Natural stone is among the most beautiful materials that you can have in your home. From granite to marble and many other stones, you will surely have a countertop that is pleasing to the eye. However, it can only retain its incredible appearance for many years if you take proper care of it. One key aspect of proper care is sealing. This guide will provide you with information on sealing and some of the best products that you can use.
What is Sealing? What Does it Do?
Sealing is the process of applying a sealer to your countertop to protect the surface from damages. Since most types of natural stone are porous, the material is susceptible to damage from liquid and stains that can penetrate the surface. However, the sealer is designed to absorb into the pores of the stone and harden, which will help to protect your countertop. If properly sealed, your natural stone countertops will stay in great shape for years to come.
How Often is Sealing Required?
The answer to this question will depend entirely on what type of natural stone you have. For example, granite will not require re-sealing as often as marble, which is a more porous stone. Below are some of the most common types of natural stone used for countertops, along with information regarding how often you should seal the surfaces.
Granite
Granite is one of the toughest natural stones you can find. It is also one of the least porous options on the market. However, you will still need to seal granite to properly protect it from damages. It is recommended that you re-seal your granite countertops roughly once every year. This timeframe can also depend on the specific type of granite you have, as some lighter colored granite countertops are more prone to damage and will need to be re-sealed more often than darker colored granite countertops. Luckily, you will be able to find many types of granite sealer on the market.
Marble
Marble is more porous than stones such as granite. Marble is a stone that has long been admired for its beauty. It has been used to build everything from countertops to famous statues. But to keep this material pristine, you must re-seal it. Since it is a very porous natural stone, marble must be re-sealed once every few months. Doing so will protect it from common household damages. However, you must also make sure to exercise proper amounts of caution regarding any spills. If you properly take care of your marble countertops, which in part can be done by re-sealing appropriately, the surfaces will retain their elegant looks for years.
Quartzite
Quartzite, like granite, is one of the tougher natural stone options often used for countertops. In terms of the re-sealing timeframe, quartzite falls in between granite and marble. It is recommended that you re-seal your quartzite countertops about twice per year. With proper sealing, you will be able to enjoy your quartzite countertops for a very long time.What Are the Best Countertop Sealers?
While you will find a seemingly endless amount of sealant products on the market, this guide has narrowed down your options to help you find the best of those products. Using any of the following sealers will be an excellent choice for protecting your natural stone countertops.
Laticrete StoneTech BulletProof Sealer
Originally distributed by DuPont, the StoneTech BulletProof Sealer is one of the best sealant products that you can find on the market. This product is a professional grade sealer that will protect your countertop from any oil or water-based stains. It is known for being a great product to use on many materials, including granite, marble, limestone, travertine, sandstone, saltillo and bluestone. It can be used on both indoor and outdoor stone surfaces. No matter which material you use it on, this sealer will work its way down into the surface and protect your countertop. While it can be used on any of the surfaces named above, this product is particularly effective on surfaces that are more porous, such as marble countertops. One detail to note is that before sealing, you must make sure your countertops are clean and do not have any stains or standing water on the surface. If the surface is not clean, the product will not be able to properly seal. But as long as your countertop is clean and you apply this product, you will be able to know that your countertops are adequately protected. This sealer will not impact the appearance of your stone.
Laticrete StoneTech Enhancer Pro Sealer
Another product that was formerly distributed by DuPont, Laticrete StoneTech Enhancer Pro Sealer is another great option for protecting your natural stone surfaces. Not only does this sealer protect your stone, but it is also designed to deepen the color as well. Whether or not this is an advantage is a matter of your personal opinion, but if you are looking to deepen your countertop’s color while sealing it, this is the perfect product to use. Laticrete StoneTech Enhancer Pro Sealer can be used on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. It is both a UV and weather resistant product. This particular sealer is an ideal product for materials such as slate, limestone, travertine, sandstone and flagstone. No matter which you use it on, you can rest assured that your countertops or other surfaces are protected by one of the best products on the market. As with the StoneTech BulletProof Sealer, make sure that the surface you are sealing is properly cleaned prior to applying this product.
Superior Zero Ultimate Stone Sealer
This sealant product is not only one of the most effective products on the market, but one of the easiest to use as well. The Superior Zero Ultimate Stone Sealer comes in a spray bottle. Its exclusive fluoropolymer bonding provides tremendous protection against any stains and liquid damages. This sealer can be used on both indoor and outdoor surfaces and is an ideal product for any natural stone. Keep in mind that you will need to have a clean surface before applying this sealer.
Comparison: Natural Stone Sealers
|
Laticrete StoneTech BulletProof Sealer |
Professional grade sealer good for use on many types of natural stone. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use. |
|
Laticrete StoneTech Enhancer Pro Sealer |
Sealer that is great for many types of natural stone. Will also deepen the color of the stone. |
|
Superior Zero Ultimate Stone Sealer |
Sealer suitable for use on any natural stone surfaces. Comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle. |
What Are Some Other Helpful Products That You Can Use on Your Countertops?
Beyond sealing, general stone care is also a very important part of keeping your natural stone countertops looking as good as new. Below are some additional high-quality products you can use to ensure that your natural stone countertops stay in great shape for a very long time.
All Granite and Marble Countertop Cleaner
If you want to keep your granite or marble countertops in great shape, proper cleaning is necessary. The All Granite and Marble Daily Cleaner can help you do that and more. Not only does this product clean your countertops, but it will also seal as it cleans. If you are looking to remove grease, oil or other marks that are common on granite or marble kitchen countertops, this cleaner is an excellent option.
Laticrete StoneTech Oil Stain Remover
Oil stains are some of the most common household hazards in kitchens. Fortunately, with products such as Laticrete StoneTech Oil Stain Remover, you can easily rid your countertop of any deep-set oil stains. This product will remove the stain without leaving any residue behind, leaving your countertop looking as good as new. It can be used on various natural stones, including granite, marble, limestone, travertine, slate, onyx and gemstone. Considering that natural stone countertops, regardless of the type of stone, are such a significant investment for your home, you will want to make sure you take all the necessary steps to keep them in great shape.
Laticrete StoneTech Polish
If you are looking to add a magnificent shine to your polished natural stone surfaces, using Laticrete StoneTech Polish is the way to go. This formula is easy to use and will not cause streaks. While this product is an excellent choice for surfaces such as kitchen countertops and bathroom vanity tops, it is not meant for use on floors. Using it on floors will create a slipping hazard. Whether you have granite, marble, limestone, travertine or other natural stone countertops, this product can give your surfaces a distinctive shine.
Laticrete StoneTech Soap Scum Remover
Soap scum is a common problem on many bathroom countertops. This product can help you remove any soap scum, water stains and dirt without scratching your stone. It is meant for use on sealed natural stone, ceramic tile, porcelain tile and glass tile.
Laticrete StoneTech Sanitizer
This cleaner, sanitizer and deodorizer can kill nearly 100 percent of bacteria in just 60 seconds. This product is perfect for ensuring that any food preparation areas are sanitary. It can also be used to fight against germs in various other parts of the home. It comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle.
Mr. Stone Granite and Marble Chip Repair Kit
The last thing any homeowner wants to see on their granite or marble countertops are chips. However, if your countertop does sustain a chip, there is no need to panic. Using the Mr. Stone Granite and Marble Chip Repair Kit can easily help you fix the problem and have your countertop looking as good as new in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to a few frequently asked questions from homeowners regarding care of their natural stone.
What Are the Best Granite Countertop Sealers on the Market?
While there are many sealers you will find on the market, you are looking to find out which is the best granite sealer. While different sealers offer additional benefits, your best bets are the Laticrete StoneTech BulletProof Sealer and the Superior Zero Ultimate Stone Sealer mentioned above.
What Will Happen if I Do Not Seal My Natural Stone?
If you do not seal your natural stone, you are leaving it unprotected against household hazards such as stains. Stains and liquid can easily seep down into the surface and cause damage to your natural stone.
Why Do Some Natural Stones Need to Be Sealed More Than Others?
Some natural stones are more porous, meaning that liquid can penetrate the surface easier than it can on natural stones that are less porous. All natural stone is porous to some degree, so you will need to seal the surface to protect it from damages caused by liquid and stains.
With proper care, your natural stone surfaces will look as good as new many years down the road. One of the most important aspects of proper care is making sure that your natural stone is sealed. By using one of the sealers listed above, you can ensure that your countertops or other natural stone surfaces are appropriately protected. In addition, by using the other helpful products that were described above, you can take stone care a step further. Natural stone is a large investment for your home and can be one of the best decisions that you ever make. With that in mind, you will want to make sure you take every step possible to ensure that your natural stone will leave you just as satisfied as the day it was installed.
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