Granite countertops can be beautiful, but granite is not naturally slippery and shiny. The stone must be polished before showing a shiny appearance. Due to the porous nature of granite, it absorbs liquids that are left on its surface for as long as possible, which can stain the countertop. Applying a sealer helps prevent staining and maintains the good appearance of the granite. It is wise to both polish and seals your granite countertops before use.
How to Polish and Seal Granite Countertops
Step 1
Sand the granite surface, starting with a 50 grit polishing pad. Start with the edges and work your way in. Continue polishing the entire surface with the pad until the grain of the granite stops changing. You will know when it happens because you will find less resistance sanding.
Step 2
Change to an 80 grit polishing pad and re-sand the granite counter. Climb up all eight grits until you reach your 3,000 grit polishing pad. At this point, the granite countertops will have a shiny surface.
Step 3
Clean freshly polished countertops with a lightly moistened washcloth. It is important that the rag you use contains as little water as possible, as the granite has not yet been sealed and residual cleaning water can stain it.
Step 4
Let the countertops dry for 24 hours. If you have a fan, run it to blow on the granite.
Step 5
Apply granite sealant to a clean, dry toilet towel and rub it across the surface. Make sure you cover the entire surface.
Step 6
Let the sealer dry completely. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 7
Apply a second coat of sealant in the same way. Give this layer a few minutes to absorb it into the stone, then polish it with a clean, dry cloth.
