Everybody knows that granite is a very durable material. However, when you seal the slab, you add extra protection making it almost stainproof.
Nevertheless, most sealers need to be reapplied at some point, that’s why a lot of people look for a way of sealing granite countertops permanently.
Every homeowner’s dream is a maintenance-free countertop to ensure that their investment is protected forever, but is this possible? In this article, you’re about to find out if sealing granite countertops permanently is possible or not.
A high-quality seal is important to preserve the beauty of your granite countertop, even that may not be enough to keep your from doing some maintenance work on it. Do you want to know more? Then check out our definitive guide on granite countertops!
Sealing granite countertops permanently: is it possible?
The answer is yes, you can permanently seal your granite and that will give you a completely maintenance-free countertop. Permanent sealers work with a couple of coats, unlike other types of sealers, there is no need to reapply the product ever again.
When you apply permanent sealer on your countertop, they go deeper and seal below the surface, the sealing substance is delivered inside the stone by natural absorption and that’s why it is permanent.
The best granite sealers for permanent results are fluorocarbon alphatic resin ones, unlike common types of sealers, they don’t evaporate or weaken. And because of the permanent results, usually, these types of sealers cost more when compared to regular ones.
Does every countertop need to be sealed?
When you seal your countertops you protect the stone and reduce the porosity, that’s why sealing is a great way to protect the granite from stains and scratches. But, not every slab needs to be sealed.
Granite is a natural material, which means every slab is unique, so the porosity is not the same for every piece, not even in slabs cut from the same rock. Usually, darker pieces are less porous than lighter ones, so they don’t need sealing, but that’s not a rule.
The best way to see if your countertop needs to be sealed is by doing the water test, which is pretty simple and fast. All you need is to pour some water (¼ cup is enough) and see how much time it takes for the water to be absorbed.
After doing the test, you can use this chart below to see if you need to seal your countertop:
- If it is absorbed in less than 10 minutes: You need to seal it immediately.
- If it is absorbed in 15 minutes: You also need to seal, but one coat of sealant should be enough.
- If it is absorbed in 30 minutes or doesn’t absorb: You don’t need to seal your countertop.
If you have any more questions about sealing granite, we have an article that can be very useful!
Benefits from sealing your countertop permanently
Less cost
Permanent sealers cost more at first, but since the results are permanent, you never have to reseal your countertops again, so the long-term cost is way less when compared to regular sealers.
Protection
Since the sealer is permanent, you don’t need to worry about dullness and stains forever, the sealer will prevent oil, water, and other contaminants from getting absorbed and leaving behind mineral deposits.
Minimal maintenance
Cleaning granite countertops becomes easier when they’re sealed, and if you do that permanently, this means you don’t have to put too much effort into scrubbing or using harsh chemicals to clean them ever again.
Another pro is that the cleaning time will be shorter because once the granite is sealed, all the dirt and debris can be wiped off more easily.
Less etching
Etching is a chemical reaction that occurs when acidic foods or liquids are spilled on the counter and not cleaned up immediately, which causes dulling of the surface. The longer you let the granite exposed to these elements, the more severe the etching. If you seal your granite permanently, the damage will be reduced if any spills occur.
How to seal granite countertops?
Sealing is a very simple process. All you need to seal properly is a high-quality sealer and a good method for cleaning before the process. If you want more information, we have an article that can help you!
However, always keep in mind that hiring a professional to do the work is a guarantee of quality and best results. If you live around Sarasota, FL, you can trust our team at Eagle Stones to be of assistance with anything countertop-related. Just reach out to us and our stone and granite experts will be happy to assist you!
