Easy Process Of Stripping & Resealing Granite Countertops
Granite is surprisingly absorbent despite being hard. Synthetic surfaces like Corian, solid surface, or quartz countertops are frequently more useful than natural stone from a practical standpoint. Granite countertops are occasionally chosen by homeowners more for its natural beauty than for their practicality. One of the many simple tasks you must complete if you want to acquire this kind of countertop is sealing your granite. In fact, the need for sealing granite shouldn't come as a surprise. It is similar to any other natural substance. Stone has pores, and wood has its grain. Fortunately, sealing a granite countertop is simple. It only takes a few minutes and only needs a clean pad and granite sealant.
Tools & Materials Needed
- 5 Microfiber Pads
- 5 Microfiber Towels
- 1 Nylon Scrubbing Pad Or Fine Steel Wool
- 1 Bottle Granite Sealer
- 1 Bottle Granite Cleaner
Step 1: Strip Off Old Sealer
- The old sealer shouldn't need to be peeled off unless it is clingy, cloudy, or otherwise damaged. If you do need to remove old sealer, start by lightly rubbing with very fine steel wool. The previous sealer could also be removed with chemical strippers sprayed with a nylon cleaning pad.
Step 2: Test The Counter Surface Using Water And Oil
- Check to see if the countertop needs to be sealed. Place a few droplets of water on top of somewhere inconspicuous, like a counter corner, and a few inches away, put a few drops of oil. Check to see if the water or oil has soaked into the granite and discolored it after 15 minutes.
- If so, follow these guidelines for sealing a granite countertop. If not, the countertop is already sealed, therefore sealing it once more will not provide further protection, merely an unsightly film.
Step 3: Clean The Countertop
- Before sealing, clean the granite countertop, being careful to avoid using harsh commercial cleaners, vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, or bleach that could damage it. First, clear the counter of anything and thoroughly wipe it down with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to get rid of any surface dust.
- In a pint spray bottle, combine 1 teaspoon of dishwasher detergent with 2 teaspoons of isopropyl alcohol, then add cool water. Spray the countertop liberally, then use a microfiber cloth to clean it while polishing it in a circular motion.
- Wait 24 hours before moving forward: You must make sure that the cleaning liquid has completely evaporated because the granite sealant will penetrate the same space that the cleaning agent occupies.
Step 4: Prepare To Apply The Sealant
- To learn how to apply the granite sealer, carefully read the packaging. If our instructions differ from the label, follow the manufacturer's directions. For better ventilation, open the windows and doors in the area. Open windows in other parts of the room or in nearby rooms if it is raining rather than those that could let raindrops hit the tabletop.
Step 5: Test The Sealer In An Inconspicuous Spot
- Grab some soft rags or washcloths and put on a pair of rubber gloves. Test the sealant in an area often covered by a small kitchen appliance to make sure it won't harm the finish. Spray or pour a little amount onto a cloth in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, and then rub it uniformly over the test area.
- Wait the necessary amount of time for the granite's granite to absorb the sealant (usually 15 to 20 minutes, but sometimes much longer). Avoid letting it sit for any longer than the manufacturer advises to avoid staining the stone.
- Go to the next step if the sealant test area looks great. Clean rags should be used to remove any residual sealant if the counter surface has become discolored. Take a few pictures of the location, then ask a staff member at your neighborhood home center for suggestions on a better product. After purchasing a fresh sealant, clean the counter once more and test it in a hidden area.
Step 6: Seal The Countertop
- Apply the sealant to the entire counter starting at one end and working your way to the other if the test was successful. To ensure even covering, apply in portions in a circular motion (approximately an arm's length in diameter). Allow the product to absorb into the countertop for the period specified by the manufacturer.
Step 7: Wipe Off Excess Sealant And Allow It To Cure
- When the time for absorption is over, use a clean, dry rag to massage any remaining sealant off in a circular motion. Follow the directions if a second coat is necessary for some items. Allow the product to cure, which can take anywhere between two and forty-eight hours, if it only needs one coat.
- Nevertheless, before wiping a freshly coated granite countertop with anything wet, granite experts advise waiting a full 48 hours. Wait until after the curing period before putting items back on the counter.
Step 8: Regularly Clean Your Sealed Granite Countertop
- Organize your kitchen once the surface has totally dried. Keep your homemade cleanser in a spray bottle for occasional usage every month or two.
- A small amount of dish soap and a moist rag will perform an excellent job of daily cleaning. To keep your granite countertop looking excellent, make an effort to clean up spills right away and then dry the surface.