How and When to Seal/Reseal Granite

Q. I am confused about if and when to seal / reseal my granite countertop. Do I need to have an expert do the sealing and if not what product should I use? How often should granite be resealed?

A. First off, understand that contrary to what you may have been told, not all granites need to be sealed. Why? Because not all stones were created equal. Some are more absorbent than others, and some just do not absorb anything, including the impregnating sealer designed to be absorbed. Regarding sealing of your stone surfaces, check first to see if you require sealing by spilling some clean fresh water on it for 30 minutes or so. If it darkens the stone (indicating that it is absorbing), then let it dry and contact your professional stone and tile restoration contractor to seal it. If the stone does not darken, there is no need to seal the granite (it is not absorbing anything anyway). Now, if you have one of those stones that is more akin to a sponge than a rock, we have good news for you. Once you put an impregnating sealer into your stone counter, it is in the stone. Nothing is going to remove it. Some may require 2-3 applications to clog the pores, but once they are clogged, they will stay that way for a long, long, time. Many sealers now have 15 year warranty, so you are good to go. How do you know when it is time to re-seal? When you notice water darkening the stone again. Pretty easy isn't it? If you need a PRO and do not yet have one, contact us.