Granite countertops are beautiful and can last forever with the proper care. Depending on the type of granite, it can range from 6 to 7 on the hardness scale with diamond being at 10. Due to the hardness or strength of granite, it is a very durable material. However, even the strongest materials need maintenance. Granite requires proper maintenance to ensure it doesn’t decay or prematurely wear down. Carpet Care 2000 will share how to properly care for granite and when to reseal to ensure its longevity.
Is Sealing Granite Countertops Necessary?
As a general rule, granite countertops greatly benefit from professional cleaning and resealing at least once a year. Most people use their countertops daily, which exposes the protective sealer to a lot of abuse. Since countertops undergo a lot of use, it is important that they are properly maintained. Granite countertops use a polymer and nanotechnology which ensures the sealer will last an extended period of time. With a good sealer over the granite, keeping the countertops clean is simple enough. When cleaning countertops that are properly sealed, they only require mild soap and water to remove any surface gunk.
How Often Do You Have to Seal Granite Countertops?
There are certain factors to consider when determining how often to seal the granite. One is the color of your granite. Darker colored granite such as Black Pearl, Indian Coffee Brown, and Tan Brown are more dense and is higher on the hardness scale. Darker colored granite can go longer in between resealing the granite. However, lighter colored granite will require more frequent resealing as they are softer and more prone to stains and decay. Depending on the sealer you apply to the countertop, some can last 3 years instead of 1 year. However, the longer the sealer life, the more expensive they tend to be. Some of the higher grade and longer lasting sealers are Stonetech and Bullet Proof Sealant which are manufactured by DuPont. Another consideration is the ongoing care of the granite. If using a high grade sealer and routinely cleaning of the countertop with Revitalizer you can extend the need for resealing even longer. Revitalizer is a liquid cleaner that is mixed with a sealant that helps to restore weakened areas on the countertop, renewing the sealer each time it is cleaned.
Granite Water Drop Test
Sealer can wear away under a number of different circumstances. This is why you should never leave anything to chance. It is recommended to test your sealer on your granite once a month. Testing the granite sealer is simple enough and doesn’t take too much effort. All you need to do is put a few drops of water on the frequently used areas on your granite. Wait five to ten minutes and wipe the water away. If the granite looks damp within the stone, you need to reseal your granite. If water is in the stone this means the sealer is no longer protecting the surface and is vulnerable to erosion.
Natural Stone & Manmade Tile Cleaning, Sealing & More in Tracy, Livermore, San Ramon, Dublin, Mountain House, Walnut Creek, Danville & the East Bay of California
If your granite needs to be professionally cleaned and resealed, contact Carpet Care 2000. We provide natural stone care and more. To schedule our services, contact Carpet Care 2000 today!
