Granite is strong, durable and moisture resistant. And while you don’t have to seal it when it’s used as a countertop, it’s recommended.

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Here’s why sealing granite countertops can preserve the beauty of the material for many years to come.

Why Seal Granite?

Granite, like many natural stones, is porous. At least once every five years, a sealant should be applied to prevent staining from oils, water and other liquids. If your granite countertop is properly sealed, liquids and oils will bead on top of it rather than seep into the stone. Grease can stain granite, as can colored liquids such as grape juice and wine.

Sealing granite can also prevent etching, caused by cleaners or acidic foods such as lemon juice.

The Benefits of Sealing Granite Countertops

Once your granite countertops are sealed, they will be easier to clean and you won’t need to use as many chemicals to clean them. Plus, you’ll have a more hygienic surface. Granite is porous and can harbor bacteria; sealing helps cut down on the cracks and crevices where bacteria can live.

While we don’t recommend using products with bleach, ammonia or acids to clean granite, you can clean surfaces with mild soap and water and countertop cleaning liquids.

Not all pieces of granite have equal porosity, so you may have to seal some pieces more frequently than every five years. Dribble water on your countertop to test if it needs sealing. If the water beads, it’s fine; if it soaks in, you should seal it.

How to Seal a Granite Countertop

Sealing a granite countertop is not difficult, and can be done in about 20 minutes by following these steps:

Remove everything from your countertop and clean it with a clean cloth. Make sure the surface is dry before you begin sealing.
Wearing gloves, spray the sealer uniformly and in a generous layer on the countertop. Make sure the surface is thoroughly covered.
After 15 minutes, wipe off any excess. If you discover any hazy spotting, spray a bit of sealant on the cloth and wipe at the spots. They should disappear.
The countertops should be perfectly sealed within 24 hours.

To learn more about sealing granite countertops, contact the professionals at Arch City Granite and Marble, Inc. We serve homeowners, builders, contractors and designers in the metropolitan St. Louis area.