Among all the natural stones used to decorate the kitchen or home, granite is by far the hardest and most durable material. This is why many people choose it as a kitchen countertop. The granite countertop needs to be sealed once a year to maintain and ensure the service life of the granite countertop. Some people would say that granite is a highly polished stone, but the objective fact is that it is still a porous material, and these pores need to be continuously sealed.
When sealing granite countertops, the pores or spaces between crystals in the stones that make up the surface of the stone are covered with sealant, but there is no trace of sealant on the external surface. This is different from the sealed wooden floor or wooden countertop surface. Its protective layer is added to the outside. Granite countertop sealing helps prevent staining and maintain gloss. Moisture and various liquids tend to penetrate the pores and contaminate the surface. The seal plays a role of preventing penetration and staining. However, the sealant cannot prevent physical damage to the stone.
Natural stone like granite needs to breathe. Of course, the stone does not breathe as we do, so what does this mean? Granite is composed of layers of crystals. In order to maintain the integrity of the stone, the crystals need to react with air and other components, especially oxygen. At the same time, the water that penetrates into the pores must pass through these spaces to reach the surface and then evaporate.
Studies have shown that the interaction between crystals in granite and thousands of bacteria in pores is also an important element in the structure of the stone. These bacteria play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the stone. Considering the above factors, it is recommended to avoid the use of acrylic sealants or impregnating machines. This sealant can block pores and kill bacteria or inhibit water evaporation. If the inside of the granite countertop is too wet, it will crack. It is also difficult to remove this sealant if used in excess. Eventually, the granite countertop is dim or faded.
When sealing granite countertops, it is best to use natural products that are sealants composed of unsaturated fatty acids such as soap. After regular cleaning, it can be sealed and cleaned at the same time. These unsaturated fatty acids fill the pores but are not as irritating or stubborn as acrylic sealants. They provide another source of nourishment for friendly bacteria and do not limit the evaporation of water.
Sealing granite countertops is a very simple job and does not require special skills or knowledge. If you want, you can always ask your local granite store, but no matter which method you use, you must seal it at least once a year.
