How to Seal a Granite Countertop

Granite countertops need to be sealed at least once a year. You can tell that your countertops need to be sealed if the water soaks into the stone without beading up. Local hardware stores carry sealers that can be used. Generally you need to seal your countertops at least once a year but some sealants may allow you to only need to reseal the countertops every two or three years.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clean towels
• Granite countertop cleaner
• Clean rags
• Brush

1. Purchase a sealer that is made for granite countertops. Your local hardware store should carry various sealants for granite countertops.

2. Remove any items that you may keep on your countertops and set aside.

3. Remove any crumbs or dust from the countertops by using a soft clean rag.

4. Clean the countertop with a stone cleaner. Mist the area and let the cleaner sit for about 30 seconds before scrubbing with a sponge. Dry the area with a clean dry towel.

5. Use a clean cloth or brush to apply the sealer to the granite countertop. Allow the applied sealer to dry for three or four minutes.

6. Wait until it is almost dry and apply another sealer coat onto the granite. Rub the sealer into the granite with a clean cloth.

7. Repeat steps 2 to 6 until all of your countertop has had two seals placed on it.

8. Allow the sealer to dry. Depending on the sealer brand you use, drying time could take as long as three to four hours.

9. Apply another application of the sealer to your granite countertop repeating steps 5 and 6.

10. Complete this process at least once a year to help them keep looking like new.

[james77777]

on 8/22/2009 Beware when buying granite with a 15 year sealer. Think Rusty Jones. No such thing exists according to the guy that works at the yard where I picked out my slab of granite. 25 sq. ft. sealed will cost $400.

[handiman352]

on 4/16/2009 Reseal if the water does not bead up. Though you cannot "over-seal" the top.As a general rule, the time between sealing varies greatly depending on use, regardless of brand or rating. For example, abrasive cleaners and acidic products will eat away at sealers, and result in the need for more frequent sealings. To get the most out of your sealer, avoid those products and simply clean your granite countertops with soap and water. As the account manager of a national granite vanity top supplier for Lowe's (Jackson Stoneworks) we recommend and include StoneTech Bulletproof sealer - which is rated for 3-5 years - with every Jackson Stoneworks granite top sold.Check out the StoneTech site for more info: http://www2.dupont.com/Stone_Tech_Professional/en_US/index.html

[penny4yourthts]

on 2/5/2009 it says you can tell if you need to seal your granite "if water soaks into the stone without beading up" The water beads up on the counter but will leave water spots... I assume we need to try to seal them again??? or do you need to seal only if it does not bead up?