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Sealing Granite Countertops 

Chicago IL – March 2020 –If you have just had a granite countertop installed in your kitchen and your fabricator or installation company is asking to have the countertop sealed, you may be wondering whether the whole thing is a scam. Granite is a rock, isn’t it? What could go wrong with it? How important is sealing granite countertops? If you are also looking for answers to such questions, read on.

Your contractor may be right

Remember that like many other natural materials, stone is porous. It allows water, and staining liquids to seep in. The stone surface is also vulnerable to scratches or etching from daily use and acidic substances, such as household cleaners, that can dull the finish.

 

So, your granite countertop may not be completely resistant to wear. However, that does not mean it’s fragile. But sealing granite can definitely prepare it for kitchen use.

Depends on the granite

A variety of grades of natural granite and stone composites are sold and installed every year. Sometimes artificial products may all be labeled as “granite”. Unless you are sure and have bought the countertop from a reliable company, you can’t assume you have genuine granite. Even if it is, sealing the countertop will protect your investment.

Simple

Granite sealing is a simple process. Before that, youcan test your granite yourself. All you need to do is –

  1. Fill a cup with tap water.
  2. Check your watch, or set a timer to check the absorption rate of your countertop.
  3. Pour a small amount of water onto the counter (just enough to create a pool about the size of your hand).Do this in 2-3spotson the counter.
  4. Note the time or start your timer when you pour the water.
  5. Wait for 30 minutes or till the time the water disappears, whichever is earlier.
  6. If the water gets absorbed immediately, with a dark mark or ring,it is a sign that the stone is highly porous. You should apply sealant to your countertop, once every three months.
  7. If it takes 4-5 minutes for the water to disappear, sealer should be applied annually to ensure protection.
  8. 10 minutes indicates that the countertop may not need sealing again for two years.
  9. If it is longer than 10 minutes, sealer may not be required to prevent staining, but it would be beneficial to prevent scratches.

 

To learn more about quartz and granite kitchen countertops installation services in Chicago, IL, talk to Chicago Stone Source & Remodeling or call 630-313-9491 Today.Whether you want to build a new kitchen or remodel your existing one, Chicago Stone Source and Remodeling manufacture and install custom kitchen countertops to complete your dream kitchen design.