How do I know it's time to reseal my granite countertop?

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How do I know it's time to reseal my granite countertop?   How do I know it's time to reseal my granite countertop?

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Granite Buying Made Simple

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How do I know it's time to reseal my granite countertop?

How do I know it's time to reseal my granite countertop?   How do I know it's time to reseal my granite countertop?

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Granite is a very porous natural stone. It is incredibly durable but needs a sealant to prevent water and spills from damaging it. Reseal it too often, and you will have a sealant build-up. Reseal infrequently, and your granite could sustain some permanent damage. Our granite aficionados have some insights on when you can tell it’s time to reseal your countertops.

How do I know it's time to reseal my granite countertop?

Zac Houghton

Zac Houghton, CEO at Loftera

Cracks In The Sealer, Uneven Finish, and Watermarks

There are many things that can ruin the beauty of your countertops. These include things like heat, spills, stains, and grime. A major one is moisture. If you notice that water seems to be getting under the sealer, it’s time to re-seal your granite countertops.

Here are some signs that let you know it’s time for a new seal:

  • Cracks in the sealer: Small hairline cracks in the sealer are common, but if there are cracks in the sealer that are larger than 1/4-inch-wide, it’s time to re-seal your granite countertops. There could be a crack somewhere else in the countertop that is allowing water to seep under the sealer and into this area as well. It’s best to get this fixed immediately to prevent further damage.
  • Uneven finish: If you look at your granite countertop and notice that it looks uneven or bumpy, a new seal may be needed.
  • Watermarks: Have you noticed watermarks on your granite? This is a sign that it needs a new seal. It might also mean there is a crack somewhere else in the countertop or sink that is letting moisture seep through and get underneath the existing sealer.

Visible Worn Spots, Stains, and Lackluster Surfaces

If you’ve had granite countertops sealed in the past, it’s important to know that you may need to reseal them. Granite countertops generally need to be resealed every few years to ensure that they stay protected. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the type of sealant used and how often the counters are used.

Here are a few signs that you may need to reseal your granite countertops soon:

  • The sealant is visibly worn, damaged, or starting to peel away
  • The surface is looking dull or lackluster
  • The countertops are showing signs of water damage (e.g., stains, spots, etc.)
  • There is an increase in moisture or humidity in your home
  • Countertops are becoming less resistant to heat and scratches

Applying a fresh coat of sealant will help protect your countertops and get [them] looking new and shiny again.

How do I know it's time to reseal my granite countertop?

Anne Clark

Anne Clark is the founder and content creator at My Kitchen Serenity.

How do I know it's time to reseal my granite countertop?

Jeremy Yamaguchi

Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love

If You Notice Stains or Cleaning Difficulty

If your granite countertop is starting to stain or becoming more difficult to clean, it’s time to re-seal. The purpose of the sealant is to fill the pores of your granite, which are what trap dirt and stains. Sealant is something that will have to be reapplied periodically, no matter how high-quality your granite is because it loses its effectiveness with time. On average, it’s common for people to have to re-seal every one to two years.

When Spills Are Absorbed

In general, granite countertops need to be resealed every few years whether there’s explicit damage or not. This is because the sealant gradually loses its strength and the risk of exposing your stone surface to stains becomes greater.

One of the easiest ways to tell if it’s time to reseal your countertop is to take notice of the time it takes for the surface to soak up spilled water. A newly-sealed countertop leaves you enough time to clean up spilled water before it absorbs it. If a stain appears a few seconds after spilling, it means your seal has been compromised.

How do I know it's time to reseal my granite countertop?

Kyle Richards

Kyle Richards, Co-Founder of Best Overland Park Painters.

How do I know it's time to reseal my granite countertop?

Scott Hasting

Scott Hasting, Co-Founder of BetWorthy LLC

If Moisture Rings Appear

If you notice moisture rings left on the countertop after lifting a cold glass or a hot cup, then you need to reseal your granite countertop. Granite is an igneous rock that is a combination of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Though it is very durable, it is [porous], hence the need for a good sealant to protect it from disintegrating. So, when you see moisture rings, you have to reseal immediately to prevent the damage from spreading.

It Will Have A Matte Surface

Resealing your granite countertop is vital to preserving its integrity. Some signs that you might need to reseal it are that it is staining easily, you can see scratches and cracks on the surface, and it is tougher to clean.

When a granite countertop is not sealed, it will become more matte in appearance and become more porous as it is a natural spongey stone. You will notice it shines less and picks up more particles and stains when it is time to be resealed.

Andrew Griffith

Andrew Griffith, Owner of Garden Furniture.

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