The importance of sealing granite countertops

Granite is perhaps the most durable and luxurious countertop option. The hardest natural material after diamond, natural granite stone provides a highly stain resistant surface, impervious to scratches and burns. However, the most common misperception about granite countertops is that they are easy to stain and retain bacteria.  There is some truth to this as the crystals in granite harbor “good” bacteria which allow water to rise to the surface of the stone and evaporate. This is not the same as “bad” bacteria such as those causing food borne illnesses, which can be taken care of with good hygiene, as with all countertop surfaces.  The purpose of sealing granite countertops is to fill down into the natural fissures of the stone and prevent harmful substances such as wine, oil and lemon juice from penetrating and staining them.

As a result we do not use epoxy based sealants such as those used on wood to seal granite. The best sealant is a soap and water based, low VOC (volatile organic compound) formulation, which will soak down into the stone and not sit on the surface, preventing the countertop from breathing. In addition, sealing a countertop will help to prevent the build-up of oils and particles on the surface of the counter which evaporate from cooking in the kitchen (you do cook in your beautiful kitchen, don’t you… :-)

The process of sealing granite is very easy. It just requires sealant, and some elbow grease! Pour the crème based sealant onto the surface and be prepared to buff away with a dry cloth until all excess has been removed. At Artelye Marble & Granite, our dedicated installation experts will apply the first treatment of sealant when your countertops are installed.  You will simply repeat the process twelve months and twenty four months later. After three applications, there is enough sealant penetrated in the stone, to permanently seal it against stains and water marks.

Not convinced? Artelye Marble & Granite also offers a one-time sealing process with our proprietary sealant that needs never be repeated and comes with a 20 year limited lifetime warranty. What could be simpler? So don’t forget to ask your Artelye representative for the “StoneAssure™” lifetime sealing treatment*, and never worry about staining again!