UPDATED: Do you need to seal natural stone countertops?

Natural stone countertops are one of the most popular ways homeowners add natural elements and beauty to their homes. These countertop materials are durable, easy to maintain, and come in a variety of colors and designs. However, to keep your natural stone countertops in the best condition, regular sealing may be needed. 

At GMS Werks, we have over 100 years of experience in the natural stone industry. We have installed hundreds of natural stone countertops and floors in many houses across the Midwest. Our team understands the importance of regular cleaning and maintenance to keep your countertops looking good, and know the benefits of a proper sealant as well. Below, we discuss why you need to seal your natural stone countertops!
 

Why seal?

Sealing your countertops is one of the most efficient ways to add protection to your surfaces! Some natural stone surfaces, like granite, don't necessarily require sealing or only need to be sealed once because of their dense nature. However, the majority of natural stone countertops require sealing to keep them resistant to staining and acidic spills.

What can happen if you don’t seal?

When you don’t seal your natural stone countertops, your surfaces become at risk of damage. This is what could happen if your natural stone countertops are not properly sealed. 

Stains from food, grease and water

Stone that is not sealed can quickly become stained by food and liquids. Since natural stone is a mostly porous material, food and water can seep deep into your stone in a matter of minutes. This is why marble bathroom countertops and areas around your kitchen sink and stove should be sealed!

Damage from cleaning products

When cleaning a stone countertop that is not sealed, it’s important that you are mindful of the products you use. Although there are certain cleaning products to avoid using even with sealed countertops, when your natural stone is unsealed, it’s at an even greater risk of becoming damaged. 
 

What type of stone needs to be sealed?

Before sealing your natural stone slabs, it's essential to determine the type of stone as some don't take it too well. For instance, some types of stone don't absorb sealants leaving behind a streaky, hazy mess.

If you have travertine, limestone or marble bathroom countertops, consider sealing them since they are soft stones that are more prone to staining and scratches. You can also seal your soapstone counters since they can quickly get superficial scratches.

How often should you seal?

The frequency of sealing your natural stone countertop depends on how porous the stone is. For example, a non-porous stone like granite doesn't require sealing more than once since it has fewer channels for air and absorption.

Marble countertops and limestone surfaces are more porous, requiring resealing more frequently. You can check whether your countertop needs resealing by performing the dark test, which requires you to pour some water on your countertop. After some time, wipe off the water, and if the area is dark, your countertop needs resealing.

Although natural stone is a very low-maintenance, durable material, it is not impenetrable. Without proper sealing and maintenance, the surface of your countertops is at risk of getting damaged. It’s a smart idea to always keep your natural stone countertops properly sealed!

At GMS Werks, we offer a variety of services! From marble bathroom countertops to tile kitchen backsplash, we are happy to help with your next project. Give us a call if you have any questions regarding natural stone countertops and flooring!