You've invested in beautiful granite countertops for your Kansas City home. Now you're wondering: "When do I need to seal them? How often? Can I do it myself?" As a stone restoration specialist with 30+ years of experience, I hear these questions constantly. This guide provides clear, actionable answers.
Quick Answer: The Water Test
Your granite needs sealing when it fails the water test:
- Pour 1/4 cup of water on the granite
- Wait 15 minutes
- If the granite darkens (water penetrating): Time to seal
- If water beads on surface (not penetrating): Sealer is still working
Understanding Granite Sealing
Granite is porous natural stone. While it's less porous than marble or limestone, it still has microscopic pores that can absorb liquids, oils, and stains. Sealing fills these pores to prevent absorption.
What Sealing Does (and Doesn't Do)
✓ What Sealing DOES:
- • Prevents liquid penetration
- • Reduces staining risk
- • Makes cleaning easier
- • Gives you time to wipe up spills
- • Protects against oils and grease
✗ What Sealing DOESN'T Do:
- • Make granite indestructible
- • Prevent scratching
- • Prevent etching (from acids)
- • Change the appearance
- • Eliminate need for cleaning
How Often Should You Seal Granite?
The honest answer: It depends on your specific granite and usage. General guidelines:
- Dark, dense granites: Every 3-5 years (or longer)
- Light, porous granites: Every 1-2 years
- High-use kitchen counters: More frequently than bathroom vanities
- Kansas City climate factor: Hard water can reduce sealer effectiveness over time
Better than following a schedule: Test your granite every 6-12 months using the water test described above.
Signs Your Granite Needs Sealing
- ✓ Water no longer beads on the surface
- ✓ Water darkens the granite when spilled
- ✓ Oil spots appear from cooking
- ✓ The surface seems to absorb liquids quickly
- ✓ It's been 2+ years since last sealing
- ✓ You can't remember when it was last sealed
DIY vs Professional Granite Sealing
DIY Granite Sealing
Good for: Homeowners comfortable with basic home maintenance, already-clean counters, routine maintenance sealing
Process overview:
- Clean granite thoroughly with stone-safe cleaner
- Dry completely (wait 24 hours)
- Apply granite sealer according to product directions
- Wait specified time (usually 15-20 minutes)
- Wipe off excess with clean cloth
- Cure 24-48 hours before use
Cost: $15-$40 for DIY sealer (covers most kitchen counters)
Professional Granite Sealing
Better for: First-time sealing, heavily-used or stained granite, when combined with cleaning/polishing
What professionals do differently:
- • Deep clean to remove all residue, oils, and buildup first
- • Use commercial-grade sealers (typically longer-lasting)
- • Apply evenly without streaks or missed spots
- • Can address stains or damage before sealing
- • Proper ventilation and application techniques
- • Guarantee/warranty on work
Cost: $2-$5 per square foot for professional sealing (typical kitchen: $150-$400)
My Professional Recommendation:
DIY sealing works fine for routine maintenance if you're comfortable with it. However, get professional sealing if: (1) it's your first time sealing the granite, (2) there are stains or issues to address first, (3) you're uncertain about the process, or (4) you want maximum longevity from the sealing. We often combine sealing with professional cleaning and polishing for best results.
Choosing the Right Granite Sealer
For DIY, look for:
- ✓ Specifically labeled for granite
- ✓ "Impregnating" or "penetrating" sealer (not topical/coating)
- ✓ Water-based formula (easier to apply, less odor)
- ✓ Good reviews from homeowners
- ✓ Available at Kansas City home improvement stores: DuPont StoneTech, Miracle Sealants, Aqua Mix
Maintaining Sealed Granite (Kansas City Specific Tips)
Daily Care
- ✓ Wipe up spills immediately (sealer buys you time, not immunity)
- ✓ Use cutting boards (sealer doesn't prevent scratches)
- ✓ Use trivets or hot pads (extreme heat can damage sealer)
- ✓ Clean with pH-neutral stone cleaner or mild dish soap
What to Avoid
- ✗ Vinegar, lemon, or acidic cleaners (can etch some granites)
- ✗ Bleach or ammonia (breaks down sealer faster)
- ✗ Abrasive scrubbers or powders
- ✗ General-purpose cleaners (many contain harsh chemicals)
Kansas City Hard Water Consideration
Kansas City has moderately hard water. Mineral deposits can build up on granite over time, creating a cloudy appearance. Wipe down granite after water exposure (especially around sinks) and periodically clean with a stone-safe hard water remover if needed.
Common Granite Sealing Mistakes
- Using too much sealer: More isn't better. Excess sealer creates hazy streaks. Always wipe off excess.
- Sealing dirty granite: Sealing traps in dirt, grease, and stains. Clean thoroughly first.
- Not allowing proper cure time: Don't use counters for 24-48 hours after sealing.
- Using the wrong product: Topical sealers create a film that can peel or yellow. Use impregnating sealers.
- Sealing granite that doesn't need it: Some dense granites come pre-sealed from the fabricator and don't need additional sealing for years. Do the water test first.
FAQ: Granite Sealing Questions
Will sealing change the color of my granite?
Impregnating sealers should not change appearance. Some "enhancing" sealers deepen color slightly (similar to wet stone). Always test sealer in an inconspicuous area first.
How long does granite sealer last?
Depends on the granite, sealer quality, and usage. Generally 1-5 years. Test annually rather than following a rigid schedule.
Can I seal granite myself?
Yes, if the granite is clean and you follow product directions carefully. Professional sealing provides better longevity and addresses any issues first.
My granite has stains. Should I seal it?
No! Remove stains BEFORE sealing, otherwise you'll seal them in permanently. This typically requires professional stain removal ($200-$500 depending on severity).
Does new granite need sealing?
Many fabricators seal granite before installation. Do the water test to check. If water beads, it doesn't need immediate sealing.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a professional stone care specialist if:
- ✓ Your granite has stains that need removal first
- ✓ The surface has lost its shine and needs polishing
- ✓ You're uncertain about the sealing process
- ✓ You have extensive granite surfaces (commercial property)
- ✓ Previous DIY sealing created problems (haziness, streaks)
- ✓ You want professional cleaning combined with sealing
The Bottom Line
Sealing granite is essential maintenance, not optional. How often you need to seal depends on your specific granite—test it annually with the water test rather than following arbitrary schedules.
DIY sealing works fine for routine maintenance if you're comfortable with it. Professional sealing provides better results, longer protection, and peace of mind—especially for first-time sealing or when addressing existing issues.
Professional Granite Sealing in Kansas City
We provide professional granite sealing, cleaning, stain removal, and polishing services throughout the Kansas City metro. Get a free quote and expert assessment of your granite's needs.