Granite is one of the toughest countertop materials you can buy, but it is natural stone, and natural stone has tiny pores. A sealer fills those pores so spills stay on the surface long enough for you to wipe them up. The question we hear most is simple: how often do I need to do this? Here is the honest answer, plus the easy way to check your own counters.
How often should granite be sealed?
It depends on the stone and how you use it, so let the stone tell you. Some granites are very dense and rarely need attention, while lighter, more porous ones absorb liquid faster. A kitchen counter next to the stove needs sealing more often than a guest bathroom vanity.
Rather than marking a date on the calendar, use the water test described below a few times a year. If the stone passes, you are fine. If it fails, it is time to reseal.
What does a sealer actually do?
A sealer is a liquid that soaks into the pores of the stone and fills them, so oil, wine, coffee and water bead up on the surface instead of soaking in. It does not create a shiny coating, and it does not make the stone harder.
That means a sealer buys you time. A sealed granite counter gives you a window to wipe up a spill before it can leave a mark. It does not make granite stain proof, and it does not protect against scratches or heat. Over months of cooking and cleaning, the sealer slowly wears away, which is why resealing is part of owning natural stone.
How do I test whether my granite needs sealing?
Use the water test. It takes a few minutes:
- Pick a spot that sees a lot of use, like the area next to the sink or the stove.
- Pour a small puddle of water, about the size of a coin.
- Wait a few minutes, then wipe it away.
- Look at the stone. If it darkened where the water sat, the stone is absorbing liquid and it is time to reseal. If it looks unchanged, the sealer is still working.
Try it in more than one place. The busiest spots usually wear first.
How do I seal granite myself?
Resealing granite at home is a simple job. Always follow the directions on the product you buy, but the steps usually look like this:
- Choose a sealer made for natural stone. Look for a penetrating, or impregnating, sealer labeled for granite.
- Clean the counter. Use mild dish soap and warm water, then rinse.
- Let it dry completely. Water in the pores keeps the sealer from soaking in, so give it time.
- Apply the sealer evenly. Work in small sections, following the label.
- Wipe off the excess. Sealer left sitting on top can leave a hazy film.
- Let it cure. Keep the counter dry and clear for as long as the label recommends.
If you would rather not do it yourself, a stone care professional can reseal your counters for you.
Which cleaners wear down the sealer?
Harsh and acidic cleaners wear sealer down faster. Avoid vinegar, lemon based sprays, bleach, ammonia and abrasive powders or pads. Many all purpose bathroom and glass cleaners are too strong for daily use on stone.
For everyday cleaning, mild dish soap and warm water work well, followed by a dry soft cloth. A pH neutral cleaner made for natural stone is a good choice too. Gentle cleaning is the easiest way to make each sealing last longer.
Do quartzite, marble and dolomite need sealing too?
Yes. Quartzite, marble and dolomite are all natural stones, and all of them benefit from sealing. Quartzite tends to be dense, while marble and dolomite are more porous and usually need attention more often.
There is one important detail with marble and dolomite: sealing helps prevent stains, but it does not prevent etching. Etching is a chemical reaction with acids such as lemon juice or vinegar, and it leaves a dull spot even on a freshly sealed surface. Learn more on our marble countertops and quartzite countertops pages.
Does quartz need sealing?
No. Quartz is engineered with resin, so it is non-porous and there is nothing for a sealer to fill. Porcelain is the same. If sealing sounds like a chore you would rather skip, take a look at quartz countertops for indoor spaces and porcelain for outdoor ones.
Is my granite sealed when it is installed?
It depends on who fabricates it, so ask before you buy whether your stone will be sealed before installation. From there, the water test will tell you when it needs a fresh coat. To learn more about the stone itself, visit our granite countertops page, compare it with other options in our countertop materials comparison, or stop by our Nokomis showroom with any questions about caring for your counters.
