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How To Easily Seal Granite Countertops

You've got granite countertops and you love them. 
When the contractor installed them, she probably advised that you seal them every year or every 18 months. 
Now it's time to learn how to easily seal granite countertops. 
In fact, sealing granite countertops is an easy DIY. 
Get ready to save yourself hundreds of dollars. 
No in-house appointments to keep with contractors, just do this DIY at your own pace. 
You've got some time on your hands and those porous granite countertops need to be sealed. 
What are you waiting for? 
I'll show you the product I used to get a shiny, sealed granite countertop. 
Elbow grease goes a long way in saving you hundreds that you can put towards new tools or shoes (lol, had to say it!). 

Can It Be? Easily Seal Granite Countertops. 

The day we installed our granite countertops was one of my favorite upgrade days in our new home. 
Basically I live out of our kitchen when I am not traveling for work as a travel and culinary travel gal! 
Being honest, the installation process had me reconsidering my decision, especially because of the center island countertops and the boom! 
Scheduling the installation was a logistical nightmare (with my schedule) and the granite provider. 
Eventually, it all fell together and I am so happy we bid adieu to the old countertops. 
I am sure your story reads similarly unless you bought a home with granite countertops already installed? 

Ugh, It's That Time to Seal Granite Countertops. 

Not really feeling like taking on any more 'projects' in the house, I did not want to seal the granite countertops myself. 
Being honest, I called the contractor in between all of my traveling and had asked him to come back for another granite installation in another room. 
Unfortunately, the contractor was too busy to help me. 
I was trying to have him install a countertop in a new room, and then purchase his service of sealing countertops, which he offered when he installed.
The company's schedule and mine did not mesh, and it was clashing at least 2 months forwards. 

I'm Digging In Myself and There's A Bonus Waiting for Me! 

Prep Time30 minutes
Active Time4 minutes
Additional Time1 day
Total Time1 day 34 minutes
Author: dana vento
Cost: 50

Equipment

  • Lint Cloths
  • Scrubbing brush (soft only) or Cloth
  • Elbow Grease
  • Time

Materials

  • 3-4 Lint-Free Cotton Cloths no fabric softener on them
  • Dawn Detergent
  • A washcloth or soft scrubber
  • 1-2 Bottles of Granite Gold
  • 1 Bottle of Granite Gold Polish optional

Instructions

  • First wipe all debris off counters, including crumbs, spills, etc.
  • Next, wash counters with Dawn detergent, not using steel wool or any abrasive scrubbing tools.
  • Dish detergent will work well (see my blog note about green and light countertops)
  • Allow counters to completely dry.
  • Next, mist 3-foot areas (not more) with Granite Gold Sealer and follow with a lint-free cotton cloth.
  • Buffing.
  • Go back over the same area (before it drys) with a DIFFERENT cotton lint-free cloth to shine.
  • Never allow the Granite Gold Sealer To Dry.
  • Allow 20 minutes between applications, if placing a second application on.
  • Follow the exact same instructions for the sealer as above for the 2nd application.
  • Once the last application has been sprayed, buffed and polished allow the countertop to remain free of anything for 24 hours.
  • At the end of 24 hours, you can replace any items to the sealed countertop or you can first apply a coat of Granite Gold Polish then replace items.
  • Follow directions on the package to polish.

Video

Notes

Clean all surfaces FIRST removing anything sticky or any crumbs, etc.
Wash and allow to dry.
Do NOT ALLOW the sealer to dry on surface or it will haze.
Use cloths that are lint-free, 100% Cotton with NO FABRIC softener on them.
Shine immediately after application and it should not be 'sopping' wet.
Repeat as necessary up to 3 applications.
Leave 20 minutes between each application.
It took me about 30 minutes per application on each piece of granite, however granite size varies so will time spent.
Buff in a circular motion.
Follow with the Polish or don't, really a personal decision.
Make sure to mark your calendar for a year forward to seal your granite again.
Store in a cool place that is not exposed to sunshine.
Don't use countertop until the sealer has cured for 24 hours AFTER application.