Sealing Your Own Granite Counter Tops

Granite might seem like it's invincible, but it's actually porous.  Which means if you're prepping foods on it, especially, it's important you know how to best seal the stone so that substances don't seep in and cause staining and damage.  Sealing your own granite counter tops can be an inexpensive way to be sure your counters stay as beautiful as the day you installed them.Most granite counter tops installed in your home are already treated with a protective sealant.  But over time, it can wear down so it's up to you to stay on top of it.  The good news is, sealing granite can be purchased at your local hardware store and is something you apply on your own by following the steps below, without needing to hire a professional.Keep reading to learn more about sealing your own granite counter tops, and click this link to read the full article.

"Oil, water, juice, ink—any liquids or spills, really—can soak in and stain granite," says Emily Long, a home improvement expert with SafeWise.

How often should you seal granite countertops?

The answer to this depends on what type of stone you have installed in your kitchen."For a lighter-colored stone—which is typically more porous—you should generally seal it once a year," says Long. Darker, harder stones can be sealed once every 10 years, or may not need to be sealed at all.To find out if your granite countertop needs to be sealed again, simply sprinkle a few drops of water on its surface. If the water beads up, the seal is strong. If the drops pool, that means the seal is compromised and should be reapplied.Whatever you do, don't seal your countertops if they don’t need it “just for extra protection,” as this can create a cloudy residue that’s difficult to remove. But if your countertop is in need of more sealant, proceed!Here's how to seal granite countertops.

1. Clear off and clean your counters

First, clear everything off your countertops. Clean the granite with water and dish soap or granite cleaner and a lint-free cloth (like a microfiber cloth or an old T-shirt). Let it dry completely before you start the sealing process.

2. Spray with sealer

Choose a penetrating sealer specifically made for granite, or at least for natural stone. Before sealing your countertops, spray a small section in an inconspicuous corner. Make sure there’s no discoloration or residue before you continue.While you should read the instructions on your bottle, for most sealers, you start by spraying a generous coat evenly over the surface of your countertops. Make sure you’ve covered the entire surface, with no dry spots left.