Since granite is porous there are special surface treatments available to make the surface less permeable by water and oils. This surface treatment is called a “sealer.” There are two types of sealers, topical and penetrating. Premier Surfaces recommends the penetrating sealer for granite countertops. Topical treatments work better on Marble or Travertine, stones that need more surface protection against scratching.

TOPICAL TREATMENTS
Topical treatments are available in either a strippable water base or a permanent oil base. Both types are designed to sit on the very top surface of the granite and seal it against water or oil penetration. Topical treatments may make the surface of the stone darker in appearance. The topical sealer will also make the surface appear to have a higher gloss and it can be buffed. (CLICK TO READ MORE)

PENETRATING SEALER
Premier Surfaces recommends a penetrating sealer that is either water or oil based and designed to be used on granite. This type sealer will penetrate the stone and reside a few millimeters below the surface in the intercrystalline boundary areas of the stone. These products do not actually “seal” the stone and are more correctly referred to as a repellant rather than a sealer. But they are commonly referred to as sealers and they do create a hydrophobic (water repellent) and oilophobic (oil repellent) barrier, but this barrier is air permeable since it is not truly a sealer thus allowing the stone to breathe. (CLICK TO READ MORE)

HOW TO APPLY THE SEALER
For application follow the directions of the manufacturer.
The applications are all similar and fairly simple generally recommending three steps:
• Apply with a dry clean cloth spreading evenly over the surface
• Remove any excess sealant from the surface
• After the recommended period of drying time wipe the surface with a clean dry cloth.

WHEN TO APPLY THE SEALER
The question you probably have is when should the sealer be applied? Premier Surface’s technicians will seal the stone when it is installed. When should you seal it again? If you prefer a time-based criterion, then our standard recommendation is to seal it twice a year, actually it probably needs it only once per year but by saying twice there’s a better chance of getting it done once. (CLICK TO READ MORE)

Maintenance of Your Granite Countertops
Protect your countertops by never permitting anyone to stand on them. The weakest area and most susceptible to cracks is the area in front of sink and cook top cut outs. Premier Surfaces adds reinforcing steel rods to these areas to improve the strength. However, it is a good practice to use a stepladder and not the countertop to reach high cabinets or light fixtures.
As a matter of safety do not place hot pans on the granite countertop. The heat will not bother the granite, but, there have been instances where people place hands on the area where a hot pan was just removed from the granite causing burns. Always use a trivet.

The edges of the granite are most susceptible to chipping. Just use extra care when working with utensils near the edges. Chips can be fixed; if they occur give us a call.

Final Note:
It is worth repeating! The only thing needed to keep the surface of your granite countertop clean on a daily basis is dishwashing soap, rinsed with clean water and wiped dry with a clean dry cloth. Also, if you would not use a cleaner on your hands, don’t use it on your countertops.

Granite is a very durable stone, but as a natural product here are a few helpful suggestions that will keep your granite looking as beautiful as the day it was installed.

• Everyday cleaning of the granite surface should be done with simple dishwashing soap, rinsed thoroughly with clean water and dried completely using a clean dry cloth.
  
• Do not use anything on the countertops that you would not use on your hands. Do not use vinegar or anything that may contain ammonia (e.g. Windex), bleach (e.g. Clorox), or specialty bathroom, tile or grout or cleaners that may contain acids. These chemicals could have a bleaching or etching effect on some of the minerals in the stone.
  
• Do not use any type of cleanser since the abrasives in the cleanser over time will remove the final polish from the stone making appear dull. Other items that could be detrimental to any stone’s surface are citric acids, oils, wine and ink. The effect is not permanent in granite but could be in other types of stone such as marble or travertine since they are calcium carbonate based.
  
• Clean up spills as quickly as possible using a blotting technique instead of wiping to avoid spreading the spilled substance. Use soap and water to clean the area, rinse, and then dry with a clean cloth.
  
• Remember, for everyday cleaning, dishwashing soap and water is all that is needed and making certain that the surface is dried with a clean cloth. There are specialty daily granite cleaning solutions available if you desire to have something specifically designed for granite.