Return to site

How Long After Sealing Granite Can You Use It?

When Can You Use Granite After You Seal It?

· Granite polish
Granite polish

Sealing your granite countertops helps the stone resist stains. The process of sealing natural stone isn't very time-consuming and offers long-term protection, but it's important to follow a few key guidelines when sealing your stone to prevent streaks and other issues. As a general rule, you can use your granite again right away after sealing, but only if you have buffed the sealer into the stone without letting it dry on the surface. The surface will need to stay dry for at least 24 hours before polishing the stone, but the countertops can be used two hours after sealing. Here's how to seal granite the right way and how long to wait before using the surface or polishing it.

When to Seal

Add paragraph text here.There's no harm in sealing your granite often. In fact, you can’t over-seal stone, and sealing frequently can keep the seal strong to reduce staining. Still, it's important to know when your stone does need to be sealed. The easiest way to check is with a simple water test. Pour water about 3 inches in diameter on various spots of the counter and time how long it takes for the stone to darken. If the water is absorbed within 30 minutes, your granite needs sealer. Otherwise, your existing seal is in good condition.

How to Seal Granite

Sealing natural stone is easier than you might think. Start by thoroughly cleaning the granite with Granite Gold Daily Cleaner®, then dry the surface. Spray Granite Gold Sealer® directly on the surface, in small sections no larger than 3 feet wide to prevent the sealer from drying while you work. Using a clean, lint-free cloth, wipe the sealer into the surface in circular strokes, paying careful attention to areas near the sink and appliances where liquid is prone to spilling or splashing. Continue wiping until the surface dries. You can repeat this process after five minutes for an extra-strong seal.

Keep the Surface Dry for 24 Hours 

It's crucial that you buff the sealer into the surface of the stone until the surface is dry. If the sealer is allowed to dry on the surface, it can leave streaks and haziness. Once you're done sealing your stone, you can place items on the countertop and use the surface, but make sure it stays completely dry for at least 24 hours before polishing, as this gives the sealer time to cure and bond with the granite’s pores.

Wait 24 Hours Before Polishing

Add paragraph text here.If you want to follow up sealing with polishing to bring out your granite's natural luster and color, make sure you wait at least 24 hours after sealing. Granite polish should only be applied once the seal has cured and the surface is dry and clean. Spray Granite Gold Polish® directly onto the surface and buff into the stone with a dry paper towel or lint-free cloth, then wipe dry.

Here’s an important tip when polishing granite and other types of natural stone: avoid polishing stone floors, as they can become dangerously slippery. For additional tips on caring for natural-stone and quartz surfaces, call the Stone Care Experts at Granite Gold® today at 1-800-475-STONE (7866), or sign up for our newsletter.