Granite is still one of the most popular countertop choices for today’s kitchens and bathrooms. Because granite is an expensive item and one that you probably don’t intend to replace, you will want to take care of it so that you can enjoy it for many years to come.

You may be asking yourself, why is a sealer needed for a hard stone like granite? Granite is actually semi-porous and if left unsealed, stains can penetrate deep into the stone. Using a sealer allows the sealer to penetrate deep into the pores of the granite, filling them so that stains cannot penetrate  those pores.

Keep in mind that not all sealers are the same. There are topical sealers and penetrating sealers. To get the best job, you want to use a penetrating sealer.  A penetrating sealer fills the pores of the granite so that when a stain tries to fill those pores it can’t because the sealer is already there blocking the pores.

With granite sealers, you get what you pay for. Look for sealers with the longest warranty and generally the highest price tag. The higher priced sealers usually are better quality. Cheaper sealers can require more coats and more frequent applications.

The good news is, sealing granite is something you can do yourself. There are no tools needed, just the sealer, a clean cloth and your time. However, if doing it yourself is not your thing, you can certainly hire a professional to do it for you.

Like carpet cleaning, granite needs to be sealed annually. It’s easy to forget until you see stains that can have already caused permanent damage. You need to reseal every year because normal use and cleaning dissolves the sealer. For kitchens with high traffic and use, sealing may be required bi-annually.

How can you tell if you need to reseal? Simply pour some water on your countertop. If after half an hour your countertop does not turn dark, then your sealer is still working.

Protecting your investment is easy. Call your local retailer today to find the best sealing product for you. If you have another natural stone besides granite that needs sealing, there are products available for those as well.