Countertops made from natural stone offer excellent surfaces that are convenient and durable to use every day and they also add a lot of warmth and beauty to the ambiance of your home. The blend of functionality and aesthetics allow you to have a kitchen that is very efficient, low maintenance and extremely attractive. With proper maintenance and care, your countertops can last for a lifetime.
Best Countertop Sealers for Granite
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Best Countertop Sealers for ConcreteÂ
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Best Countertop Sealers for WoodÂ
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Best Countertop Sealers for QuartzÂ
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Best Countertop Sealers for MarbleÂ
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Natural stone is available in a wide variety of patterns and colors and each stone has its own features and texture that requires specific maintenance. However, it is generally recommended that you clean your countertops regularly and mop up spills as soon as they occur irrespective of the type of material used for the countertop. You must also be very careful in choosing proper products and techniques to polish and protect the different stone countertop surfaces.
Our Countertop Sealer ReviewsÂ
While some techniques and products may offer the best results and maximum protection for certain stone types, they may not be sufficient or appropriate for others. Selecting an appropriate sealer for your countertop is important but quite a controversial topic.
The Top 5 Best Countertop Sealers for 2022 are:
- Best for Granite - TriNova Granite Sealer
- Best for Concrete - Tuff Duck Concrete Countertop Sealer
- Best for Wood - Waterlox Original Sealer/ Finish
- Best for Quartz - Granite Gold Sealer Spray
- Best for Marble - Miracle 511 Impregnator Penetrating Sealer
Find out which is best for you in our full in-depth reviews below ...
Best Granite Countertop Sealer
TriNova Granite Sealer
The granite sealer from TriNova is our top pick because of its top-notch features. The granite sealer offers superior protection for countertops made from other materials too such as marble, soapstone, quartz, quartzite, etc. The 2-in-1 granite sealer acts as a sealer and a protectant for all types of surfaces.
Made from a blend of polymers, the advanced formula of the TriNova granite sealer penetrates the porous surface of the stone easily and protects your granite countertop from water spots, marks and stains caused by oils, soap, etc. by preventing the stains from being absorbed and becoming permanent.
The granite sealing liquid comes in a bottle that has an extra-long applicator tube that makes it easy for the sealing agent to reach all corners of the countertop easily. Â TriNova granite sealer is a long-lasting quick application and drying sealer that will save you a lot of time and effort to reapply the sealer time and again.
Source: goldeagle.com
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Rock Doctor Granite Sealer
If you are looking for the right solution to seal your granite countertops, then the Rock Doctor Sealer is the best choice. This spray sealer can be used for granite, quartz, marble and other types of natural stone surfaces. The water-based sealer penetrates deeply into the porous surface of your granite countertop and creates a bond with the stone.
The barrier offers protection against moisture, as well as bacteria, from penetrating into the stone. To get the perfect seal to resist oils and other liquids, it is recommended that you use up to 2 to 3 coats of the sealer. The spray is long lasting and can protect your granite countertop or floor for up to a year. After this, you will require to reapply the sealer for continued protection.
The Rock Doctor Sealer does not leave any unpleasant smell or fumes when you apply it to your granite countertops. The sealer spray is very gentle, yet works to protect your countertop surfaces keeping them waterproof and stainproof.
Source: rockdoctor.com
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StoneTech BulletProof Sealer
Designed to protect your granite countertops for a longer time, the StoneTech BulletProof Sealer is a penetrating sealer. A small amount of the sealer can cover a large portion of your countertop’s surface and a single coat of the sealer lasts for a very long time, eliminating the need for frequent reapplications. The advanced formula of the StoneTech sealer helps it to bond with the surface of the stone and protects it from oil and water-based stains.
Apart from granite countertops, the StoneTech sealer can be used for other surfaces such as marble, slate, limestone, bluestone, saltillo, sandstone, flagstone and travertine. While the application of the StoneTech sealer is quite easy; however, before using the sealer, you must ensure that the countertop surface is clean and free of any coatings or waxes. Also, before the sealer is applied, the countertop should be absolutely dry and free of any standing water.
The only drawback of the StoneTech sealer is that you need to ensure that the surface is properly cleaned and polished before application, which can be quite time consuming and if this is not done, then the sealer will not work properly.
Source: laticrete.com
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Best Concrete Countertop Sealer
Tuff Duck Concrete Countertop Sealer
The Tuff Duck concrete sealer is among the top-rated water-based concrete sealers ideal to safeguard your concrete countertops. The product is very easy to use, even for first-time users. You can simply follow the convenient instructions that come along with the sealer. The food-safe and non-toxic formula of the sealer is very safe and you can use it safely even if there are kids around or if you are prone to allergies.
The Tuff Duck concrete sealer forms a thin acrylic layer on the concrete which protects your countertop from acid etching and water staining. The Tuff Duck sealer is an excellent and cost-effective way to protect your concrete surfaces including countertops and sinks.
Source: rocklinitelabs.com
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Black Diamond Stoneworks Natural Stone Sealer
No sealer is comparable to the Black Diamond Stoneworks Natural Stone Sealer if you want a wet look for your concrete countertops. The Black Diamond Stoneworks sealer is quite popular among business owners and homeowners. The sealer has an extremely versatile usage and you can use it for multiple surfaces in your home and it delivers great results, whether it is used in your home’s interior or exterior.
Just a single coat of the Black Diamond Stoneworks sealer delivers a classy finish and excellent results. The quick-acting sealer produces results within 24 hours. 1 gallon of the sealer lets you cover around 600 sq. ft. and allows you to protect all the surfaces of your home very quickly. Manufactured in the US, the Black Diamond Stoneworks sealer undergoes rigorous quality checks that ensure it offers the best performance.
This concrete sealer offers an impressive finish that is long lasting. And, the best part is that you can use the Black Diamond Stoneworks sealer to protect your concrete countertops, your concrete, slate, sandstone and stone floors and all your interior and exterior surfaces of your home including your driveway, and garage.
Source: bdstoneworks.com
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Best Wood Countertop Sealer
Waterlox Original Sealer/ Finish
Since 1910, Waterlox’s original formula is being used in thousands of homes and has been making wood beautiful. The Original Sealer/Finish from Waterlox is handmade from tung oil, which is derived from the nut of the tung tree. The super-premium finish sealant dries on your wooden surface, seals it, penetrates into the pores and waterproofs it. As the sealant dries, it becomes hard, giving the wood countertops a rich and wet look.
The Waterlox Original Sealer is a very versatile product and works well if you use 2-3 coats to finish the countertops on its own or it can be used before the application of a high-gloss or satin finisher. Once the sealer/finisher dries, it gives a medium sheen with around 75o of gloss level which may fade a little bit over time.
The Waterlox Original Sealer offers excellent protection against water damage and the finish it produces is not slippery, so it is an excellent sealer for use on floors also. The sealer can also be used on other surfaces such as limestone, linoleum, brick and even cement.
Source: waterlox.com
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Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye Amber Shellac
The Amber Shellac sealer from Rust-Oleum is an excellent sealer and also delivers an antique finish for your wood countertops. Unlike other clear sealants, the Amber Shellac sealer will add an amber-colored hue to any surface it is applied to. The texture of the sealant is very smooth but not slippery and it is ideal only for indoor projects because external use of the sealant will cause the color to fade.
The sealer is a resin solution that is alcohol based which is extremely easy to use. You need to just paint it on and it dries within 30 to 45 minutes. If you don’t like the dark color, then you can simply sand off the shellac and start afresh. And, if you accidentally spill the sealer, then it can be easily cleaned using water and ammonia.
Not only does the Rust-Oleum Amber Shellac add beautiful richness and depth to your wood countertops, but the sealer also protects your wood surface from water damage and wear and tear due to daily use. And, apart from your wood countertops, the Rust-Oleum Amber Shellac is great for other indoor wood surfaces such as wood trims, paneling, tables, chairs, and railings.Â
Source: rustoleum.com
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Best Quartz Countertop Sealer
Granite Gold Sealer Spray
The penetrating sealer spray from Granite Gold is suitable for use not only for granite countertops but recommended for use on quartz, travertine, marble, slate, limestone and other stone countertops. The sealer is non-toxic, non-acidic, does not contain any ammonia or phosphates and is biodegradable and pH-balanced, which makes it excellent for use for kitchen countertops.
Made in the USA, the Granite Gold sealer is easy to use and comes in a bottle with a nozzle that lets you spray the product easily on your countertops. The sealer creates a barrier that offers maximum protection against water, oil, wine, coffee, and other liquid stains and etching.
You get quite a lot of product at a very cheap price, making the Granite Gold sealer a value-for-money buy. And, most importantly, the sealer dries very fast. So, if you’re looking for a convenient and safe sealer for your quartz countertops, then Granite Gold is an excellent buy.
Source: granitegold.com
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Supreme Surface Granite, Quartz and Marble Treatment
The all-in-one Supreme Surface treatment is a cleaning, polishing and sealing product. It not only seals your quartz countertops effectively but also smoothens the surface and provides a glossy, shiny surface and a vibrant color. The Supreme Surface sealer contains ioSeal, which helps to create a strong ionically charged bond with the surface of the countertop that will not be washed off easily.
The formula of the sealer is bio-degradable and non-toxic, which makes it extremely safe to use in your kitchen and the sealer protects your quartz countertops from water, oil and dirt stains. Leaving them polished, shiny and stain-free. And, unlike the other sealers that have an unpleasant odor, the Supreme Surface sealer leaves behind a pleasant fragrance.
The sealer comes in a steel bottle that has an attached spraying nozzle which makes the application very easy. The sealer works well on most types of surfaces. So, if you’re on the lookout for a multi-purpose cleaner, polisher and sealer, then the Supreme Surface sealer is the best product for the money.
Source: supremesurfacecleaners.com
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Best Marble Countertop Sealer
Miracle 511 Impregnator Penetrating Sealer
The Miracle 511 sealer is a professional-grade sealer perfect for your marble countertops that you can depend on to give them the protection they need. The sealer is UV transparent and weather resistant. It is easy to apply and can be used for both interior, as well as exterior marble surfaces and especially safe for use on kitchen countertops where you prepare your food.
When used on a marble countertop, the Miracle 511 penetrating sealer penetrates the pores of the marble and forms a barrier and protects it from water and oil-based stains. The sealer makes your marble surfaces less slippery and much tougher, which makes it ideal for surfaces where you have heavy foot traffic.
Source: miraclesealansts.com
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Black Diamond Color Enhancer Sealer
The Black Diamond Color Enhancer Sealer is popular for its ability to rejuvenate as well as darken the surfaces that have been sealed. The formula of the Black Diamond sealer makes it ideal for marble countertops which require sealing after prolonged periods of neglect. The sealer offers protection from oil- and water-based elements.
The Black Diamond sealer is excellent for both interior as well as exterior use. It is easy to apply and is long lasting too. However, since the product is color enhancing, it is recommended that you test a small area of your marble surface before applying the sealer to the entire area.
Source: bdstoneworks.com
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Do You Need to Seal Your Countertops?
It is a common belief that irrespective of the material of the countertops, by sealing them, you can prolong their life and prevent issues such as etching and staining. However, this is a myth. While sealing countertops made from natural stone does protect them from day-to-day wear and tear, sealing is not suitable for all types of natural stones. Certain stones will not absorb the sealer and the sealer will dry over the stone’s surface and result in a streaky, cloudy mess.
Types of Stones
Always remember that polishing the countertops can help to reduce the absorption of all types of stones. Some countertops made from natural stone are pre-sealed during the manufacturing process. These countertops are very durable because the sealer penetrates the stone very deeply and offers long-lasting protection.
The industrial sealers are resin based and hence, they can fill the tiny cracks and pores in the stone and prevent the accumulation of dirt and/or moisture. However, the sealing process may cause some of the natural characteristics of the stone to be lost.
Should You Seal Your Countertop?
Generally, denser and dark-colored granite countertops do not require to be sealed. If polished, stones such as limestone, travertine and several varieties of marble do not need sealing and sealing of soapstone is usually only for aesthetic purposes. You can perform the following tests to determine if your countertop needs to be sealed or not.
Towel Test
Soak a white cotton towel or a paper towel with water and place it on the countertop. Wait for around 5 to 10 minutes. If the surface under the wet towel gets discolored or turns dark, it means that your natural stone countertop must be sealed to resist spills and stains.
Solvent Test
Put a few drops of cooking oil, lemon juice or paint thinner on your countertop and wait for 5 to 10 minutes. If the stone turns dark, then you must protect the surface of your countertop using a permeating sealer to protect it from oil-based stains.
Sealing Natural Stone Countertops
By sealing your countertops, you can prevent dust, dirt, and moisture from penetrating the stone. Most natural stones are porous, which makes them quite absorbent. The color and structural integrity of the stones can be damaged if water and acids percolate through them. Sealers help by preventing the liquids from infiltrating deeply into the stone and also make the surface of the stone stain-resistant and resistant to slight damages.Â
Here are some tips on how to seal natural stone countertops. Choose a sealer that is suitable for the specific requirements for your stone countertop. The best countertop sealer will make your countertop:
The best countertop sealer will offer long-term protection to your countertop without the need for frequent re-application and maintenance.
You can choose between sealers that are water based versus solvent-based ones to reduce soiling and prevent staining. Impregnating sealers are believed to be more efficient because they infiltrate the stone and fill the pores and fissures. You will need to use a resin-based sealer if you have any resin applied to your countertops.
The high-quality sealer can last for around 10 to 15 years and they offer sufficient protection for your delicate and expensive countertops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sealer for concrete counter tops?
Concrete is porous and highly susceptible to staining and water and chemical damage. To retain the quality and the appearance, concrete countertops need to be sealed. The best sealer for concrete countertops is non-toxic, non-porous, prevents scratches, stain-resistant, smooth, scratch-proof, easy to clean, durable, and UV-proof. It should also enhance the appearance of the material without altering its natural look.
The best concrete countertop sealer depends on your specific needs, however, penetrating sealers are highly recommended, as they penetrate through the concrete, they’re invisible when dry, they decrease the porosity and increase the hardness, and do not leave any film on the surface.
What is the difference between topical and penetrating countertop sealer?
Topical sealers work just like the name implies. A topical sealer will form a seal on the current finish of your countertops and usually leave a low sheen. A penetrating sealer, however, goes deeper into the actual surface and adheres to it from the inside out and usually leaves a matte finis. The difference between the two types of sealer is in how and where they form their barrier to protect your surfaces from spills and other accidents.
Do granite countertops need to be sealed?
Whether or not granite countertops need to be sealed depends on the specific type of slab and the color of the material. Darker granite may not need to be sealed, as it is usually very dense and less porous. However, to preserve the integrity of the material, using a granite countertop sealer – regardless of the density and color of the slab – is definitely recommended.
How often should I seal granite countertops?
Generally speaking, granite countertops should be sealed once a year. However, some granite countertops may be able to go longer between resealing and some may need to be sealed more often. To determine when you should seal your granite countertop, conduct a simple water test. Place a few drops of water on various points on the surface of the countertop. Wait 30 minutes. If the granite appears darker, it absorbed the water and should be sealed; if it remained the same color, you should not have to seal it.
You can also tell if you should seal your granite countertop by simply examining its appearance; if it has a glossy surface and it appears dull and dingy, you should consider resealing. Inspect your granite countertop at least twice a year to determine if it needs to be resealed.
Can you seal marble countertops?
Marble, especially polished marble, may not need to be sealed. In fact, it may not absorb marble countertop sealer at all. However, if the marble on your countertop is porous, sealing it is a wise idea, as it will preserve its durability and appearance.
To determine if your marble countertop needs to be sealed, conduct a water test. Apply a few drops of water to the countertop in various areas and wait 30 minutes. If the marble becomes darker, it should be sealed; if the water beads up and the marble does not become darker, you do not need to apply a marble sealer.
Verdict
Irrespective of whatever material the countertops in your home are made of, whether it is granite, concrete, wood, quartz or marble, sealing your countertops can safeguard them and help you benefit from their beauty for a lifetime. The installation of countertops in your home is quite expensive and if you do not maintain and take care of them, you may have to spend a lot in expensive repairs or you may have to completely replace your countertops, which can create a huge dent in your savings.
So, it is a good idea to invest some time, money and effort and seal your countertops with a high-quality sealer and enjoy the beauty of the countertops in your home for years to come. And, we hope that our buying guide and reviews of the best countertop sealers help you in selecting the best sealer and in keeping your countertops and your home beautiful forever.