{"id":4105,"date":"2015-06-29T10:34:41","date_gmt":"2015-06-29T15:34:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/?post_type=blog&p=3047"},"modified":"2021-05-31T01:21:57","modified_gmt":"2021-05-31T06:21:57","slug":"how-to-choose-the-best-granite-sealer","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-best-granite-sealer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose the Best Granite Sealer"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Congratulations on your new kitchen countertop! It has been a while since you dreamed about owning a piece of rare earth in your kitchen. First, you selected the best slab of granite<\/a> you ever laid eyes on and designed a kitchen countertop<\/a> based on what you had in mind. So after all that, what\u2019s next?<\/p>\n

After installing your dream kitchen countertop<\/a>, it\u2019s time to think about maintenance. Yes, granite doesn\u2019t need much maintenance, but did you know that granite countertops need to be sealed once in a while? The thing about granite<\/a> is that it is naturally porous, especially light-colored stones. That is why a good granite sealer is important to maintain its natural beauty.<\/p>\n

What You Need to Know About Sealing Granite<\/h2>\n

Take the time to get to know granite countertops<\/a> and granite sealing products for effective sealing. We\u2019ve compiled all the information you need below.<\/p>\n

What Granite Sealer Does<\/h3>\n

\"Why<\/p>\n

A granite countertop sealer is different from sealants for wooden surfaces. Unlike wood sealants like varnish, a granite countertop sealer<\/a> doesn\u2019t coat the stone. Instead, granite sealing products actually penetrate the stone and fills in the pores of the stone, shielding the surface from the inside. Moreover, the addition of a sealant doesn\u2019t make the stone glossier. Granite countertops do a good job of shining by themselves.<\/p>\n

Why You Need Granite Sealer<\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s get this out of the way: using a sealer for granite countertops doesn\u2019t give the stone the ability to resist scratches or scuffs – even when you use the best granite sealer. Granite is one of the hardest stones on the planet and is naturally resistant to light physical damage. When the sealer impregnates the stone, it occupies the holes in the pores, making the surface resistant to any liquids and stains.<\/p>\n

How You Can Tell If You Need Granite Sealer<\/h3>\n

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Generally speaking, most dark-colored granite countertops<\/a> don\u2019t require a sealant mainly because of their density. These stones are just so dense that they don\u2019t readily-absorb any liquids. Adding a sealant to these surfaces could only ruin the stone since it adds a \u201cfilmy\u201d surface to the countertop surface and ruins the polish.<\/p>\n

This means that mostly the light-colored granite countertops require sealing. But there\u2019s a simple test that you can do to make sure. The test is called “the drop test”, where you drop water or lemon juice on an inconspicuous part of your countertop. Leave the drop on the surface and observe how fast the countertop absorbs the liquid. Typically, the stone will need to be resealed with a SenGuard sealer, the best sealer for granite, or any other sealer if it takes less than 30 minutes to absorb. This means that the stone is either unsealed or that the previous seal is wearing off.<\/p>\n