Granite has a particular level of porosity, so it
needs to be sealed after it is installed. You can either hire a company
that specializes in sealing granite countertops, or you can do it
yourself. Here is a 101 on the granite countertop sealing.
But before your start
Remember that not all granite countertops have to
be sealed. How do you know if yours needs sealing? Do this simple test:
put several drops of water on your granite countertop's surface. Time
how long it takes the water to get absorbed. If absorption time is
under three to four minutes, your granite countertop probably needs to
be sealed. If absorption time is longer, it probably does not need
sealing.
You can also leave two drops of water on your
granite countertop for about 30 minutes, and then wipe the water off.
If your granite is already sufficiently sealed, it will not spot. If it
spots, you need to seal it.
Using penetrating sealers
Penetrating sealers (better known in the industry
as impregnators) are oil-based, so they get absorbed deep and fast.
They protect the structure of granite and all other natural stones, for
that matter. These oil-based sealers 'protect from within' They are
fairly simple to use, so you can seal your granite using them yourself.
Penetrating sealers are spread over directly on the surface of the
granite countertop, preferably with a soft cloth. They break in below
the granite's but do not leave any film or coat on top. What does this
mean? That the inner stone is protected, but the surface is not.
Penetrating sealers are enough for granite (which is a very hard
natural stone), but may be lacking for calcareous stones like onyx,
marble, travertine, and limestone. These kinds of natural stone may
still dull and even etch when acid (such as those from orange juice)
are left on their surface.
How to apply oil based granite sealer properly
1.Work in sections of about four to five square feet so you can apply the sealer more evenly.
2.Work in sections of about four to five square feet so you can apply the sealer more evenly.
3.Wait about three to four minutes until the oil based sealer is absorbed.
4.It's time to do a second coating when your
sealer is almost dry. Put on just a little more (less than what you
applied earlier) and rub it in gently using a soft, clean rag.
5.Repeat the same procedure on the other sections of your granite countertop until you have sealed its entirety.
6.Wait about two hours then repeat the process
from the beginning. The time it will take for the sealer to be absorbed
will depend on its brand - some seal faster while others take longer.
Read the instruction manual to be sure.
Granite sealer brands
There are many granite sealers in the market. Below are just two of the most popular:
Hydrex
The petroleum-based Hydrex is known for making
granite countertops water- and oil-repellent. It penetrates stone
surfaces deeply and does not alter the granite's color. Drying time is
also quite fast ?C you only need to wait about 30 minutes. Hydrex comes
in aerosol spray cans. Most granite countertop factories use it.
Granite Skudo
Skudo is a water based sealer made specifically
for granite (it is not suitable for marble). Some experts say that
because it is water based, it does not penetrate as fast and as deeply
as the oil based Hydrex, though. The upside? Skudo has no fumes and
leaves no smell. It can also make your granite countertop water- and
oil repellent. Like Hydrex, Skudo does not affect the granite's color.
If you are sensitive to chemical smells, the Skudo is the right sealer
for you.
Reminders
Oil based sealers provide great protection for
your granite countertop, but they are not enough ?C you also have to
regularly clean your countertop if you want to make sure that it stays
new-looking longer. Always have stone soap ready (or any natural
vegetable soap cleansers will do). They are available in almost all
hardware stores. Stone soaps form a thin layer of film between regular
deep cleanings. They get rid of debris and dirt from your granite
countertop's surface just like detergent soap does, except that they
are a lot milder and safer.
(cn-stonenet.com)
