. Often times there are porous areas in even the densest types of granite. Also there are many different types granite that are actually very porous and can easily be stained or etched. It is best to seal whatever type of granite countertop you have to be sure that your are protecting your expensive granite countertop investment. The relatively low cost of a sealer and the small amount of time it takes to seal them is definitely worth it to be sure that you are properly protecting your expensive granite countertops.
There are many companies that offer professional granite countertop sealing. Some companies will charge large sums of money and provide a long term or even lifetime warranty on their granite countertop sealer. Long term and lifetime warranties are usually not worth much and there is usually nothing that will be done if a granite countertop becomes damaged or stained after it has been professionally sealed.
Many types of lifetime or long term granite countertop sealers are marketed to normal everyday homeowners and they will include much hype about how their sealer is vastly superior to ordinary stone sealers on the market. The truth is that these types of sealers are no better than a top quality stone sealer that can be bought at a tile and stone shop. Also you can never be sure what type of sealer is actually being applied unless you apply the granite countertop sealer yourself. Many times high priced granite countertop sealer companies will simply install a low grade sealer that does not adequately protect your granite.
There is no way to know what type of sealer that is being installed on your granite countertops unless you apply the sealer yourself. Many homeowners that do not feel comfortable applying a granite countertop sealer themselves should purchase the sealer themselves and have a tile or stone restoration contractor apply the sealer for them. In many older granite countertops the caulking between the countertop and the backsplash may also need to be replaced. It is a good idea to recaulk a granite countertop at the same time that you intend to seal the granite countertop. Sealing a granite countertop is a relatively simple procedure that most people can do themselves. It is important read the manufactures instructions closely before sealing your granite countertop. Incorrectly sealing granite countertops can cause a haze or other types of surface imperfections that are difficult to correct after the sealer has dried on the granite countertops surface.
When choosing a sealer for sealing granite countertops it is important to only use a high quality sealer that is designed for sealing natural stone. Stone sealers have a small molecular structure that allows them to be absorbed by dense types of stones such as granite. These types of sealers also work excellent for sealing other more porous substances such as grout. A stone sealer can also be used for sealing any areas of grout between granite countertop tiles.
The best quality stone sealers will have the latest microbond technology. The microbond type sealers will penetrate into even the most dense types of stones to bond with the stone to provide the maximum protection for all types of granite. It is definitely not recommended to try to save a few dollars on a second rate stone sealer from a home improvement store when protecting a high priced item such as a granite countertop. Aqua mix sealers choice gold is a top of the line type of stone sealer with the newest advanced microbond technology.
A one quart container of the aquamix sealers choice gold will seal most granite countertops and backsplashes.
Before sealing the actual horizontal granite countertop you should first seal the granite countertop backsplash. Click here to read the correct procedures and techniques for sealing a granite countertop backsplash.
Sealing a granite countertop may not be a job for many non DIY homeowners. You may want to consider hiring a tile or stone restoration contractor to seal your granite countertops for you. You can read some valuable information here about how to hire a stone restoration contractor.
Sealing Granite Countertop Backsplash