Mamas and Papas-
Our kitchen has granite counters and a granite backsplash. In the 3 plus years that we've been here we've done little more than to wipe them down with a sponge. Prior owner told me that she didn't seal them either.
1. how often is one supposed to do this?
2. is it a DIY or does it take a professional?
3. any tips for what to use/ how to go about it?
4. does the stuff give off fumes (do DS and I need to leave for the weekend?)
5. how much does this cost as a DIY or to get the job done professionally?
6. where would I look for a contractor?
7. how do I vet that they are good (are their certificates etc I should look for).
Thanks in advance.
F. B.
What Nancy W said. It's definitely a DIY project. You're supposed to do it once a year, but hardly anyone actually remembers to do it that often. :) Buy whatever they have at Home Depot. It doesn't have any fumes, and will cost you in the $20 range unless your kitchen is huge (and then, still under $40). It's sort of like waxing your car, honestly. Same idea.
I found some stuff from Home Depot and resealed my granite countertops myself. It took time and elbow grease: cleaning, applying, drying, then polishing. But it made my countertops shiny again, and did a pretty good job of sealing since I can see the water beads on top instead of soaking in and making a wet spot.
There were many products at HD so I did some research and asked for help. Sorry I can't remember the name of the product I used. But it had no odor at all and cost under $20.
It's cheap and takes no time at all. It will help prevent stains.
They were probably sealed before or at installation, but the previous owner didn't do anything special to maintain it.
Ours are almost 7 years old, and I have never resealed them. But I use a granite cleaner that also has sealant properties to keep it maintained. There are some areas that probably do need to be resealed properly. Like around the sink, where water is splashed constantly, off and on all day everyday. But for most of it, it is still in excellent shape and doesn't need anything extra.
You can buy spray on do it yourself stuff, like Nancy mentioned. Just go to Home Depot or Lowe's and ask them what they recommend. You'll need clean soft cloths to apply it. If you have one of those electric things you buff your car with it will probably be easier and quicker to get it done. :)
thanks for reminding me we need to do ours. We put in our granite about a year ago. after they were installed we were told to wait 2 days before sealing to make sure there was no moisture in the granite. Then my husband applied some sealer he got at home depot. I dont remember how much it was but it was cheap. it took about a day to "dry" it is really easy and inexpensive.
Use one part vinegar to 2 parts water. If that doesn't do it call your local install granite company and ask how much.
