Granite Guides: How Often Should You Seal Granite?

Granite is a natural stone that adds sleek, organic beauty to any kitchen.

This durable material is long-lasting, but it’s also porous, which means you should seal it occasionally to protect the surface.

If you’ve ever wondered, “how often should you seal the granite?”, read on to learn more about this important maintenance step and just how frequently you’ll need to seal your granite countertops.

Do Granite Countertops Need to be Sealed?

Granite is a heavy, thick, natural stone that has beautiful marbling and a myriad of stunning colorways. This sturdy stone is a popular choice for countertops, but it’s also quite porous in nature.

Porous stone absorbs moisture that comes in contact with it. That means if you happen to spill a glass of red wine or let a spill sit on the counters without sealant, it can leave an unsightly, and sometimes permanent, stain behind.

When you purchase new granite countertops, they should already be professionally treated with a high-quality sealant. However, over time, this sealant can wear down and expose the raw stone underneath.

Everything from cooking oil to pizza grease can permeate your granite countertops if they’re not properly sealed. A good sealant will give your counters a brilliant shine and protect them from any stains or discoloration.

Sealant essentially blocks the “pores” on the granite and protects them from absorbing foods and liquids. The type of sealant you use can have a big impact on how well the sealer works and how long it lasts. Look for products that actually penetrate the surface of your granite rather than just sitting on top. 

How do You Know if Granite Needs Sealant?

Even if your granite countertops appear to shine, they may still need a new coat of sealant. In some cases, you may even notice spots where the original sealant has worn off. In that instance, it’s prudent to apply a new coat of sealant as soon as possible.

One way to determine whether or not your granite needs to be sealed is to perform a simple water test. Start by pouring about 1/4 cup of water onto a small area of your counters.

Make a note of when you poured the water on, and record how long it takes for it to absorb. You’ll know the water has absorbed if your granite starts to look darker in color.

If the water absorbs immediately, you should apply at least two coats of sealant as soon as possible. If takes four or five minutes for the water to absorb, you’ll still need several coats, but may only need to reapply every five years or so. 

Perform the water test after you apply each coat to ensure that it’s working the way it should. If the water takes 10 minutes to absorb, you likely only need one new coat. Generally, when water beads on the granite, your sealant is currently in good condition and your countertops are protected. 

If the water takes 30 minutes or longer to absorb, it’s ideal since that means your current sealant is working just fine. When performing the water test, try to do it in an inconspicuous place in case the water leaves a mark that doesn’t go away.

The color of your granite may also determine just how often it needs resealing. Darker colors are typically denser than lighter-colored granite. This means the darker your counters are, the better they are at resisting stains and marks and they’re also better at hiding imperfections that light colors. 

How to Seal Granite

Before you apply a new layer or two of granite sealant, remove everything from your countertops. Clean all of your counters thoroughly and make sure there are no signs of debris, oil, or messes left on the surface. A quality granite cleaner is a good choice.

Always make sure that the sealant you use is specially designed for granite. Not all stone is the same, and not all sealant is safe to use on granite, so read labels carefully. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and make sure you follow the directions since different brands may vary.

Apply the sealer evenly to your countertops and dampen them just enough without soaking them. Many sealers that you can purchase online or at local home improvement stores have a simple spray-and-wipe formula that’s extremely easy to use.

Spray or apply the sealer on the countertops in three-foot sections. As soon as the sealer is applied, gently wipe it into the stone in circular motions with a lint-free cloth made of a material like a microfiber.

It’s crucial to wipe the sealer right away or else it could leave a hazing on the granite. As soon as you wipe it, buff your countertops using a clean lint-free cloth and repeat this process two or three times. Wait about 20 minutes between applications for the best results.

Polishing your granite counters is just as important as sealing them. When you polish them, it brings out the natural beauty of the stone and helps to reinforce the seal. Wait approximately 24 hours after you apply the sealant to polish them so that it has time to cure.

You can use a special stone polish and spray it on your counters from a distance of between six and eight inches. Buff your counters immediately with a dry, lint-free cloth then wipe everything dry.

Choosing the Right Product

Just like not all granite is the same, neither are the sealants you can use. Make sure your sealant can form a permanent pond on the granite so that adheres and lasts longer.

While long-lasting granite sealants tend to cost more-they also help to reduce the frequency you’ll need to apply them. Talk to your granite installer about any products they recommend. High-grade sealants can last as long as three years or even more when applied correctly.

To extend the life of your counters and your sealant, use a stone revitalizing cleaning product whenever you clean the countertops. These products contain a small amount of sealant mixed in, so they’re constantly reinforcing the sealant every time you use them to clean your counters.

With the right sealant and cleaning products, you shouldn’t need to reapply sealer much more often than every three years or even longer. Take care of your granite by wiping spills immediately, and never let moisture or extremely hot items sit on top of the counters.

When cleaning your counters, never use products that contain acidic ingredients or harsh abrasives. These can easily wear down the layer of sealant faster, and they can cause tiny scratches on the surface that will allow spills to permeate the stone.

You should also avoid wiping your granite with items like steel wool or sponges with rough materials made for scrubbing tough messes. Be gentle with your granite and use special stone cleaners and a soft cloth to keep the counters protected.

How Often Should You Seal Granite?

With all of this information in mind, how often should you seal the granite? The answer really depends on a number of different factors, including the age of your granite and the quality of sealant that’s already been applied.

In general, most professionals recommend that you apply a fresh coat of sealant at least once per year. However, if you’re using a high-grade sealer that contains good ingredients, you may only need to seal your granite every three to five years.

Denser or darker granite may need sealant less often. Light colors tend to be more porous and will show stains and marks much more easily than dark-colored stone.

Ask your installer about your particular type and brand of granite and find out what they recommend. Certain manufacturers may require that you apply sealant at specific intervals in order to keep the warranty valid.

How often you should sean your granite may also depend on how well it’s maintained. Clean spills and wipe your counters as often as possible to prevent the sealant from wearing down faster. Never use harsh cleansers that contain acidic ingredients or abrasive chemicals.

If you’re ever in doubt about the sealant on your granite, perform the water test as mentioned above. This will help you gauge how well the sealer is holding up and determine if you need to apply a new coat.

Applying sealer to your granite is a fairly easy process, but make sure you do it in small sections and follow the directions as indicated on the packaging. If you’re ever in doubt about the process, contact your local granite installer for help or to find out if they can add the sealant for you.

Proper Sealing will Extend the Life of Your Granite

If you’ve ever wondered, “how often should you seal the granite?” use this guide to help you determine when a new coat should be applied to your counters. With the right maintenance and high-quality stone sealing products, your granite countertops should last for many years to come.

For questions about stone or to purchase one of our many products, visit our website and contact us today for more information.