Granite countertops are a beautiful and luxurious addition to any kitchen. They add value to your home, and cooking and entertaining are much more enjoyable. But like all surfaces, they require care and maintenance to keep them looking their best.
One of the most important things you can do for your granite counters is to seal them regularly. But how often should you seal them? And what is the best way to do it? This blog post will explore the answers to these questions to keep your granite countertops looking new for years to come.
Factors To Consider For Sealing Granite Countertops
When it comes to deciding how often to seal your granite countertops, there are a few factors you need to take into account. The frequency with which you should seal them depends on the type of granite you have, how often you use the countertops, and what kind of finish you have.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding how often to seal your granite countertops:
The Type Of Granite
Some types of granite are more porous than others and require sealing more frequently. If you need to know what kind of granite you have, ask your installer or fabricator.
Igneous granite is the most common type formed from cooled lava or magma. It’s solid and durable, making it an ideal choice for countertops.
Sedimentary granite is made up of smaller particles cemented together over time. It’s not as strong as Igneous granite, but it can be a beautiful addition to your kitchen.
Metamorphic granite is created when Igneous or Sedimentary granite is exposed to high temperatures and pressures. This makes a harder, more durable stone that’s perfect for countertops.
How Often The Countertops Are Used
If your countertop is in a high-traffic and inconspicuous area, it will need to be sealed more frequently than one that’s not used as much. If you rarely use your countertops for anything other than placing occasional items on them, you can get away with sealing them once a year or so.
What Kind Of Finish Do You Have
A honed or matte finish will need to be sealed more often than a polished finish because it’s more susceptible to staining. There are several options when it comes to finishes, and the one you choose will depend on your preference and the overall look you’re going for in your space.
One popular option is a high gloss finish. This gives the countertop a shiny appearance and can make it easier to clean. However, high gloss finishes show fingerprints and water spots more quickly than other options.
Another popular finish is honed. This is a matte finish that has a softer look. It’s less likely to show streaks and water spots, making it a good choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance option.
Consider a semi-gloss or satin finish if you want something in between. These options have more of a sheen than honed finishes but aren’t as susceptible to showing fingerprints and dark spots as high gloss finishes.
Your Lifestyle
If you like to entertain often, you’ll want to ensure your counters are protected from spills and stains. If you live in Chicago and have small children in the home, you’ll also want to choose a safe sealer for them to be around.
Granite cleaning in Chicago is essential in protecting your countertop, but choosing the right cleaners is also necessary. There are many different types of granite cleaning services in Chicago, so research to find one that will work best for you.
The Climate
Granite countertops can be susceptible to heat damage if you live in a hot climate. The best way to protect your entire counter is to use the best heat-resistant granite sealer. This will help keep the heat from penetrating the stone and causing damage.
Granite countertops can be adaptable to freeze-thaw damage if you live in a cold climate. This happens when water seeps into the pores of the natural stone and then freezes, expands, and cracks the granite. It is essential to use a stone sealer specifically designed for freezing temperatures to prevent this.
How Often Should You Seal Granite Countertops?
If you live in Chicago and have granite countertops, you may wonder how often you need to seal them. The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of granite, the level of traffic in your kitchen, and the climate.
Generally speaking, most types of granite should be sealed at least once a year. However, if your countertops see a lot of use, you may need to seal them more often. In particularly busy granite kitchen countertops, it may be necessary to seal granite every three to six months.
The climate in Chicago can also influence how often you need to seal your granite slabs. For example, if the air is completely dry, you may need to clean more frequently to prevent the granite from absorbing too much moisture and becoming damaged.
If you need help with how often to clean your granite countertops, consider hiring services for professional granite restoration in Chicago. They will be able to assess your counters and give you specific advice on how often they should be sealed.
Frequency Of Sealing And Why It’s Important
Sealing your granite countertops regularly is essential to keep them looking their best and prevent staining. Depending on how often you use your countertops and what impregnating sealer you use, you may need to seal your granite every few months or every year.
A quality sealer will create a barrier between your granite and anything that could potentially stain it, such as food, grease, or water. Sealing your countertops will also help preserve their shine and keep them looking new.
How to Reseal Granite Countertops: The Best Ways
If you’re looking to get the most out of your granite countertops, resealing them frequently is a great way to do so. Resealing your countertops will help protect them from everyday stains and other damage and extend their lifespan. But how should you reseal granite countertops?
The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the type of granite you have and how often it’s used. However, most experts generally recommend sealing granite countertops every six months to one year.
Of course, it’s always best to follow the expert’s recommendations for the care and regular maintenance of your particular type of granite surface. But if you need to figure out how often to clean your countertops, on the side of caution and do it more often rather than less.
Sealing your granite countertops is a simple process that doesn’t take much time or effort. And doing so regularly will assist in keeping their shine for decades.
Conclusion
When it comes to granite countertops, sealing and resealing are essential parts of maintenance. Depending on the type of granite and the level of traffic in your kitchen, you may need to seal your countertops as often as every six months or as little as once a year. By following these guidelines, you can keep the natural beauty of your granite countertops.
