People love granite for more than its sleek, high-class look. Aside from aesthetics, a big benefit to selecting granite countertops in the kitchen and bathroom over alternative materials is its durability and resistance to staining. Even so, granite countertops are an investment — and you want to properly maintain any investment so that it looks great long term.
That said, in order to completely eliminate the likes of staining and damage from cleaning products, food, drinks, and more, sealing should be considered as an added measure. In fact, doing so is recommended by most fabricators and installers.
The good news is that it's fairly easy to seal granite countertops and there is a bevy of products out there to help you do it.
In other good news, these sealers typically only need to be applied every six months to one year, so it's not something you'll have to incorporate as part of your weekly household chores. Here's a closer look at the sealing process and the products to help you do it:
Before we get into some of the products to help you properly seal your granite countertops, here's a basic overview of how it's done:
Here's a look at some of the best granite sealers to properly seal your granite countertops with and directions on how to use them:
Step 1: Spray Granite Gold's sealer onto the countertop in sections of about 3 feet at a time. Immediately wipe the sealer into the granite in these 3-foot sections.
Step 2: Dry it with a lint-free cloth following application.
Step 3: For better protection, repeat the above steps two to three more times, waiting about 20 minutes between subsequent applications.
Step 1: Start by determining your granite surface type and then assessing the Dry-Treat application chart to ensure you're using the proper amount of solution.
Step 2: Ensure that the surface is dry (consider using a moisture meter to verify). Though optional, you can dab a rag with acetone and apply a final cleaning of the surface.
Step 3: With a lambswool applicator, begin to apply the solution in gentle strokes in one direction. Only apply as much solution is as necessary to lightly saturate the surface of the granite.
Step 4: Let the countertop dry for about 10 minutes and then apply a second coat if necessary. If you apply a second coat of sealer, apply it in a different direction than you did the first coat. For instance, assuming you used vertical strokes for your first coat, use horizontal ones for your second coat.
Step 5: After 10 minutes of applying your second coat, use a microfiber cloth to wipe off any excess sealer.
Step 1: Acquire an AKEMI application pad to apply the solution.
Step 2: Simply dip the AKEMI application pad into a pail of the solution and apply the Repellent Nano in either horizontal or vertical strokes.
Step 3: Wait 20 minutes following application and use a dry cloth to remove any excess sealer.
Step 1: Spray the granite countertop surface with TriNova in 3-foot sections and use a dry microfiber cloth to work it into the surface.
Step 2: Wait 1 to 2 minutes after application and wipe the countertops completely dry.
Step 1: Spray the granite countertop with Black Diamond and use a painting pad to spread the sealer across the countertop in either vertical or horizontal strokes until you achieve complete coverage. Work in 3-foot sections.
Step 2: After the sealer is worked in, use a microfiber cloth or paper towels to dry the countertop.
Step 1: Shake the Rock Doctor aerosol can, then hold it 6 to 8 inches away from the countertop and spray it evenly over the surface.
Step 2: Let the sealer stand for 2 minutes.
Step 3: Begin wiping the sealer in a circular motion across your granite countertop until it's evenly distributed.
Step 4: Let the sealer dry.
Step 1: Pour BulletProof sealer into a pan and gather a paintbrush, low-knap roller, or a low-pressure sprayer to apply an even coat to the countertop. Apply it in small sections.
Step 2: After you've applied the coat, let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Add another coat of the BulletProof sealer.
Step 4: Wipe the countertop dry of excess sealer with a microfiber cloth.
Step 1: Shake the bottle of sealer and then use a microfiber cloth to apply it to the countertop surface.
Step 2: Wait 3 to 5 minutes after application and apply a second coat (if necessary).
Step 3: After 30 minutes of your final application, use a dry cloth to wipe away any excess sealer.
Step 1: Spray the entire surface of the countertop with Weiman Granite Sealer until it is evenly wet and let sit for 5 minutes.
Step 2: After 5 minutes, use a towel or cloth to work in and remove any excess sealer. Wipe in a circular motion.
Step 3: Allow 4 to 6 hours for the counter to completely dry.
Step 1: Gather a plastic tray to hold the solution, a Miracle applicator tool, and a clean towel. Shake the 511 H20 thoroughly and then pour the solution into the tray.
Step 2: Using the Miracle applicator tool, apply the sealer in either horizontal or diagonal strokes.
Step 3: After application, let dry for 2 to 5 hours.
Step 4: If a second application is necessary, let it stand for up to 5 minutes, then wipe away the excess solution with your towel.
Step 1: Dab a cloth with the SimpleCoat so that it's dampened with the solution, and then apply the solution to the countertop. Apply it in a sweeping motion.
Step 2: Immediately after application, wipe the area with a dry cloth to remove excess solution.
Step 1: Apply small drops of Pro Sealer to the countertop and use either a foam applicator, paper towel, or cloth to spread it over the surface.
Step 2: Keep the countertop wet for 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 3: After 3 to 5 minutes, wipe the countertop dry with a microfiber cloth.
Step 1: Shake the can of Ager and tip it upside down into a cloth, then apply it to the countertop.
Step 2: Let the sealer sit for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Use a clean rag or paper towel to remove any excess solution.
Step 1: Shake well before use and then apply the solution to a microfiber pad, and wipe the pad onto the countertop.
Step 2: Spread the solution evenly over the countertop to avoid pooling.
Step 3: After application, wait 1 hour and apply a second coat if necessary.
Step 1: Shake before use and then apply a liberal amount of solution to the countertop surface using either a brush, cloth, roller, sprayer, or paint pad.
Step 2: Spread it evenly over the surface and then let the solution sit for 15 minutes.
Step 3: After 15 minutes, wipe away any excess sealer with a clean, dry cloth.
Step 1: Shake the can of Tenax ProSeal and apply it to a clean, dry cloth.
Step 2: Apply the solution evenly on the granite countertop surface.
Step 3: Take a separate clean, dry cloth and remove excess solution.
Step 1: Using a paint pad, roller, brush or light sprayer, apply the solution onto the countertop.
Step 2: Let the solution sit for 15 to 30 minutes following the application.
Step 3: Use a clean, dry rag to wipe the surface and remove excess solution.
Step 4: Apply a second coat if necessary.
