**How Often Should You Seal Granite Countertops**
Granite countertops are a lasting investment that requires some ongoing maintenance to keep them looking beautiful. The schedule for resealing granite countertops depends on several factors.
Reapplying sealant at the correct intervals will ensure that the granite remains free of staining and other damage that could mar the surface. In recent years, with the advent of advanced natural stone sealers, maintaining granite has become much less demanding.
**Standard Sealing Recommendations**
Many professionals recommend sealing granite countertops at least once each year. If you cook frequently and use the countertops daily, you might need to reseal the granite more often. However, with advancements in polymers and nanotechnologies, very effective and long-lasting sealers are available, reducing the need for yearly applications.
The way you maintain your granite counter can also affect the frequency of resealing. If you use harsh chemicals on the granite that wear away or weaken the sealant, you will need to reseal more often. The best way to clean granite countertops regularly is with a mix of warm water and a spoon of mild hand soap.
**Factors to Consider**
The color of your granite is an important factor in determining the frequency of resealing. Dark granite colors like Black Pearl, Indian Coffee Brown, and Tan Brown tend to be denser than light-colored granites. The higher density makes the granite less porous and less at risk for staining. Dark granites also hide small stains and imperfections more readily than lighter granite counters.
**Extending the Resealing Period**
Some sealants will last longer than others. Look for a sealant with advanced chemical technology, which will enable it to form a more permanent bond on the granite. Long-lasting sealants tend to be a bit more expensive, but they last longer—often many years or even indefinitely. Our customers have had great experiences using Stonetech Bullet Proof Sealant manufactured by DuPont. This is the highest grade sealant, and DuPont indicates that its effects last for at least three years on indoor applications.
You can further extend the effectiveness of the DuPont sealer by using a cleaning liquid called Stonetech Revitalizer, also made by DuPont. A gallon can be purchased at a very reasonable price and will last for two to three years of regular cleaning usage. Revitalizer liquid has traces of sealant mixed with it. Every time you clean, you are also replenishing the traces of sealant that are lost by wear and tear. Some of our customers have stopped resealing their granite countertops after using Revitalizer for several years.
**Testing the Sealant**
You can test your granite countertop to determine when it’s time to reseal the surface. Drop a few droplets of plain water onto the granite and watch to see what happens over the next five minutes. If the water remains in beaded droplets on the surface, the sealant is protecting the granite. If the droplets absorb into the granite, it’s time to reseal your counter.
**How to Seal a Granite Countertop**
When it’s time to seal, remove everything from the counters. Wash the granite with mild dishwashing soap and rinse it well. Wipe down the granite with acetone to remove any cleaning residues if necessary. Spread or spray on the sealer and allow it to absorb into the granite. After the recommended setting time (usually about 15 minutes), wipe away the excess sealer with a clean cloth.
Maintaining your granite countertops with proper sealing and care will keep them looking stunning for years to come.
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