How To Properly Seal Granite Countertops So They Stay Looking Like New For Longer

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Granite is a countertop finish that can turn your kitchen into a work of art. And keeping these countertops looking polished and like new doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. Professional granite sealing can cost anywhere between $1.14 and $2.20 per square foot, which can add up quickly across an entire kitchen. But sealing granite countertops is a simple and easy task you can do yourself. With just a few supplies and less than an hour of hands-on time, you can protect your countertops from stains, spills, and daily wear while maintaining their natural shine.

By taking a little time to repair and seal your granite countertops properly, you can enjoy their elegance for years without worrying about costly professional maintenance. Fixing small chips and cracks in your granite and sealing your countertops is easy to do if you choose the right products and do a little preparation. These steps will ensure your interior design investment continues to look fresh and vibrant for longer.

Before you begin sealing your granite countertops, it's essential to determine whether they actually need a coat of sealant. Granite is often already sealed by the manufacturer, and adding another layer of sealant can cause a hazy or uneven surface. To check if your countertops are already sealed, you'll need a cup of water and a bit of oil. Pour a few drops of water on one part of the countertop and a little bit of oil on another area. Let them sit for about 10 to 20 minutes, then wipe the marks away with a soft cloth.

If both the water and oil wipe clean with no marks or staining, it's likely that your countertops are still well-sealed. However, if either leaves a noticeable ring or patch, it is a clear sign that the stone needs to be sealed. Always test in a small, out-of-sight area first, like near your sink or in a corner, to avoid any potential problems with staining.

If you know your granite countertops are already sealed but they look dull, uneven, or sticky, removing the sealant before applying a fresh coat is an important step to ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish. To do this, you'll need a gentle abrasive like a soft-bristle brush. For larger areas, a chemical sealant remover designed specifically for natural stone is ideal, such as the Miracle Sealants Finish Sealer Stripper. Scrub in gentle, circular motions and only apply a light pressure to remove the old sealant. If you've decided to use a chemical remover, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and ensure your space is well ventilated.

Removing old or deteriorating sealant prevents your new sealant from bonding unevenly, which could lead to cloudiness or streaks. This step helps ensure that your fresh sealant penetrates the stone fully, which improves its stain resistance and prolongs its lifespan. After stripping the old layer, wipe the granite thoroughly with a soft, damp cloth to remove any leftover residue.

Despite the fact that granite is durable, it can still chip, crack, or scratch over time. Before you start sealing your granite, it's important to repair any of this damage to achieve a flawless finish. For smaller chips or scrapes, a DIY granite repair kit is usually all you'll need. These kits typically include a colorant and resin that can be mixed to fill chips or cracks. Choose a kit that matches your countertops' color. Popular options like the Instant Install 29 Complete Repair kit are quick-drying solutions that harden in less than 30 minutes. Apply the resin carefully to the damaged area and follow the kit's instructions closely. Once everything has cured, lightly polish the repaired granite to ensure it blends in with the surrounding stone.

Repairing damaged areas before sealing keeps your natural stone countertops looking their best. Filling chips and scratches prevents moisture, oil, and debris from seeping into the stone, which could result in discoloration or stains. It also ensures that the sealant you're going to apply can adhere evenly, which will make it more effective at protecting the countertop. However, for larger cracks, chips, or deep scratches, you may need to have a professional refinish and polish the granite for you to restore it and prevent bigger issues.

Selecting the appropriate sealant is a key step in protecting your granite countertops and keeping them looking like new. There are two main types of sealants to choose from: Water-based and solvent-based. Water-based sealants are more eco-friendly and have low odor, but they usually need to be reapplied more often. Solvent-based sealants last longer, but they contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), and being exposed to these for extended periods can be dangerous. Popular eco-friendly sealants like Fila Surface Care Solutions' stone sealer will work well on brushed finishes without altering their natural look, while Black Diamond Stoneworks sealant enhances and preserves the color of your granite.

Picking the right sealant ensures your granite is resistant to spills, stains, and other damage. This helps to extend its polished look for years to come and maintains its durability. Sealants that are slightly more expensive do tend to last longer, but professionals recommend that you maintain your granite by resealing it around once a year.

Before you start sealing your granite, it's vital to clean the countertops thoroughly to make sure the sealant you've chosen adheres properly. Start by removing everything from your countertops and wiping them down with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris. For a deeper clean, you can make a simple DIY granite cleaner by mixing half a cup of rubbing alcohol with one and a half cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray the cleaner lightly across the surface, and then wipe the mixture away with a fresh microfiber cloth. Pay special attention to the corners and edges of your countertops, where dirt and oils can accumulate. After you've wiped everything down, dry your countertops thoroughly with another cloth.

Cleaning and drying your granite will ensure that the sealant penetrates the stone evenly, as leftover dirt, grease, or water can prevent the sealant from properly absorbing. For best results, clean your countertops 24 hours before sealing them to give the surface enough time to dry completely.

The next step in the countertop sealing process is to conduct a small test to ensure the sealant you've chosen is compatible with the granite and will give you the finish you want. Start by putting on rubber gloves to protect your hands from chemicals. Then, choose an inconspicuous spot (like with your oil and water test previously), and apply a small amount of the sealant using a clean microfiber cloth. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how long the sealant should sit. Most sealants need around 15 to 20 minutes to set. Take a look at how the sealant interacts with the granite, whether it absorbs evenly, and if it affects the stone's color or shine.

Testing the sealant ensures your countertops will get a uniform layer that penetrates the stone effectively to enhance its durability and protect it completely. Take note of how long it takes for the test spot to cure fully and how it looks afterward so that you can confidently repeat this method across the whole surface later.

After letting the test sealant sit on your countertop for the recommended time, carefully inspect the area. Look for any haze, dark spots, or blotches, as these may be signs that the sealant isn't compatible with the stone. You can also place a few drops of water on the newly sealed spot. If the water beads up and doesn't soak into the stone, this means the sealant is protecting the granite effectively. If the water soaks into the granite or leaves a mark, the sealant might not be suitable, and you should consider getting advice at a home improvement store to find a better product for your countertops.

Doing this little test ensures that when you start sealing, the results will enhance the countertop's appearance, rather than compromise it. Using the wrong sealant can cause uneven absorption, discoloration, or blotchy patches that may be hard or expensive to fix later. Using the proper sealant will also reduce the need for frequent resealing and keep your countertops looking fresh without much maintenance.

Once you know you've got the right sealant and you've done all your prep work, the next step is to apply it to all your granite surfaces. Start with a fresh microfiber cloth and pour a small amount of the sealant onto your countertops. Use gentle, circular motions to spread the sealant evenly across the surface, working it into the stone's grains and pores. Check the instructions on the label as to how long it needs to sit — usually around 20 minutes for the initial coat.

Use small, overlapping circular motions to ensure the product penetrates even the smallest fissures and natural patterns of the stone. This should help with highlighting its unique veining. Avoid applying a thick layer of sealant, as this may create a sticky finish. Instead, apply multiple thin coats rather than one dense layer.

After letting the sealant sit on your granite for the recommended amount of time, it's important to immediately remove any excess to ensure a smooth, polished finish. Using a clean, dry microfiber cloth, gently wipe the surface in circular motions, making sure to catch any areas where the sealant has pooled or become too thick. Work carefully along edges and corners where extra sealant may have built up, as these areas are more prone to streaking. Avoid using an abrasive cloth or scrubbing too hard, as this can scratch the granite and ruin the protective layer you've just applied.

It's crucial to remove excess sealant quickly because if it's left on too long, it can dry into a residue. This residue can result in a hazed or cloudy appearance, diminishing the stone's beauty. To get the best results, consider wiping in small sections and rotating your cloth frequently to prevent redistributing the sealant.

Many granite countertop sealants work best with more than one coat, especially if you've stripped the surface of its previous sealant. Granite that has never been sealed will also require additional coats to fully protect the stone from moisture, stains, and wear and tear. To apply extra layers, follow the same process as your initial coat. Between coats, wait the recommended time specified in your sealant's instructions (usually about 15 to 30 minutes).

Extra sealant layers are one tip to make your granite countertops shine, giving them a richer and more polished look. Avoid rushing this process; instead, let each layer set properly to ensure even absorption. You can also lightly buff your countertops between coats with a soft, clean cloth to get a smoother, more even finish. If you find that the stone is absorbing the sealant rapidly, it's a clear sign that more coats are needed.

Once you've applied your last coat of sealant, it's crucial to allow your granite countertops time to cure completely. The curing time will vary depending on the product and the type of sealant you've chosen. It can be as little as two hours or as long as 48 hours. During this time, it's essential to avoid placing appliances, cookware, or any other items on your granite surfaces. You should also keep the countertops completely dry to ensure the sealant penetrates the granite and bonds to the material properly.

To accommodate the curing time, you could set up a coffee bar, breakfast station, or a makeshift meal area in another part of your home. Prepare this space for your usual daily kitchen tasks so you've still got somewhere to eat while your countertops cure. If the weather's nice out, you could even plan to throw some meat on the grill and eat outside. It's essential to be patient while your granite cures, as this stage preserves the integrity of the sealant and keeps your countertops looking professionally finished.

To keep your newly protected granite countertops looking fresh, it's important to only use gentle cleaning methods that won't damage the sealant. Clean surfaces regularly with mild store-bought granite cleaner or a DIY solution. Wipe up spills immediately with a microfiber cloth to prevent staining, especially if you're working with acidic foods or substances. Another product not to use on granite countertops is vinegar. Also avoid bleach, ammonia, bathroom cleaners, or any abrasive scrubbers, as these can strip or weaken the sealant and dull your granite's natural shine. For everyday protection, use coasters, placemats, and trivets to prevent scratches from dishware or heat damage from pots and pans.

Accidents happen, but you can treat them with a kitchen essential that can remove stains from your granite countertops: A gentle paste made from baking soda and water. Let the paste sit on the stain for up to 24 hours before wiping the area clean. You should also avoid cutting food directly on your granite countertops, as this can damage the surface. Instead, use a chopping board to prevent scratching or chipping your worktops.