While stone materials for your counters don’t always need to be sealed, it’s in your best interest that you do so. Sealing granite countertops will help it resist dirt and spills which can cause scratches, etching, and stains. To improve the lifespan of your granite, we highly recommend that you use some sort of sealer.
Even though granite is naturally porous, it is still somewhat moisture-resistant. The keyword here is “resistant” because an excess amount of liquids can still result in those liquids seeping into the granite. So spilling a colored liquid, like red wine, on your granite that hasn’t been sealed can stain your granite and alter its naturally beautiful appearance. Granite isn’t just at risk from liquids if it’s not sealed, as grease or cooking oils have also been known to be the culprits of staining.
If you’re wondering how often you should be sealing granite countertops, a few things come into play:
1) The areas of your kitchen that receive more traffic will need to be resealed more often due to heavy use.
2) As a general rule of thumb, sealing granite countertops on an annual basis will be the most effective way of protecting your investment. It will always depend on how often the counter is used and how much traffic it sees, but resealing when needed will be the optimal way to prolong the lifespan of your granite.
3) Perform a quick water test to see if your granite will need to be resealed. Let a small puddle of water sit on your countertop for 10 minutes and then wipe the remains away with a soft sponge or cloth. If there is a dark patch where the water was absorbed then you should reseal your counter with a granite impregnator.
Nobody wants their large investment to go to waste, so take the extra time and care and direct it towards sealing your granite countertops.
Don’t forget to read more about granite maintenance or our guide to Colorado countertops.
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