GRANITE COUNTERTOPS: IS SEALING YOUR COUNTERTOP NECESSARY?
Granite is a durable and beautiful natural stone that comes in a wide array of colors. It’s a popular countertop choice in many homes because of its durability and heat resistance. With granite countertops being installed into 64% of new homes built in America, it’s clear that people love granite. But despite it being a go-to countertop choice, many consumers wonder if sealing their granite countertops is necessary. Before we dive into the specifics of whether or not to seal granite, here’s what you need to know about granite countertops.
WHY ARE GRANITE COUNTERTOPS SO POPULAR?
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Granite is a highly durable igneous stone formed from magma beneath the Earth’s surface. Its durability makes it resistant to the kind of everyday wear-and-tear that can make kitchen counters lose their visual appeal.
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Granite is heat resistant and ideally suited for use in kitchens. Even placing a hot pot or pan on your granite countertop will not damage it.
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Granite is easy to clean, especially when it is properly sealed with a product that makes it resistant to stains.
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Granite is beautiful and will retain its shine after years of use. It also comes in a variety of beautiful colors. While it doesn’t have the dramatic “veins” that characterize marble, it sometimes sparkles with flecks of different colors.
We like granite countertops for their durability, beauty and function. They cost more than laminate or tile countertops, but they also can last for years longer than less-expensive alternatives.
WHY IS SEALING YOUR GRANITE COUNTERTOP NECESSARY?
First, sealing will protect your granite countertops from absorbing oils and liquids – some of which may stain. For example, if you were to spill wine, oil, fruit juice or even water on an unsealed granite countertop, you would run the risk of causing a permanent stain.
The right sealant, such as SimpleCoat, will protect your granite countertops and prevent staining, allowing you to retain their natural beauty over time.
Second, sealing will make your countertops easier to clean. While granite does not naturally attract dirt, accumulated dirt can discolor and even stain the granite. The right sealant will allow you to clean your granite countertops quickly and easily.
Finally, sealing your granite countertops can help to bring out their natural beauty. Granite will retain its polish after years of use, but if you want your countertops to look their best, it’s a good idea to seal them, and make sure the seal is maintained over time.
When choosing a granite countertop sealer, make sure to pick one that is nontoxic and food safe, since you’ll likely be using it in your kitchen. Selecting a product without harsh chemicals will ensure it’s safe to be used around your family and pets.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU SEAL YOUR GRANITE COUNTERTOP?
If you have granite countertops in your home, it’s important to know when and how often you should apply a sealing product.
Let’s start with installation. When your countertops are installed, you should seal all granite surfaces prior to the installation of appliances. That’s because some of the surfaces and edges may be impossible to reach once your appliances are in place.
If you bought a home with granite countertops already in place, you don’t need to worry about the spots you can’t reach. Simply seal your countertops before you move in. Select a quality, nontoxic sealer that’s easy to apply and doesn’t require curing or drying time so you can get your countertops protected fast.
After your first application of sealer, we recommend resealing the granite countertops in your kitchen as often as needed to maintain a beautiful and protective finish. The frequency depends upon the use and wear of the granite, but every six months to a year is a good rule of thumb. Regular application will ensure that your countertops always look their best and are protected against spills, stains, and other damage.
To save money and time, you may want to select a sealer that can work on a variety of surfaces in addition to your granite countertops, such as:
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Stainless steel appliances and decorative items
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Stone countertops, including marble, travertine, quartzite, and more
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Leather, sealed wood and plastic surfaces
Investing in granite countertops is a good idea due to their durability and beauty – and sealing your countertops is the best way to protect them and maintain the natural beauty of the stone.
CONCLUSION
Granite countertops make a beautiful addition to any kitchen or bathroom. If properly cared for, they will remain beautiful for years to come. The key is to seal them with a safe and nontoxic product to retain their natural beauty, depth of color, and glossy finish.
