Tag Archives: granite sealing

Benefits of Owning Faux Granite Countertops

If you love the granite countertops but cannot afford this luxury, you can give a fair try to faux granite countertops. This surface can be an exact replica of elegant and expensive granite countertops. They are also suitable for both kitchen counters and bathroom vanities. Faux granite countertops are easily available on the market and many homeowners are choosing this countertop.

Know about faux granite countertop

Faux granite countertops are made with the help of primer and coatings of paint in layers. Several layers of sealing material are put on the dried paint to form a protective layer on the countertop. This countertop material has many benefits to offer, some of them are:

Affordability

Faux granite countertops are very affordable. This elegant looking countertop fits in any budget. After paying a small price you can enjoy the look and feel of the granite countertop. Also, faux granite installation is not expensive. You can paint the countertop on your own.

Easy Project

You can change the entire look and feel of your kitchen by changing the countertop. What else would be easier than changing the appearance of your existing countertop? In order to make your old and worn out countertop look rick and royal like granite, you just need paint and sealant, and your job is done. Paint the countertop surface and seal the paint with the help of the sealant.

Sophisticated look and feel

Granite is one of the best looking countertop materials available, you can obtain the same finishing with faux granite countertop. This countertop looks clean and sophisticated in kitchen as well as in bathrooms.

Long lasting

With proper care and maintenance, faux granite countertops can last for years. Systematic application of sealing material is mandatory to prevent damage or peeling of the paint underneath. It is also essential to remember to avoid keeping sharp objects and hot utensils on the faux granite countertop.

Easy to maintain

Faux granite countertops are easy to clean and maintain. You just need a wet cloth and soap water to clean the spills from the countertop surface. In fact, chips and cracks are easily repairable on this surface.

Increase the Life of Your Granite Kitchen Counters

When it comes to kitchen countertops, every home improvement magazine and website approves natural stone countertops and backsplashes are all the rage. Many newly renovated kitchens features environmentally friendly granite countertops. During the process for selecting new kitchen countertops, you may want something durable, stylish, low-maintenance and budget-friendly. Granite meets all these requirements because granite is extracted from the surface of the earth. This countertop material can withstand both cold and hot temperatures, as well as extreme pressure before cracks or chips.

How to Maintain Granite Countertops

After granite countertop installation, you should know how to maintain the granite surface. While granite is a durable surface, just like all natural stones, if you fail to provide the right care to the surface, it will start to break down at faster rate. Granite deterioration will become apparent with signs such as cracks, stains, and surface blemishes. Here are some helpful tips to help you maintain the granite countertops and increase their lifespan:

Understanding the benefits of granite sealers

Granite is a porous material. It absorbs moisture from spills. That is why granite sealing is required. Granite countertop sealing not only helps countertop to look good, but it also keeps mildew and bacteria from soaking into the seams. The seam is the area where two granite slabs are joined against each other.

Preparing granite counters for a routine cleaning

Once your countertop is sealed, you will have to learn how to keep it clean. Before you actually start cleaning your granite countertop, scrub off all crumbs and ensure that you are able to reach all areas of the countertop. Then clean the surface with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Using mild cleaning agent

Harsh chemicals can destroy the sealing and eventually granite surface. Thus, it is always advisable to use mild cleaning agents to clean the granite kitchen counters. You can opt for the homemade and environmentally friendly cleaners for this purpose.

Clean spills as soon as you can

Cleaning spills as soon as they come into notice is always a good idea. In case something acidic spills on the countertop, you can minimize the damage to countertop by cleaning it right away.

When, Why and How You Should Seal Your Granite Countertops

Granite is a luxury addition to any part of the home. In order to retain beauty, granite counter tops need sealing. Due to highly porous structure, unsealed granite counters are prone to staining and stained granite tops are really very expensive to replace. Thus, if you pay attention over granite sealing, your countertop will provide you years of services without any trouble. Granite sealing helps in avoiding countertop damages. Depending on your usage and granite quality, you require sealing.

How to Determine if Granite Countertops Need to Be Sealed

While all types of granite are porous, some forms of granite are solider than others. It means not all granite countertops demand frequent sealing. Solid granite can resist staining more efficiently even without sealing.

In order to find if your granite kitchen countertop requires sealing, you can carry out water test. Just sprinkle 2-3 drops of water on your countertop and leave the droplets there up to 15 minutes. If granite does not absorb the water droplet then, it does not require sealing. And if water droplets get completely absorbed by granite, then it needs sealing.

The granite sealing process

First, choose, high quality sealants for granite sealing. Then follow below mentioned process to seal your granite countertop:

#1: Clean your countertop using abrasive cleaners and let it dry completely before you began the sealing process.

#2: Your countertop may take up to 24 hours to get dry completely. You can see dull sheen, instead of bright shine on your granite, when it gets dry.

#3: Make sure to clear all the objects from your countertop before starting the sealing process.

#4: Using a dry cloth to apply sealant on the surface of your countertop. Start from corners and then move further. This action will provide maximum coverage.

#5: Do not use your newly sealed countertop for some time.

#6: You will get scintillating countertop after sealing! Enjoy.

In order to minimize the granite sealing efforts, you should consider purchasing good quality granite. Choose reputable and trustworthy granite company for purchasing the quality product. Not all companies provide same quality granite.