Is granite already sealed when installed?

Most granite countertops will need a granite sealer at least on install. “Most” not “all”. Many granite countertop colors and patterns are dense enough that they never need sealing and don’t stain…. they just don’t absorb any liquid.

How do you know if your granite countertop needs to be resealed?

If the granite surface immediately takes in most of the water and develops a dark mark or ring, you need to seal it once every few months. If it takes a few minutes for your stone countertop to soak up all the water, you only need to seal it once every year or two.

Do granite countertops get sealed?

Most granite is very stain resistant and does not “require” sealing. However, sealing is an added precaution, and many fabricators and installers do recommend it. Quality Granite & Marble typically makes this determination, and applies sealer when needed.

Do granite countertops need to be sealed every year?

Many professionals recommend sealing granite countertops at least once each year. If you cook frequently in your kitchen and use the countertops daily, you might need to reseal the granite even more frequently. If you use chemicals on the granite that wear away or weaken the sealant, you will need to reseal more often.

What happens if you don’t reseal granite?

If you don’t use a granite sealer on your countertops (or you wait too long before resealing granite countertops), they will: Absorb food, grease, and liquids — causing set-in stains on your countertop. Absorb chemicals that are in cleaning products — which will discolor and damage your countertop over time.

Can you seal granite yourself?

The good news is sealing granite is an easy do-it-yourself project. Many homeowners seal their granite counters once or twice a year, although you can seal them more regularly if you wish because it is not possible to over-seal natural stone.

How much does it cost to reseal granite?

The national average materials cost to seal granite is $0.19 per square foot, with a range between $0.18 to $0.20. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $1.20, coming in between $0.77 to $1.63. A typical 120 square foot project costs $144.03, with a range of $92.54 to $195.51.

Does sealing granite make it shiny?

ANSWER: A sealer will not polish granite or make it shine. Standard impregnating sealers absorb into the stone and do not affect the color or surface finish, so you can rule out applying a granite sealer.

What happens if I don’t seal granite?

Stains from Water When granite and other types of natural stone are properly sealed, they repel liquids and prevent them from permeating into the stone. Without sealing, water will penetrate the stone and leave behind water marks, some small, some large, giving your stone a perpetually dirty appearance.

How do I know if my granite needs to be sealed?

You can regularly check if your granite is sealed by simply pouring water (about 3 inches in diameter) on the surface in several locations and letting it sit for 30 minutes. If the water beads, then the stone remains sealed. If a dark mark or ring appears, the water is penetrating the stone and it’s time to reseal.

How to know if granite was sealed before or not?

pour a tablespoon of regular tap water onto the counter and let it sit for 10-15 minutes

How often do I need to seal granite?

In general, granite countertops only need to be sealed about once a year, or even every 18 months. More porous granites, however, might benefit from slightly more frequent sealing. A good test is to leave a paper towel soaked in water or mineral oil on your countertop for a few minutes.

How often should granite be resealed?

According to Precision Stoneworks, the resealing schedule for a granite surface depends on the color of the granite. Once a year is sufficient for dark, dense stones, while light-colored granite may require resealing as often as every three months.