Why granite worktops require sealer impregnation?
Granite worktops aren’t only aesthetically pleasing, but are also very functional products. Hence why they are ideal for kitchens. They are resistant to moisture, most of the harmful substances encountered in kitchens, as well as to most of the stains and standard mechanical injuries, such as scratches. Granite surfaces tolerate high and low temperatures extremely well, especially when compared to other worktop counterparts. However, in order for granite worktops to retain their natural charm for a long time, it’s worth to regularly subject them to appropriate care procedures.
Care treatments are neither too demanding, nor too time-consuming, so it is worth cleaning and sealing granite from time to time.
Granite worktops treated with granite sealers = a solution for years
Granite is one of the most valued finishing materials. Such stone is used for both kitchen and bathroom worktops. There are no obstacles for natural stone surfaces to appear in any room, whether it’s manifested as stairs in the hallway or a granite washbasin surrounds in the bathroom.
If you are wondering what kind of worktop to buy for the kitchen, quality granite worktops will be the perfect choice. A granite surface is very solid and resistant to scratches and damage. It does not absorb water and moisture does not damage its structure. But the virtues don’t end there – granite worktops are resistant to various liquid substances. Therefore, by applying stone in your kitchen, you instantly dispel your fears of potential damage & discoloration, which could be caused by spilled or scattered cosmetics.
Natural stone surfaces look great, which is very important for many people. The best granite is available in a wide range of colours, which means you can freely match the colour of the top with the colour of tiles or general surrounding equipment/furniture.
How to take care of granite countertops: delicateness above all else
Kitchen granite countertops require gentle handling. Wipe them daily with a soft cloth dampened in warm water with a small amount of dishwashing liquid. This detergent will effectively remove dirt, without adversely affecting the structure of the stone. After thorough cleaning, wipe the natural stone surface of the worktop, then dry and polish it with a glass cleaner (preferably choose an alcoholic detergent) and microfibre cloths.
Here, at Polish Granite, we also sell special sprays that possess all necessary cleaning agents – simply call us to make a purchase!
Of course, once you’ve given the stone a wipe, you should reach for specialised granite sealer products. They cost anywhere between £15 – £25 and are completely safe and free of substances that could matte or damage the top layer of natural stone. Remember to remove stains from food or beverages as soon as they are formed and thereafter immediately seal your granite once a year (preferably up to 3 times per year) using the specialised, recommended sealers.
You can do that yourself – there’s no need to call us, unless you have cladded flooring or stairs, and need significant manpower to complete the job. But generally, contrary to appearances, sealing is not a complicated process. Start by thoroughly cleaning and drying the stone surfaces. Then, with a brush or a cloth, spread the center on the surface, leave it to dry, and finally polish the top with a dry cloth and it’s done!
What to avoid when you seal granite with the use of stone sealers?
You should already be aware how to take care of stone surfaces. Now we’ll explain what to do in order not to evade harm. Granite worktops can deteriorate under the influence of acids (e.g. formic, citric, acetic, hydrochloric), so avoid them like fire. Do not use care granite sealers & cleaning agents containing these ingredients. Likewise, do not leave food products on the surfaces which possess such chemicals (mainly fruits containing citric acid). Do not allow limescale, bleach, silicone oils, gasoline, nail polish remover or baking soda come to contact with granite worktops, as they may permanently and irreversibly damage it. A granite sealer applied regularly to the worktop will prevent instant damage, but if any of the harmful liquids are left on the surface over night, it’s not guaranteed that stains will not form.
Under no circumstances should you clean the granite worktop with rough, steel pan scourers. Avoid placing hot pots directly on top of it if the worktops had just been cleaned or sealed – let it be dry prior to exposure to boiling metal. The heat, in combination with dishwashing liquid, for example, can lead to discolouration.
Granite sealer – impregnation of granite worktop
All surfaces made of natural stone require protection. Sealing granite is essential to ensure that stone floors, countertops and other elements serve us for many years and maintain great appearance. Stone impregnation completely protects the granite against dirt and harmful effects of moisture, but also has other applications. A granite sealer can, for example, lighten and strengthen the colour, creating the effect of ‘wet stone’, protecting the shine or filling in miniscule cracks.
Lack of implementation of appropriate granite sealer could lead to risk of hard or impossible to remove traces of stains, or even discolouration.
Sealing granite and daily care is not very different from that of marble: just like marble, you should seal your granite from time to time, and with daily care it is worth handling gently. Although its porosity is lower and its resistance to acids and fats is much higher, it does not mean that granite surface can be exposed to heavy tests. It’s thus better not risk prolonged exposure to liquids. Especially those with an acidic reaction that can disturb the glossy or matte stone surface.
As you can see, taking care of granite worktops is not difficult. The natural properties of stones, such as resistance, durability, lack of odour absorption or no staining, greatly facilitate care and maintenance work. Just remember a few of the above words of wisdom, sensitize the household and maintain your worktops at all cost. Thanks to this, the stone surfaces will surely turn out to be an accurate investment, and its elegant appearance will delight the eyes of children for many generations.
Natural stone sealer – what else is worth buying?
There are many granite sealers available on the market. They can be purchased, for example, in companies and stone stores, but also on the Internet. We provide reliable and inexpensive sealing products that we can always re-sell to general public.
In addition to buying trusted impregnates for natural stones, we should also remember about cleaning agents.
One of the many companies offering such products is a company with a good reputation and price adequate to the quality – Akemi. Akemi offers us an agent for daily cleaning of granite, which is called Akemi Triple – Efect. We must not forget about such products to remove greasy stains, blemishes and other impurities prior to each sealing session.