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posted
I'm new and I apologize in advance if this is the wrong place to post this question.

We bought a condo built 5 years ago. It has granite counter tops. The little instruction packet the counter top people left said it was supposed to be sealed every year. We don't use the condo that often, so the kitchen does not get heavy use. But I am wondering about how to seal the counter tops. I asked the neighbors, some who live here year round, and they say that the counter tops don't really need to be resealed.

Does anyone know about granite counter top maintenance?

Thank you for your time.
 
Posts: 6 | Registered: Jan 03, 2013Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Granite countertops are normally factory sealed. But they make sealer for granite tops at any of the big box stores.
 
Posts: 686 | Location: Applachain | Registered: Feb 13, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Picture of conrad
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Since you don't use the kitchen that much, you also probably don't use cleaners or commonly spill acidic foods or alcoholic beverages on the surface?

Thus I am guessing you may get by with resealing every 2-3 years, if even that often. Kind of depends on the use and daily cleaning the counters get?
 
Posts: 8588 | Location: Plains & Mountains | Registered: Jun 08, 2003Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Picture of mmohneycw
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quote:
Originally posted by hgtvlolly:
I'm new and I apologize in advance if this is the wrong place to post this question.

We bought a condo built 5 years ago. It has granite counter tops. The little instruction packet the counter top people left said it was supposed to be sealed every year. We don't use the condo that often, so the kitchen does not get heavy use. But I am wondering about how to seal the counter tops. I asked the neighbors, some who live here year round, and they say that the counter tops don't really need to be resealed.

Does anyone know about granite counter top maintenance?

Thank you for your time.


I have had granite counter tops since 2003 that get heavy use and seal them about every 3 years.
 
Posts: 2 | Registered: Jan 02, 2013Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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maintenance of granite countertops are not that difficult. always make sure that after you use it, you have to clean it,
 
Posts: 2 | Registered: Jan 07, 2013Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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That's a good question, since in our house we also have granite counter tops. Just a simple tips:
To keep granite countertops clean, use a microfiber cloth to dust off the surface. Wipe down the granite countertop daily and as needed using water. Once a week wipe down with a damp cloth and a stone cleaner formulated with a neutral pH. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. They can scratch, pit, and etch the surface of the stone.
For maintenance: Sealing is a regular maintenance task for granite. Re-seal the countertop when water splashed on the surface no longer beads up. It's important to examine your granite at least once a year.
One of the experts advised me about that, I asked cumar about that since before I don't really have knowledge in kind of thing. Smile
 
Posts: 2 | Registered: Jan 04, 2013Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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for the maintenance, just use water or cleaning materials that is good for countertops and never use abrasive cleaners. it will destroy you countertops.
 
Posts: 2 | Registered: Jan 24, 2013Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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I also encountered the same problem with you, as far as I know when I asked for cumar for a help, before you reseal your granite countertops, check with the manufacturer or installer to be sure it is necessary. Most granite counters do need to be re-sealed on an annual basis, but not all of them require this.

Two Types of Sealers


Penetrating sealers: Protecting the structure of natural stone, a penetrating sealer absorbs into the granite for three or four minutes. When almost dry, add a little more sealer to the counter and rub with a soft, dry rag. Apply to a section at a time. Wait two hours and apply a second coat. When shopping for your sealer, look for one that says it is an oil repellent impregnator, which will help stop oil from seeping into the stone.

Topical sealers: These sealers form a film designed to protect the countertop's surface. Usually made from some form of natural wax, acrylic, and other plastic compounds. Topical sealers come in two types: strippable and permanent. Strippable sealers are made to be stripped or removed from the stone countertop with little work. Most often, often permanent sealers are not recommended for granite. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations when deciding what type of sealer is right for your counters.
 
Posts: 1 | Registered: Feb 12, 2013Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Granite requires regular maintenance. Besides just cleaning regularly, you'll need to make sure the granite is sealed periodically.
 
Posts: 2 | Location: United States | Registered: Apr 22, 2013Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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