When it comes to natural porous stones, it is important to seal them appropriately. That is because if you don’t seal them, various liquids can seep into the stone and cause damage. Of course, the more porous the stone is, the easier it will be for it to get damaged and stains to show up.
However, you must know if you need to seal the granite, what happens if you don’t seal it, and much more. So, here is your complete guide to understanding sealed vs. unsealed granite.
Is It Necessary To Seal Granite?
You might be wondering if it is absolutely necessary to seal the granite countertop. Well, you can also leave the granite unsealed, but it depends on the stone. That is because granites come in many variations, and some of them are not very porous or prone to staining.
For example, the pattern and color of your granite will indicate how porous your countertop is and if it needs sealing in the long run. Besides that, most granite is already sealed at the factories after it has gone through the fabrication process. That is why the right question to ask is whether you must reseal the granite.
Factors To Consider When Resealing Granite
The answer to whether you must reseal the granite or not depends on a few factors. Of course, the top is how often you will use the granite countertops and in what ways. That is why it is important to consider these factors before you decide to reseal the granite:
- How frequently you will be cooking in your kitchen
- How you will clean the granite countertops
- How much wear and tear will your granite countertop go through
- What was the quality of the granite sealer that was used before?
- How absorbent is your granite countertop?
Remember that if the granite was sealed at the factory during the fabrication process, then the sealer will probably last for more than a decade. That is why it is important to ask the manufacturers how long the sealer will last. However, as a general rule of thumb, many people reseal the granite countertops every one to three years.
The best thing is that you can easily tell if your granite countertop is sealed properly through a few steps. Let’s take a look at those in detail.
Ways To Tell If The Granite Is Sealed Appropriately
These ways will tell you how absorbent the granite is. That is because if it is highly absorbent, then you need to seal it appropriately. You can easily do this test and then determine if you want to seal your granite or not.
These include:
1. Testing With Water Drops
You can do a water drop test if you want to tell whether your granite has been sealed properly. All you have to do is drip a small amount of water on your stone and wait. For example, if the stone darkens quickly, you must seal the granite using a few coats and then reseal it every three years.
Besides that, if the granite takes four to five minutes to darken, then you will need to apply a high-quality impregnator sealer. Once you do, you must reapply the sealer after every three to five years. On the other hand, if your granite darks after ten or fifteen minutes, then you need to apply a single sealer coat and check again after three years for its absorption.
Finally, if your granite darkens after half an hour or it doesn’t darken at all, then it means you don’t need to seal your granite. That is because it indicates your granite is hard and not that porous for anything to permeate.
2. Testing With Lemon And Oil
The second way through which you can tell if the granite has been sealed properly or not is through the lemon and oil test. To take this test, you can line your stone samples on the table and ensure the polished side is facing up. Be sure to dust them.
Once you do, you must drop a few drops of cooking oil and lemon juice on each of the stone samples. You must ensure to put the oil and lemon spots on different spots of the stone. Let both of these liquids sit on the stone for five minutes, and then wipe the granite dry.
After wiping, if you notice any dull spots where the lemon juice is on the surface, you don’t need the stone for your kitchen. That is because it means that the granite has been mixed with other acid-sensitive materials such as calcite, and maintaining it will be a hassle for you.
On the other hand, if the stone surface darkens quickly, you don’t need this granite for your home. That is because it indicates that the granite is highly absorbent, and you will have to keep on taking care of it. Besides that, if it takes thirty seconds or less to darken, you will have to use a good impregnator sealer.
Finally, if it takes more than five minutes to darken, it means that you don’t need to seal your granite. So, be sure to take this test and keep a timer with you to tell if the granite is worth keeping in your home in the long run.
Ways You Can Tell That The Granite Countertop Is Unsealed
Are you using your granite countertop for a while now, and it is giving you a few issues that make you wonder whether the countertop is sealed or unsealed? If that is the case, then a few indicators will let you know if your countertop is sealed or unsealed. So, you have come to the right place.
Here are the top ways through which you can tell if the granite in your home is sealed or unsealed:
1. The General Cleaning Of Granite Is Not Enough
If the granite in your home is unsealed, the top challenge you will face is that of cleaning. That is because general cleaning of the stone with cloth and water will not be enough. Instead, you will have to use a granite sealer every time you clean your granite countertops.
That is because the sealer contains a few chemicals that will offer your granite protection. This includes protection against oil, water, stains, and even grease. Besides that, the sealer will also clean your granite in the best way possible.
A good granite sealer will disinfect the countertop while making it clean and shiny. That is because it has features in its ingredients that will make the sealing effective and efficient in no time. You can find such a sealer anywhere, and using it is simple too.
2. The Granite Appears Dull And Old
Another indicator of unsealed granite is that it will look dull and old to your eyes. It will look as if a powder has been spread on the countertop, which is why it has a dull and cloudy appearance. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to do anything to wipe off this appearance, as it will remain the same.
On the other hand, if you want to add some life to your unsealed granite and revive it, then you will have to use a granite sealer. The best part about granite sealer is that it will make your countertop look fantastic in no time. In addition, it will add some shine to your surface, making it look as if you just bought the granite countertop.
That is because the granite sealers are manufactured with high-quality chemicals that have been properly tested before putting them in the sealer. In the long run, the sealer will ensure that your countertop lasts a long time by protecting it from unwanted liquids. These include water, drinks, oils, and more.
3. Absorbs Water-Soluble Particles
Finally, if your granite is unsealed, it will absorb all the water-soluble particles in no time. You will notice this if you spill some liquid on your countertops. For example, if you drop a condiment, beverage, or sauce on the countertop, it will absorb them.
On the other hand, if the same liquids spill on a sealed granite countertop, then the oil or water particles will not sink because the stone will be resistant to water and look glossy. Of course, if it seeps through, then it means you have unsealed granite in your home. Again, the solution to this is to use a granite sealer for your home.
Remember that a granite sealer will either come in a liquid or spray form. Once you are done generally cleaning your countertop, you must pour a good amount of sealant on the granite. After you do, you will notice the fantastic results in no time as the sealer does its magic on your granite countertops quickly.
Also Read : Is Sealing Granite Countertops Necessary?
How To Clean Unsealed Granite
Not everyone wants to seal the granite, and sometimes you don’t have to. However, it is still good to know how to clean unsealed granite if you have it in your home. Doing this will ensure that your granite lasts a long time and is clean at all times.
Here are the steps you need to follow in cleaning the unsealed granite countertop in your home:
1. Gather The Materials
Cleaning the unsealed granite is easy, and you will not need many materials to begin your cleaning. All you require for the cleaning is a soft brush, lint-free cloth, and a neutral pH detergent or a stone cleaner. The chances are that these materials are already available in your home.
2. Wipe The Granite
The first thing you need to do is wipe the granite using a lint-free cloth. Be sure to slightly dampen the cloth with water so that you can remove any liquid spills from the surface. You have to make sure not to completely dry the granite’s surface.
All you have to do is remove any excess liquid if you want to wipe it properly. After you are done, you can move on to the next step to clean your unsealed granite in no time.
3. Sweep Granite With Soft Brush
The next thing you need to do is remove any dry particles from your unsealed granite surface. That includes any debris or dust that exists on the stone’s surface. You must remember that you should not use any harsh tools or a beater bar on the granite.
That is because if you use any harsh tools, they will scratch your granite. When such scratches show up, it can be challenging to remove them later on from the stone.
4. Spray The Cleaner
After you are through with step three, you must spray a neutral pH cleaner or granite cleaner on the surface. You must ensure to hit all areas that have come in contact with any liquid materials. That is because spraying it in this way will ensure that they are not absorbed and cleaned appropriately.
5. Work The Cleaner In The Granite
After spraying the cleaner, you need to take the lint-free cloth and work the cleaner into the granite. It will allow you to clean and dry the granite surface simultaneously. Be sure to work the cloth in circular motions on the granite.
If there are any dry areas, be sure to spray some additional cleaner in no time. The cloth with slightly dampen, but once you are done, your granite should remain dry.
Final Words
That was your complete guide to understanding everything you need to know about sealed and unsealed granite. If your granite is not sealed, you can always use a granite dealer to get the job done. However, in some cases, you will not need to seal the granite.
So, be sure to follow our guidelines and take care of your sealed or unsealed granite in the right way possible. Once you do, it will last you a long time to come and look fantastic. After all, a stone can also be the star of a home if you take care of it.
