Granite is a natural stone that is widely used for bathroom and kitchen countertops. Because it’s porous, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent stains from liquids while retaining its beauty. However, many people are still unsure which are the best sealers for granite countertops.
Choose a sealer that is made specifically for granite countertops. They should be either solvent or water-based and penetrating or impregnating in nature, which work under the surface to protect from stains and water. Enhancing sealers are also recommended for older granite countertops.
There are other things you should consider before choosing the best sealant to use on granite countertops. These include form, finish, and many others. Read on to learn more about them.
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What Is the Best Sealant for Granite Countertops?
Granite countertops are always an elegant yet functional choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. It possesses a unique striking quality but will also last you many years as long as you take good proper care of it.
However, they come with a hefty price tag. That’s why it’s important to find the best sealers for granite countertops. Don’t overlook this important step in maintenance; it’s simple to do, inexpensive, but effective in ensuring that your granite surface will keep looking good for several years.
The market is filled with hundreds of great choices that can all do a decent job on granite. Here are things you should look for before deciding on one:
Penetrating or impregnating
These types of sealers work by filling granite’s porous surface with resins once it dries. The resins stay behind to keep the surface protected from stains.
There are solvent as well as water-based impregnating sealers, both are good choices depending on your own needs. Solvent-based sealers are high in VOC (volatile organic compounds) and thus tend to have strong odors; they finish with a wet, glossy look and can be more difficult to clean up. Meanwhile, water-based sealers are low in VOC so they have mild to no odors, go on milky white and dry matte, and are much easier to clean up.
Penetrating sealers work from beneath the surface, so these types of countertop sealers don’t give the best protection from scratches and the damage caused by etching when you use acidic substances. It may not be the best choice for kitchen countertops that are frequently used. They are also stain-resistant but not stain-proof.
Enhancing
These sealers are recommended for older granite surfaces because they sink deep into the surface and leave a shiny, glossy look. This is helpful in reinvigorating old granite that has been used a lot, and that have dull surfaces. The good news is that most enhancing sealers are already formulated with protecting compounds, similar to what penetrating sealers would do.
But when it comes to enhancing sealers, since it will look wet after application, there’s no way that you can get it back to its original look after you’ve used it.
Topical
Topical sealers work the opposite way that penetrating sealers do. Rather than get soaked up by the granite’s pores to protect from within, topical sealers leave a barrier on the surface to effectively protect from etches, scratches, spills, and marks. They typically leave a shiny, glossy finish and are recommended for rough natural stone.
Keep in mind that topical sealers don’t bond efficiently with smooth surfaces, so don’t use it on granite countertops with a matte or honed finish. When using topical sealers, they also need to be resealed more often than impregnating sealers, and when you reseal, you have to strip off the previous coat of sealer first.
For these reasons, topical sealers are not recommended for use on countertops.
Those are the main kinds of granite sealers on the market, but here are other things to think about:
Finish: All the best granite countertop sealer formulas out there protect the surface in various ways, but they will finish either matte or glossy. You can also polish the surface before sealing it to make it shinier and give it a wet look.
Form: Granite countertop sealers are available in a myriad of forms. These include liquids, sprays, waxes, and polishes. Liquids are packaged in a jug, spray bottle or aerosol can, and these are the most effective for penetrating deep into the granite surface and enhancing its natural beauty.
Hydrophobic or oleophobic: Hydrophobic sealers prevent water absorption, while oleophobic sealers prevent both water and oil absorption. Hydrophobic sealers are recommended for bathroom countertops only though oleophobic sealers are a must for kitchen counters.
Best Granite Countertop Sealers to Purchase
There are many excellent granite countertops in the market, and best of all several of them can be ordered online hassle-free to be delivered to your doorstep by Amazon. Here are some examples:
- Â StoneTech BulletProof Sealer
- Â TriNova Granite Cleaner & Sealer
- Â Miracle Sealants Impregnator Sealer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it important to seal granite countertops?
Sealing granite countertops is necessary because it protects your investment in many ways. Once your countertop is sealed, they’re much easier to maintain and clean. It will give you a much more hygienic surface for your peace of mind because you know you’re working with a healthier, cleaner stone.
The pores in granite can harbor bacteria too, if it isn’t sealed. Additionally, sealed countertops are protected from the formation of cracks, where bacteria is likely to grow. Simply avoid using harsh chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, or acids when cleaning granite; a simple cleanse with mild soap and water is all you need to keep it clean.
Sealing also protects your granite from etching, which occurs when liquids or solids with high acidity are spilled and are not cleaned right away.
How often do you need to seal granite countertops?
Scheduling a reseal for your countertop will depend on some factors though experts recommend a reseal at least once per year. However, if you use the surface often, which is common among kitchen countertops, it may be best to reseal more frequently.
Some sealants in the market are designed to last a longer time than others, especially those that are formulated with advanced chemical technology such as nanotechnology and polymers. These have proven to be effective, long-lasting sealers that do a great job at protecting granite countertops for long periods of time.
The most important thing to keep in mind when figuring out your resealing schedule is to check the status of the surface. To do this, simply pour a tablespoon onto the surface of the counter. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then wipe the water away with a clean, dry cloth.  If you notice that the water has beaded up on the surface, it’s still sealed but if it’s been absorbed, it needs resealing.
Last but not least, do keep your granite countertops clean in between resealings. A proper cleaning is effective in preventing more damage. A good way to ensure that your granite countertop is clean is to use a sponge or washcloth with mild soap, then remove all food debris and traces of dirt.
If you notice any stains, make a paste combining water and baking soda then gently rub it into the affected area. Rinse thoroughly. The process may need to be repeated a few times to remove stubborn stains.
