How to Seal Granite Countertops
Written by Katie Hinkle | DENVER, CO | March 14th, 2019
Granite countertops, much like marble, sandstone, slate, and other natural stone material, are resistant to stains and are much easier to clean when they are sealed properly.
Choosing the Right Sealant
The deeper the sealant penetrates into the surface of the material, the better the countertop will resist stains and keep out bacteria. For this reason, look for products known as impregnating stone sealers. These impregnators are water- or solvent-based solutions that penetrate below the surface and become repellents. They are generally hydrophobic (water-repelling) as well as oleophobic (oil-repelling). Impregnators keep contaminants out, but does not stop the interior moisture from escaping. These products are considered “breathing” which means they have vapor transmission. The top-rated product in this class is the Tenax Hydrex Impregnating Stone Sealer .
Features Needed for a Good Sealer
Usable on all stone surfaces
Coverage of 16-180 square feet per quart
Dries invisible without altering stone color
Dries in 5-10 minutes
The result is a surface that repels water-based liquids and oils
How to Seal Granite Countertops (and other natural stones)
Here’s what to do:
When properly sealed with an impregnating product, the surface of the natural stone will repel moisture and oil, virtually eliminating the risk of stains.
However, it is still necessary to dry spills on the countertop and properly clean oil from it. No matter what type of impregnating sealer is used, always follow the instructions on the container. The result will be lasting beauty and durability for years to come!
Go Back Choosing the Right Sealant
The deeper the sealant penetrates into the surface of the material, the better the countertop will resist stains and keep out bacteria. For this reason, look for products known as impregnating stone sealers. These impregnators are water- or solvent-based solutions that penetrate below the surface and become repellents. They are generally hydrophobic (water-repelling) as well as oleophobic (oil-repelling). Impregnators keep contaminants out, but does not stop the interior moisture from escaping. These products are considered “breathing” which means they have vapor transmission. The top-rated product in this class is the Tenax Hydrex Impregnating Stone Sealer .
Features Needed for a Good Sealer
Usable on all stone surfaces
Coverage of 16-180 square feet per quart
Dries invisible without altering stone color
Dries in 5-10 minutes
The result is a surface that repels water-based liquids and oils
How to Seal Granite Countertops (and other natural stones)
Here’s what to do:
- Clean the surface of the natural stone with a mild kitchen cleaner or any cleaning product designed for that type of stone. Allow the countertop to complete dry.
- When dry, use another clean, dry, line-free cloth to apply the sealer.
- Wet the cloth with the impregnating sealer and wipe the sealer onto the surface of the counter.
- Allow 5 to 10 minutes for the first coat to dry.
- Repeat steps 3-4 to apply a second coat. When the second coat is dry, the natural stone countertop is sealed. The full repellant effect is achieved within 24 hours, so wait a day before preparing food on the countertop.
When properly sealed with an impregnating product, the surface of the natural stone will repel moisture and oil, virtually eliminating the risk of stains.
However, it is still necessary to dry spills on the countertop and properly clean oil from it. No matter what type of impregnating sealer is used, always follow the instructions on the container. The result will be lasting beauty and durability for years to come!