When you install natural stone
worktops, your supplier will most likely recommend that the stone be
sealed immediately after the installation is complete. This is done
in order to protect the surface and keep it looking its best. The
sealant will need to be reapplied as needed in order to maintain its
effectiveness. What many people wonder is how these sealers work.
Stone worktop sealers are composed of a
resin component that has been dissolved in water or a petroleum based
solvent. When this solution is applied to the stone surface, it is
absorbed. This clogs any open pores in the stone and makes the
surface more resistant to stains. Resistant does not mean that stains
cannot take hold. It is still recommended that spills be cleaned up
as soon as they occur.
Since stone like granite is known for
being naturally porous, sealing is essential if you want to prevent a
spill from becoming a stain. That said, sealing is not a permanent
solution. It will be effective for several months but, eventually, it
will need to be reapplied.
It is important to only use the sealer
recommended for use on the particular stone you have installed.
Different sealers are designed for use on different stone types. You
should also test your worktops regularly to make sure that the sealer
is still effective. If water forms beads on top of the worktop, your
surfaces are protected. If beads do not form, you should reseal your
stone worktops.