Do you have granite countertops at home and are looking for a guide on how to strip and reseal granite countertops for your kitchen? If you do, then the best thing you can do for your countertops is to strip the old sealer and then reseal your granite countertop. Of course, that is not easy to do, which is why you must know what you have to do.
So, if you want to strip and reseal your granite, you have come to the right place. Here is a complete guide on how to strip and reseal granite countertops in your home.
The Top Sealer Stripping Methods
Of course, the first thing you need to do to your granite countertops is to remove the previous sealer. There are two fantastic methods you can use for this, which include chemical and mechanical. As the name suggests, the chemical method uses a chemical stripper for sealer removal.
On the other hand, the mechanical method involved sanding or grinding the sealer to remove it from the granite countertop. Remember that many people make the mistake of using a wire brush during this process. However, it can make it even more challenging to remove the sealer.
Besides that, if you are using the mechanical method, you will face a few issues. That is because it can easily damage your granite to the point where it can look dull and old. So, the granite is prone to damage during the mechanical method.
Finally, you must not use anything that is harder than your fingernail paid to remove the sealer from your counter. Now that you know the top methods, let’s move on to understanding the options you have.
Three Types Of Chemical Strippers
The best method you can do is to use a chemical stripper to remove the sealer from your granite countertops. There are three types of chemical strippers you can use for this process. That includes solvent-based chemical strippers, caustic chemical strippers, or biochemical strippers.
1. Using A Solvent-Based Stripper For Sealer Removal
In the chemical stripper world, the most common and popular stripper is solvent-based. That is because you only need a small amount of stripper, and they work quickly to remove the sealer in no time. Therefore, we recommend that you use a solvent-based stripper, Methylene-chloride-based, as it is universal and will work in a fantastic manner.
That is because such a chemical stripper can work with countertops of all thicknesses and varieties. Besides that, it will also work great when it is wet. Once you are done using this stripper, you need to scrub your granite with water and soap.
After that, you must rinse it with clean water. We recommend that you can also use a high-pressure washer for this process. The solvent-based stripper is the most useful when you use it in cool conditions because the heat and wind result in rapid evaporation, which can slow down the stripping process.
2. Using A Biochemical Stripper For Sealer Removal
The second option you have for sealer removal is the biochemical stripper. It is relatively new, but it is gaining immense popularity in recent times among professionals. That is because these sealer removers have a low impact on the environment, and they are manufactured using natural plant material.
You will find that such a stripper does not include any additives, harsh caustic chemicals, or even solvents. The most significant ingredients that exist in the biochemical strippers are made of acids that you can easily obtain from plants. That is why professionals will recommend you to use this stripper, especially in environmentally sensitive areas.
The best part about this stripper is that it is easy to use, and the odor is not at all offensive. Besides that, it remains on the granite till you remove the sealer, and it is less aggressive as compared to other sealer strippers. So, you can also consider using this to remove the sealer from your granite countertops.
3. Using A Caustic Stripper For Sealer Removal
The final option you have is to use a caustic stripper for sealer removal. These strippers are made using power alkaline chemicals. Because the caustic stripper is alkaline in nature, it will easily destroy the coating film of the sealer.
Once that happens, you can easily remove the sealer from the countertop in no time. Unfortunately, the caustic stripper is the least popular sealer removal method among professionals.
What Sealer Removal Stripper Should You Use?
By now, you must be wondering which sealer stripper to use among these three. Of course, there are a few factors you must consider when it comes to deciding what chemical stripper to use. The first factor you need to consider is the type of sealer you are trying to remove from your granite countertop.
That is because once you know the type of sealer, it will help you match the stripper’s strength with the sealer’s strength. For example, the high-performance sealers on your granite countertop can be removed easily and quickly using a solvent-based stripper.
On the other hand, if you have an incredibly thick sealer on your granite, then it will be easy to remove it with a caustic or biochemical stripper. So, be sure to check the type of sealer on your granite countertop so that you can easily remove it without any hassle.
Also Read : Granite Vs. Porcelain Countertops
How To Seal Granite Countertops With 511 Impregnator?
Now that you know what sealer strippers will work and how you can remove them easily, it is time to learn how you can reseal your granite countertops. After all, you need to protect them to prevent any liquid from seeping in. The key is to maintain your countertop even if you are done resealing it.
That is because the maintenance will ensure that your granite countertops last a long time to come. So, if you are looking to reseal your granite, you are in the right place. Here is a step-by-step guide you can follow to easily reseal your granite countertops with 511 impregnators:
1. A Countertop Check
Of course, the first thing you must do is check if your countertop needs resealing after stripping off the sealer. You can check this by pouring some water on the countertop. Once you do, let the water be for half an hour.
After that, you must use a soft cloth to wipe the water and then look at your granite countertop. If the granite is darker where you poured the water, then it indicates that it requires resealing. So, if that is the case and it requires resealing, you must move on to the next step.
2. Clean The Granite Countertop
Before resealing your granite countertop, you must ensure that it is clean. You can use a sprayer to clean the surface. After that, you can also buff the granite to remove any residues such as finger oils, debris, and grime.
These residues block the sealer from effectively going into the granite top. That is why you need to buff the countertop in such a way that it is completely dry once you are done. Once you are done, you can leave the countertop for at least an hour so that all the moisture can easily evaporate.
3. Pour The 511 Impregnator
Now that you are done cleaning the granite countertop, and it is completely dry, it is time for you to pour the 511 impregnator. Be sure to open your kitchen windows during this process and turn on the fan so that the air can easily flow in the room. Put your sealer in a wide bowl and then pour it on your granite.
Remember that it is normal for a strong 511 impregnator sealer to leave an odor you will not like in your home. That is why opening the windows and fans is a crucial step that will guarantee the unpleasant smell does not remain in your kitchen.
4. Brush The 511 Impregnator
Once you are done pouring the 511 impregnator, you need to get your hands on a soft-bristled brush. You can use this brush to dip into the sealer and check if it is completely saturated. Be sure to apply the sealer on the countertop by pressing the granite foam accurately but firmly.
You need to start from the back of the countertop as you pull the brush towards you in delicate strokes that overlap one another. It is crucial that you get to the countertop’s edge together with the edge of the kitchen sink’s interior. Doing this will ensure the proper resealing of your granite countertop.
5. Give It Some Time
After step four is over, you need to give the 511 impregnator some time to easily absorb itself into the granite countertops. That is because you need to let the sealer penetrate so that it can create a protective barrier on your countertop. It will protect your granite against liquids, such as oils, grease, water, and more.
After ten minutes have passed by, you need to use the absorbent cloth and wipe off any excess sealer remaining on the granite. Be sure to ensure that the granite has dried. You must use a gentle touch during this process.
6. Don’t Use The Countertop For Two Days
After resealing your countertop and letting it dry, it is crucial that you don’t use the granite countertop for at least two days. It will ensure that your countertop has absorbed the sealer completely and will make the granite hard again. It is also important that you read the instructions of your 511 impregnator and check how long you need to leave your counter be.
What Will Happen If You Don’t Reseal Your Granite Countertops?
A kitchen is the heart of a home, which is why it is crucial to keep everything looking healthy and clean. If you want your granite countertops to be stain-free and look fantastic, then you will have to reseal them in the long run. After all, if the original sealant is broken down, the granite will become highly porous.
Because of this, it will easily absorb any liquids and stains that fall onto it. Even if you quickly clean up the spill on unsealed granite, it will not matter as the damage will already have been done. Besides that, if you have granite in your bathroom, then the moisture from the air can also easily seep into the stone and leave marks.
Because of all these reasons, it is important to reseal the granite after the original sealant has been worn off. You need to protect your granite countertop by resealing it so that it can last you a long time to come. Once you do, you will get a high value for your money in the long run.
How Long Should I Take Before Resealing The Granite?
After the first time, you have resealed your granite countertop, it will be good for one to five years. Of course, that depends on the granite and its porosity. However, you will not need to reseal it often, which is why it is something you have to do every few years.
So, be sure to let your sealer be and take good care of the granite. Once you do, your sealer will only go through wear and tear after a few years. If that happens, you can then reseal the granite once more and continue that process after a few years.
Final Thoughts
That was your complete guide on how to strip and reseal your granite countertops. Be sure to follow all the guidelines so that your granite looks fantastic once you are done. However, you still need to maintain your granite after resealing.
That is why it is crucial to follow the right steps to clean your granite so that the resealing can last you a long time to come. So, what are you waiting for? Follow our guide, reseal your granite, and make it look better than ever for a long time to come, as it will become the star of your kitchen in no time.
