Seal the deal on an immaculate kitchen
Professional granite sealing costs over $100, but it is the best way to protect your investment.
You can try DIY sealing for as little as $15, but make sure you choose the proper sealant for your specific stone.
Don’t seal damaged granite, as water and debris can still get into any chips or cracks despite the sealant.
When you hire a countertop pro to seal your granite, they can bundle repairs into the cost to make your granite as good as new.
Granite countertops are a popular choice in kitchens because of their durability and the numerous color options to match most aesthetics. But unsealed granite is susceptible to staining and damage, quickly turning your high-end kitchen into a dirty mess. This guide explains how to seal granite countertops properly to keep your kitchen looking fresh.
There are many notable benefits of granite countertops, including durability, sustainability, and heat resistance. However, sealing them is necessary to keep them looking good for longer. Granite is a porous stone that can soak up liquids if improperly sealed. A small spill—especially something dark-colored like red wine, grape juice, or coffee—can become a permanent stain.
Experts recommend sealing granite countertops every one to five years to keep the surface stain-resistant and durable. Regularly sealing the countertops helps the surface maintain its sheen, prevents the stone countertop from etching, and stops spills from turning into stains.
On average, granite countertops cost $100 or more to seal when a professional installs them. Maintenance sealing will cost less; all you’ll need is the sealant, which can cost as little as $15, and microfiber cloths to apply the sealant and wipe off any excess product.
Here’s a simple test to check the surface’s seal: In an inconspicuous area, pour a small amount of water in one spot and a small amount of oil in another. Leave the liquids on the countertop for 15 minutes, then check back. If you notice a dark stain or ring around the spill, the countertop isn’t properly sealed. If the liquid sits on top of the counter and doesn’t leave a mark when wiped away, the countertop is sealed adequately.
These tips will help you restore the surface to its former glory.
There are two sealant types to consider: water-based and solvent-based.
Water-based sealants are the more eco-friendly option as they contain fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than solvent-based sealants, but on the flip side, they need to be reapplied more frequently (every six to 12 months). They are also the most affordable option.
Solvent-based sealants are longer-lasting than water-based and may not require reapplication for five to 10 years because they’re better at penetrating the granite. They are more expensive, but the cost may be comparable over time. Solvent-based sealants can emit a strong odor because they contain more VOCs, which makes them less eco-friendly than water solvents. Open windows when applying solvent-based sealants to limit the amount of VOCs you inhale.
The countertop must be completely clean and dry before you apply the sealant. To clean granite countertops, wipe away any debris, then wash it thoroughly with warm water and dish soap. Use a scrubbing sponge to clean any stuck-on grime. Wipe the countertop thoroughly with a microfiber cloth and repeat the process until the cloth is completely clean after wiping.
The next step is to test your chosen sealant in an inconspicuous countertop area, like a hidden corner. Apply a small amount of sealant to this area and wait 15 to 20 minutes to let it absorb into the granite. If the area looks good, apply the sealant to the entire countertop surface. However, if the test area appears discolored, it's best to try a different sealant.
Using a microfiber cloth, apply the sealant to the countertop in a circular motion to work it into the granite’s grains. Leave the sealant on the countertop for the amount of time the manufacturer recommends and let it fully permeate the surface. Then, wipe off any excess sealant with a clean, dry cloth. If the sealant requires a second coat, repeat the entire process.
Check the sealant’s label to see how long the manufacturer recommends letting the surface cure before using it. The manufacturer may say to wait as little as two hours or as much as 48 hours. However, granite countertop experts recommend waiting as long as possible to let the surface cure, so leave it for two full days if possible.
Granite countertops are durable and attractive, but you must take proper care of them to keep them that way. Here’s how to keep your countertops in tip-top shape.
Wipe spills up immediately with a microfiber cloth.
Remove sticky stains by dipping a cloth in hot water, placing it on the stain, letting it sit, and wiping it away with a clean cloth.
Clean the surface regularly using a soft cloth and a cleaner designed for granite countertops.
Make a kitchen cleaning checklist to ensure you keep up with countertop maintenance.
Protect the surface by using placemats and coasters for dinner plates and drinks.
Use hot pads or trivets underneath hot pans to prevent burn marks.
Use chopping boards for food prep, and never chop items directly on the granite.
Avoid using acidic cleaners like lemon juice or vinegar, as these can damage the surface.
Seal the countertops every six months to five years, depending on the type of sealant you use.
Based on responses from 8,700 Angi customers, countertop repairs are most commonly requested to fix damage such as chips and cracks, which account for 38.5% of requests. Maintenance-related services are also frequent, including sealing (15.3%), polishing (14.3%), and cleaning (8.4%). This data shows that homeowners not only address damage when it occurs but also actively maintain their countertops to keep them looking their best.
Sealing granite countertops is a DIY-friendly project. Granite countertop sealant costs between $15 to $65, depending on whether you choose a more affordable water-based sealant or a higher-priced solvent-based one. The sealant and a microfiber cloth are all you need for this project.
However, you can hire a pro to seal your countertops if you prefer. A stone countertop pro near you can recommend the best sealant for your countertop and apply it correctly. While in your home, they can also perform any necessary repairs on your countertop. Granite countertop repairs cost between $200 and $1,200, depending on the type and extent of the damage. The pro might recommend replacing your countertops if the damage is severe.
Mayflower was an excellent choice for the complete renovation of my condominium. They knew exactly how to deal with the complexities of the condo building and management to make the project very smooth, easy and done right. From start to finish, everyone was incredibly helpful and their...
Mayflower Construction GroupHe requested I review his service, so I am following through. This week was the second service. I told him that our particular needs were that the trash cans in the living room, kitchen, and my bedroom be emptied. I explained what should go in recycling and which should go in garbage bin...
Nice, Clean, & Tidy Home Cleaning With LoveTony was very professional and personable. He explained the damage he saw and reassured me the work to be performed. On the day of the visit he was punctual, courteous and exceeded my expectations while sharing information.
Alb Best Way ConstructionWe contracted NY Galaxy General Contracting to complete a recent, entire home renovation, this included bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathrooms. The project was seamless and completed just in time.I highly recommend them as they are extremely professional and truly care about their...
NY Galaxy General Contracting, Inc.Alex and his crew are great! I contracted them to move my dad and they went above and beyond!
State to State Movers, LLCMy experience with this company did not start off 5 stars, but it certainly ended that way. Sam reached out to me and showed me that All Complete Construction does care about their customers. He listened to my complaints, understood my frustration, and went above and beyond to make it right....
All Complete Construction, LLCExcellent sales staff and installer. Easy to work with. I appreciated that my current system was able to be activated and used.
Visually SoundWe didn't have to put down a deposit, and they did a fantastic job landscaping the front and rear! I appreciate it!
Kustomized Kurbing of SWFL, Inc.I needed a kitchen and bathroom remodeling and these guys were the best people I could choose. They took my vision and brought it to life! Amazing customer service.
Expo Contracting CorpFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Explore how much concrete countertops cost to install based on factors like their size, thickness, location, finish, and labor rates.
Discover the cost of installing laminate countertops, including how their size, material, and finish impact your total price.
If you’re looking to refinish your countertops, epoxy will make them shine for years to come. This guide will help you budget for epoxy countertop costs.
You're ready for a kitchen makeover and have chosen laminate. Learn how to install laminate countertops in this guide.
When you’re working on a kitchen remodeling project, you’ll need to make a big decision regarding your countertops: bar height vs counter height.
If you're a handy homeowner, learn how to make concrete countertops to create that contemporary kitchen character on a shoestring budget.
