Although granite is one of the hardest materials on the planet, it doesn’t stand much of a chance against moisture. The porous nature of granite means water, spills, and other sources of moisture can penetrate the surface and cause stains. If you want to keep your granite countertops looking beautiful for decades to come, schedule granite sealing with a stone restoration company. Granite sealing is something that you can do on your own, but for the best results you can compete with the pros. Some companies, like Seal Team One, even use advanced sealant formulas that permanently repel water and other liquids so you never need to reseal your countertops again. The professional sealing process involves:
Deep Clean
The first step is to thoroughly deep clean the countertop using advanced penetrating cleaners that emulsify dirt and other contaminants. In order to ensure the granite sealer takes hold and provides a beautiful finish, it’s critical that the surface is properly cleaned and prepared prior to application of the sealant.
Steam Clean
After the countertop is sufficiently cleaned, the surfaces are then steam cleaned to eliminate bacteria and other contaminants. Granite sealers provide an invisible and impregnable barrier, so it’s crucial that the underlying surface is 100% contaminant-free. Not all grout sealing companies follow up with steam cleaning before applying the sealant, so make sure the company you hire for the job does if you want the best results.
Sealant
Now that the countertop is clean and contaminant-free, it’s time for the sealant application process. Professionals apply advanced sealant formulas using industry-defined tools and techniques to ensure a permanent bond between the sealant and your granite countertops. It can take a few hours up to a few days for the sealant to “cure” after installation, during which time you are advised not to use your countertops so as not to affect the finish and performance of the sealant.