How to Seal Granite Countertops

Sealing granite also gives it a shine under the kitchen lights.

Granite is commonly used in kitchen countertops due to their durability, resistance to water damage and pleasing appearance. Granite does crack if it suffers heavy impact, but aside from that, it does not require much maintenance if properly sealed. Sealing a granite countertop makes it simpler to clean and helps protect the surface. Sealing the granite yourself saves you money and does not require much expertise.

Things You'll Need

• Dishwashing liquid
• Sponge
• Towel
• Clean white rag
• Granite sealer

Instructions

1. Remove any loose items from the counter so sealer is applied evenly.

2. Clean off the granite with warm water, a sponge and several drops of dish soap to eliminate any dust or debris that's preexisting on the granite. This prevents debris from getting trapped in the sealer and affecting the counter's appearance.

3. Dry the countertop completely with a towel to ensure there's no moisture already on the counter prior to the sealer application.

4. Wipe the sealer onto the granite with a clean white rag. Work in sections, applying it on one area at a time; allow several minutes for it to start drying. Add a little more sealer on top of it, and then move on to the next section.

5. Apply a second layer of sealer after the first one is completely dry. The time between applications varies depending on the brand of sealer you use, but 24 hours is standard.

References

• Natural Stone Interiors: Benefits Of Granite Countertops
• Countertop Specialty: Granite Sealer Guide
• Natural Stone Interiors: How To Seal Granite Countertops

Resources

• Washington Post; Granite Is Hard, but Sealing It Is Not; Tim Hart; March 2007