GRANITE SEALING INSTRUCTIONS

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your granite looks great and lasts as long as possible is to seal it properly. The varieties of sealers available, how to test your present seal, and how to reseal granite are all covered in this article.

Depending on your stone, you may need to seal it more frequently. A decent rule of thumb is once a year, but it's critical to test your seal on a regular basis.

SEALERS OF MANY TYPES

Coatings and penetrating sealers are the two types of sealers. On top of the granite, coating sealers form a protective layer. Penetrating sealers penetrate the stone's pores and form flexible molecular bonds. Penetrating sealers, such as Stone Care International's Granite & Stone Sealer, are more durable and give more comprehensive protection.

WHERE DO YOU GO TO TEST YOUR CURRENT SEAL?

A granite owner's ability to detect when a new seal is required is a necessary skill. The Water Seal Test is a simple test that will help you determine when it's time to replace your seal.

1. Pour a 3 inch diameter circle of water on several different parts of the surface. Allow 15 minutes for the water to soak.
   
2. If you notice a dark stain or ring on the stone, the water has penetrated it (don't panic, it will evaporate) and it's time to reseal it.
   
3. Make sure you've checked crucial sections of your countertop, like those near sinks or appliances, where liquid is most prone to collect.

Water on unsealed stone

Water on sealed stone

On unsealed stone, the water will darken and pool together. The water soaks into the pores of the stone, causing the discoloration. On sealed stone, on the other hand, water will sit on top of the surface.

GRANITE SEALING INSTRUCTIONS

Choose a sealer specifically formulated to penetrate and seal granite, such as Stone Care International's Granite & Stone Sealer, when it's time to reseal.

Remove all items from the area you want to seal, such as flower pots, vases, and other decorations, before you start. Before applying the sealant, make sure the surface is clean and fully dry. Prior to applying sealer, granite should be allowed to dry for around 12 hours. This is based on standard drying processes at room temperature. The ideal sealing temperature is at or above room temperature.

1. Shake the sealer bottle gently. Then, using a clean, dry Stone Care International Microfiber Cloth, apply the sealer to the surface, making sure it is completely soaked.
   
2. Wipe a thick application onto the surface to make it wet. While applying the sealer, it may appear to be foaming or bubbling. Do not wait for the first application to dry before applying the second. Apply extra sealer if the surfaces begin to dry.
   
3. Apply another thick coat 3-5 minutes after the initial application. For some hues, you'll need to repeat this process for more applications.
   
4. Wipe off the excess sealer with a microfiber cloth 30 minutes after the final application. If any excess sealer dries on the surface and causes haze, apply more sealer to that area and wipe it up quickly.
   
5. After the application process is complete, allow the surface to dry for 24 hours. This allows the seal to fully cure and bind with the stone's pores.
   
6. Perform a water test on all key areas of the surface after 24 hours.
   

Notes & Suggestions for Sealing

• In some places, reseal every 6-12 months and as needed.
  
• If you obtain excess sealer on fixtures or undesired locations, wipe it away promptly if you can. Otherwise, reactivate the mixture with more sealer, then wipe it away.
  
• At least two treatments are required for the countertop edges. Make sure the sink lips are sealed. Seal the borders until no water is absorbed.
  
• We recommend using the Stone Care International Granite & Stone Sealer Pour Bottle or a pump sprayer to apply the sealer to floors or particularly large countertops.
  
• Some hues will necessitate further application.
  
• Stones with colour enhancements, such as resinated granite, should be protected in the same way.
  
• Because it penetrates below the surface and protects from within, the sealer will have no influence on the granite's finish and will not leave a sheen.