Granite countertops are a beautiful, unique addition to any kitchen. Granite is a high-quality material and is considered one of the toughest materials you can get for a countertop, right up there with marble and sandstone. But, although it is highly durable, it is still essential to take the proper steps to keep your countertops looking like new.
The main thing you should be doing to care for your granite countertops is to make sure they are sealed.
Why is it necessary to seal granite countertops?
It may seem like an unnecessary step to go through the sealing process with your countertops, especially because of their high durability, but these countertops are not indestructible. Granite is a porous material, meaning that it is possible for liquids and foods can seep into this material and cause stains.
On the other hand, if you have a well-sealed countertop, staining agents such as liquids will simply bead up on the countertop instead of seeping into your countertop.
What happens if you don’t seal your granite countertops?
If your countertops are not sealed, there are a few different agents that could harm your countertops. Some of these agents may be acidic cleaners and chemicals. Using these kinds of cleaners and chemicals over time can deteriorate the surface of your granite countertops.
In addition to highly acidic cleaners and chemicals causing harm, certain foods and liquids can also damage your granite countertops. Foods and liquids of deep color such as coffee, juice from fruits, and food coloring can seep into the pores of your countertops and leave unsightly stains. To avoid this, be sure to take proper care when sealing your countertops.
Just because granite is a tough, durable material, that does not take away the responsibility of properly protecting and sealing your countertops. Each granite countertop is beautiful and unique, and it is important to do your part to ensure that your countertops stay in great shape for as long as possible.
Do marble and quartz also need to be sealed?
Quartz does not need to be sealed. Because it is not a porous material, there is little risk of the same stains that can happen on granite.
Marble, like granite, should be sealed. It can be a softer and more porous material, making it more important to properly seal this material. Dirt and stains have a greater chance of seeping in this a material such as marble, so be sure to take proper care of this type of countertop.
Related Questions
How often should I seal my granite countertops?
Because each granite countertop is unique, the time frame for resealing your countertop may differ. But typically, resealing of your granite countertops should happen every 4 to 5 years. In addition, you should make sure your countertops are resealed with multiple layers of the sealant.
How can I know when I should reseal my granite countertops?
Typically, there are a few ways to know whether your countertops are ready to be resealed. One way to find out is to drop a few drops of water on your countertop. If the water is immediately absorbed into the countertop, rather than beading up and rolling off, it is likely that your countertops need resealing.
Also, another sign of needing your countertops resealed is if you start to notice stubborn stains accumulating. These stains can come from different foods, liquids, and cleaners that would usually come off properly sealed countertops. If you start to notice some of these signs on your countertops, then consider resealing your countertops soon.
In conclusion, it is in your granite countertop’s best interest to keep it properly sealed. In doing so, you will get much more use out of your countertops. The chance of your countertops deteriorating over time due to daily practice such as preparing food or cleaning is greatly lowered.
Wisconsin Granite Design in Oak Creek wants you to get the most out of your countertop solution. We also want you to have the countertops of your dreams. Our unique and vast selection of marble, quartz and granite are housed in our countertop store for you to browse and get inspired. If you are thinking of a kitchen or bathroom remodel, upgrading your countertops is a must! To get started, contact our designers for a Free Estimate, and watch your vision come to life.