It can be very confusing for Maple Grove, MN, homeowners to try to determine the best way to care for their granite countertops. Some websites recommend a sealant on the surface while others state that granite does not require a sealant.
A sealant is a coating applied to the surface of the granite to seal up small pores in the surface of the stone. Without sealant, liquids and other particles could get into these tiny pores and create stains, etching and a dull look to the surface.
Finish Considerations
The confusion is really not in the controversy of “sealing or not sealing” but rather in the color of the granite and the type of surface finishing. Granite can be finished with different surfaces. The most common of these include polished and honed, but there are other options.
Polished granite countertops have the smooth, sleek finish that is reflective and, depending on the color and pattern, highly mirror-like. The polishing process smooths out many of the smallest pores in the stone, which makes it naturally more resistant to staining. However, it does not eliminate the risk of staining.
Honed surfaces are non-reflective with more of a matte or a brushed surface look. The surface is not smooth and sleek, so it is more likely to hold liquids and spills and have staining issues if not sealed.
Colors
As a general guideline, dark colors of granite countertops, with any type of surface finish, are less prone to staining than the light colors. This does not mean they will not stain; it just means the stains are not as easy to see.
To prevent any type of staining with any surface or any color, the top natural stone companies in Maple Grove, MN, will recommend sealing the countertops. This is a simple, low-cost preventative step to add beauty and durability to your granite counters.
