What To Know About Sealing Countertops

Countertops are an important investment. Not only financially, but also in terms of the amount of space they occupy in your renovated or new construction space. To most clients, maintaining this upgrade in order to keep it at its peak beauty and performance is a top priority! 

This can be best achieved by sealing natural stone countertops annually. Natural stone is porous, which means food, liquids, cleaning supplies, and even condensation can all be absorbed and cause damage plus staining. Sealing these countertops prevents ugly destruction. Even water stains and gentle cleaners can make an unsealed countertop look cloudy and dingy.

Did you know it is highly encouraged in the industry to regularly seal pure white or matte/honed quartz. To seal countertops quartz provides a layer of protection for colors and textures which are more susceptible to scars, stains and other use indicators. Further, marble and other very delicate stones should be sealed every six months to maintain their best appearance. 

What Does Stone Sealer Do?

A common idea about sealers is that they create a protective layer which sits on top of a material. While this is true for something like a veneer layer on wood furniture or hardwood floors, natural stone sealant works differently. Instead of resting atop the surface, stone sealer goes below the surface, impregnating the stone to protect the pores from the bottom up. 

Benefits of Sealed Counters

While sealing is obviously essential to preventing staining, there are other benefits to maintaining the seal on your countertops. 

Clean Faster

Sealed countertops can be quickly and easily wiped of fingerprints, crumbs, and other messes. Additionally, spilled liquids and condensation bead on top of the sealant, meaning no scrubbing is needed.

Fewer Chemicals

When cleaning is easier, less harsh cleaning agents are necessary, which is better for the indoor air quality and the environment, not to mention your monthly budget.

Reduce Etching

Etching occurs when acidic solids and liquids, like lemon and vinegar, come in contact with the counter and aren’t immediately cleared away. By maintaining countertop sealing, this damage can be minimalized.

What Countertops Need to be Sealed?

1. Natural Stone

Because natural stone, such as granite and marble, is porous, anywhere it is not sealed can be damaged or stained by water, food grease, and cleaning products which seep into the stone.  

2. Countertops Over a Year Old

New countertops typically have a sealant applied before or during installation, so the sealing will not need to be redone for six months or a year afterwards.

Sealant Timeline: Things to Consider

Sealing frequency ultimately depends on the condition and use of the countertops, although once per year is the general timeline. Beware of manufacturers who use fear as a tactic to sell products and services more often. Over-sealing countertops can cause unsightly film or haze on the finish. With that being said, it is important to consider the type of activities associated with your countertops. For example, active chefs and bakers should consider kitchen countertop sealing more often, as well as at-home makeup artists for their staging areas. 

We’ve mentioned before that even stone which comes from the same quarry can be different. This not only applies to colors and swirling, but also porousness. No two slabs will have exactly the same level of absorbency, despite being cut from the same area. So even if your countertops are from the same quarry or stone, be sure to monitor the condition of each piece!

Checking Your Seal

Checking the status of the existing countertop sealant is the best way to know when to reapply. Set a quarterly reminder to perform these tests, this will help with peace of mind and allow for a reasonable timeline to complete the process.

First, locate an inconspicuous area of the counter. This is to prevent noticeable marks. Next, pour a quarter cup of water directly onto the countertop. If the water beads up on the surface, your sealant is intact. If the water starts to seep into the stone or a dark spot starts to appear within 10 minutes, plan to reseal soon. 

Another popular way to test sealant is to apply mineral oil to a small area and leave it for about 10 minutes. When wiping up the mineral oil, check for darkening in the stone. If there is no darkening, it’s likely your countertop won’t be stained by anything else. If there is darkening, it’s time to seal. Any darkened mineral oil spots will evaporate eventually. 

Different Types of Countertop Sealer

Sealant options include those which are water-based and those which are solvent-based. Water-based formulas have a reputation as being environmentally-friendly due to the minimal presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are also typically odor-free and easy to apply. Solvent-based sealers higher a VOC count and may emit strong odors, but they are designed to penetrate dense natural stone better. It is best to choose sealer type based on the stone to which it will be applied. Non-toxic options are available in both varieties and are highly recommended for safety reasons.

Going deeper, silicone resins and siloxane resins are often marketed for sealing countertops. Silicone resins are the least preferred, as they wear off quickly. Siloxane resins are durable and long-lasting; these also have the best pricing for the result. Always consider safety first when chemicals such as sealers.

Prepping Tips

Before sealing, there are a few steps which are essential to a successful project. Cover surrounding cabinetry, flooring, and furniture with tarp, and tape it down. This is to prevent sealant from dripping and damaging non-stone surfaces. Next, clear your counters of all clutter and dust, then clean them very thoroughly with stone cleaner. Failing to do so will lock in dirt, skin particles and food crumbs. Any stubborn substances such as glue can be removed with light use of mineral spirits or acetone. Afterwards, allow to dry for 30 minutes. 

Another important prep item is to have enough sealer on-hand for the project. One of the biggest mistakes made by non-professionals is not applying enough sealer. Carefully read the instructions and guidelines before opening any container.

Professional Services

Sealing countertops can be a DIY venture or something you’d rather a professional handle. For average applications, this decision is yours to make. Where we highly recommend an industry person to do the work is when dealing with a large area or with cracked stone. Utilizing a service will ensure a quicker pace due to crew size, as well as sensible solutions for damaged countertops. TNT provides countertop sealing service for new, older and non-TNT installed stone. Get your free quote today for a full deep clean, removal of impurities, and professional sealing.