Granite is a beautiful material that offers a number of benefits. When it comes to sealing granite, there are a few considerations to which you should give some thought. Aspects of sealing granite that are pertinent to the topic include some of the hows listed below. In this article we will take a look at some of those facets of how to seal granite.
So many things go into answering the question of how to seal granite. For example when doe it need to be sealed? What sealer do you use? And why should it be done? If you are looking for a specific topic that has to do with sealing granite, you can click a link in the table of contents here to jump to that particular part of the information.
Timing is a key factor in knowing how to seal your granite countertop, granite worktop, or other granite surface. We'll delve into some aspects of granite sealing that are related to timing. Then we'll consider some other facets of the subject.
How Often to Seal Granite
When you are trying to determine the timing of sealing granite surfaces, there are some factors to take into account. Details like 1) the grade of the granite, 2) the last time the stone was sealed, and 3) the type of sealer used are all pertinent pieces of information. Let's look at these aspects now.
First, the grade of the granite slab in question will impact how often the stone needs to be sealed. Some granite is more porous than others. The porosity of a stone is directly connected to not only how often the stone must be sealed, but also how much sealer the stone can absorb. Second, after a stone is sealed, the sealer gets 'worn' from normal everyday use. Additionally, some normal household liquids that are highly acidic can breakdown sealers very quickly. So, the frequency of sealing the stone depends on how much use, the kinds of liquids it is exposed to and so on. Finally, the type of sealer that is used can have a bearing on how long it lasts.
As a general rule, most stone will need to be resealed form every 6 to 12 months. Of course those factors mentioned in the last paragraph will affect this timing. So, be sure you find out from your fabricator or installer what they recommend. Their knowledge about the specific stone will allow them to give you the best answer for a particular stone.
How to Know Whether Your Granite Needs Sealed
Since, each granite slab is different in quality, porosity, and resistance, it is important to know if your granite surface needs sealed. As we have already discussed external factors can influence the frequency with which a granite surface needs to be sealed. However, there is an easy way to tell if your particular granite surface is due for sealing.
An easy way to tell if your granite surface is "thirsty" is to pour some plain old water on the surface. If the water begins soaking into the stone immediately, then the stone needs to be sealed. This 'water test' enables you to see just how absorbent the granite is at a given time. A sealed stone absorbs liquid much slower. And as mentioned previously, acids will destroy sealers. Therefore, even if a stone has been sealed fairly recently, it theoretically could still need to be sealed again if it has been exposed to acidic liquids.
Sealer Types - How to Determine Which You Need
Is there just one kind? Are they all the same stuff? The short answers to those questions are no and no. So what type of sealer should be used? Let's briefly discuss some different types of granite sealer and then we will talk about which should be used.
Many people that are looking for a product of any kind are understandably interested in finding out which one is the best. However, answering that question is often times more difficult than just naming a sealer. We have addressed that topic in the page entitled:
What Is the Best Stone Sealer?. But the short answer is: it depends on what you are sealing.
There are also different types of stone sealers and each comes with its own pros and cons. Without getting sidetracked, stone sealers fall into a couple different groups, they are:
Topical Sealers
Impregnating Sealers
Even within those two main categories of sealer, there are variations. Knowing which sealer you need will depend on some of the things mentioned in the page entitled
Which Sealer Should I Choose?. Sealers vary in both type and purpose. So, learning more about the types and what each one is designed for can help you make an informed decision. We have also published a quick reference of which sealers to use on various surfaces to help you determine what you need.
How Sealing Granite Helps
What is the reason for sealing natural granite? How does granite sealer help? One of the reasons that granite sealer is applied is because of what we alluded to earlier. Natural stone is absorbent. This means that liquids that come in contact with a granite surface get absorbed into the stone. If the liquid is a different color than the granite, it results in discoloration - or stain. Various liquids can stain granite. Some of the most common liquids that have been know to stain natural granite include:
Soda
Wine
Coffee
Mustard
Olive Oil
Toothpaste
Fruit Juice
Salad Dressings
Natural stone sealer inhibits the ability of granite and other natural stone materials to absorb liquids. By slowing the absorption, the stain causing liquid is able to be cleaned from the surface before it gets into the pores of the stone. In this way, sealing granite helps the owner to keep the stain-causing substances from discoloring the material.
How to Apply Granite Sealer
Applying granite sealer need not be a long and involved process. It is actually pretty simple when you consider the basic steps. To apply granite sealer, you will need a soft cloth or sponge. You may also simply pour the sealer onto the surface of the granite and then using a straight edge like a credit card or a plastic straight edge, distribute the sealer over the surface of the stone. If you use the pour and distribute method, be sure you are careful not to leave excess sealer on the stone's surface. The sealer is designed to be tough to remove so that it wears well. So, any excess sealer that dries will be very hard to take off. Additionally, at least some sealers will change the appearance of stain or matte finished stone by making it glossy.
Application Demonstration Videos
The following demonstration videos show how easy it is to apply granite sealers to natural stone. In addition to showing how to seal the stone, these videos also communicate how effective they can be for specific uses.
Demo For Using Ager Stone Enhancing Sealer
Hydrex Application & Performance Demo
Steps for Applying Granite Sealer
As mentioned above, applying granite sealer to natural granite can be accomplished by using a simple to follow process. Each sealer may have specific instructions that need to be followed in addition the following basic procedure:
Clean the surface of the granite using an effective stone cleaner designed for cleaning granite.
Dry the surface of the stone thoroughly using an absorbent cloth.
Evenly spread the sealer over the surface using a clean sponge or cloth.
Apply until surface no longer absorbs product.
Immediately clean/buff with a clean dry cloth; leaving no excess sealer.
Excess product may create a superficial glossy and sticky film so it is important to remove excess immediately after application.
After waiting 10-15 minutes repeat procedure.
If used on floors wait 24 hours before walking on surface.
When it comes to knowing how to seal granite, there are some interesting details that we have considered in this page. It is helpful to know the reasons why granite and other natural stone surfaces need to be sealed. Additionally, it helps to understand how often granite needs to be sealed and how to tell if a specific surface even needs it at the time it being considered. Being equipped with that supplemental information can help you make the wisest decision about sealing your granite countertops, worktops, and even flooring.