Sealing granite countertops yourself will save you money and ensure they stay beautiful and functional for years to come.
Brie Williams
Before Getting Started
It’s possible that yourgranite countertopsare already sealed.
For new countertops, this might have been completed by the stone supplier.
Credit:Brie Williams
For new-to-you countertops, it could have been done by the previous owners.
If you’re unsure, it’s possible for you to test granite to see if it’s sealed.
A few inches from the water, apply a drop of cooking oil.
Wipe away any excess liquid after 15 minutes and inspect the areas.
However, if either liquid left a ring or dark spot, the granite needs to be sealed.
Thoroughly scrub the countertop with a sponge and a mixture of warm water and dish soap.
If you notice dirt or residue on the cloth, the countertop is still dirty.
Clean the granite until no residue shows on the cloth.
Dry Granite Countertops
Dry the granite with a microfiber cloth.
Allow the countertop to air dry for at least 24 hours.
Refrain from using the countertop or sink in the meantime.
If the sealant passes the test, continue with the steps below.
Solvent-based sealants off-gas more VOCs than water-based varieties, requiring more ventilation.
Apply the Sealant
Apply the sealant to the granite countertops evenly.
Let the Sealant Cure
Allow the newly-sealed granite to fully cure before putting anything on its surface.
Avoid cleaning granite with harsh chemical cleaners like bleach andacidic cleaners like vinegarand lemon juice.
To help prevent staining, wipe up spills immediately.
Reseal your granite regularly, using the specified resealing times on your sealant of choice as a guide.
Oftentimes, standard solvent-based sealants should be applied every 1-2 years, but higher-quality products may last 3-5 years.
