If your home features granite countertops in the bathroom and kitchen, you might take pride in having such beautiful natural stone accents. Granite is a gorgeous material to work with that can add a good amount of class to anyone’s home décor if done tastefully.
However, just like other building materials, a certain amount of upkeep is required to maintain the granite in your home. Whether you are a homeowner considering installing granite countertops for the first time, a homebuyer considering purchasing a house with granite countertops, or you have had them in your current home for years, proper care for your granite countertops is essential for homeowners.
Why Sealing Granite Countertops is Crucial Maintenance
Many homeowners choose granite countertops due to the stone’s beauty and its contribution to the overall home décor. Natural stone countertops are a top choice for interior decorating. Properly maintained stone can withstand the test of time in areas like the bathroom and kitchen, offering a longer shelf life than wood and often less hassle than tile.
One thing that homeowners with granite countertops need to be aware of is that their countertops require routine resealing. Most natural stone workers recommend resealing your granite countertops every one to three years, depending on usage, the type of sealant used, manufacturer recommendations, and the type of granite used.
But How Do You Know It’s Time to Seek Granite Sealing Services in Northern Virginia?
It is difficult for the untrained eye to look at a granite countertop and determine that it needs resealing, except in the most extreme cases. However, there is a simple test you can perform to determine if it’s time to reseal your granite countertops. All you need is a little water.
Just pour a small amount (no more than a quarter cup) of water on your granite surface and observe to see if it is absorbed into the rock. Also, look for any dark discoloration of the stone where the water makes contact. If you observe a dark spot, the sealant on your countertops is ineffective. This is the easiest way to determine if your granite countertops need resealing.
How to Seal Granite Countertops
If you’re wondering how to go about sealing your kitchen countertops, the first step is to thoroughly clean and dry the granite countertops you plan to reseal. The next step is to apply a granite sealer to the countertop using a spray bottle. It is essential to apply the sealer evenly across the entire granite countertop, dampening the rock only. Once you have done this, let the sealer sit for the recommended amount of time by the manufacturer. Once it has set, gently wipe away the excess with a microfiber cloth.
You can also choose to hire stone care professionals to do your countertop refinishing for you. These experts can provide recommendations for polishing and addressing issues such as chips, scratches, etching, and wear on your granite surfaces.
If you are on the hunt for natural stone care services and granite countertop resealing in Northern Virginia, NOVA Stone Care has got you covered. Contact us today.