Sealing Granite Slabs to Keep Them Looking New

Granite slabs used for countertops can come in different finishes. The most common is a smooth and glossy finish, which is achieved by intensive polishing at the fabrication factories using huge sanders for smoothing the surface and rotating pads for buffing it.

Some people prefer a matte look for their granite slabs. This is often used for flooring and for use in bathrooms where it is unsafe to have stone that is extremely smooth. Matte is achieved by using rougher, larger-grained sanders.

You will also come across flamed granite varieties. These countertops are subjected to a torching process, which makes for a textured look. The tumbled look, on the other hand, features edges that are more rounded than the others.

To protect whatever finish you choose for your home, you should always make sure that the slab is properly sealed.

Sealing granite slabs to make them last a lifetime

Acids can be very harsh and could wreak havoc on the sealer of your countertop. In the kitchen, there are a lot of substances that are acidic and whose spills, therefore, should not be left unwiped on the countertop. Some examples are vinegar, juice, and even coffee.

Over time, these spills could eat away at the sealant applied on the surface of the countertop. When this erodes, the liquid may find its way into the stone itself and through the spaces between the particles, making stains permanent.

To clean spills, use a sponge to dab the spill, as wiping it spreads the damage on the surface. Use a mild cleanser or detergent to safely remove any harmful chemical substances left behind by the spill. Most importantly, never use harsh chemicals and abrasive scouring pads to clean granite slabs with. Always use only a pH-neutral chemical to disinfect and sanitize your countertops.

When you have done a good job of properly sealing granite slabs, you won't need to worry about burn stains from hot pots or scratches from knife chops. Granite is one of the hardest materials you can ever find for a countertop, and they can even withstand the abuse that careless children heave on them.