Granite is a stunning natural stone known for its durability, beauty, and versatility. Whether you have granite countertops, floors, or other surfaces, proper sealing is essential to protect and enhance its appearance. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of sealing granite, from pre-sealing preparations to maintenance and re-sealing. Let’s explore everything you need to know about sealing granite.

Pre-Sealing

Before laying the granite, it’s crucial to consider pre-sealing to safeguard the stone during the installation process. Applying a coat of Spirit NPS on the face of the stone acts as a protective layer and doubles as a grout release. Alternatively, you can opt for pre-sealing after laying the granite but before grouting, making it easier to grout rough and challenging surfaces.

Initial Cleaning and Grout Haze Removal

Once the granite has been laid, grouted, and washed, a grout residue or haze may be left on the surface. To prepare the granite for sealing, it’s essential to follow these steps:

  1. Wait for Adequate Drying: Allow the grout to harden for 3-4 days before attempting to remove the grout haze. This waiting period ensures the grout has sufficiently dried.
  2. Protect the Area: During this timeframe, ensure the floor is protected from any other work being done by other trades to avoid unnecessary damage.
  3. Prepare Cleaning Solutions: Gather the necessary materials, including Spirit Phosphoric Acid, Spirit Neutral Cleaner, Spirit Doodlebug, a bucket, broom, and mop. You can also use Spirit Safe Acid for grout haze removal.
  4. Dilute and Apply the Solution: Dilute 10 parts clean water to 1 part Spirit Phosphoric Acid or Spirit Safe Acid in a bucket. Apply the solution to the area that needs cleaning, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Scrub the Area: Use a Spirit Doodlebug with a multi-directional head attached to a broom handle to scrub the surface in hard-to-reach areas.
  6. Rinse the Floor: Remove the solution with a dense mop and rinse the floor with Spirit Neutral Cleaner diluted with 20 parts clean water to 1 part cleaner. A wet/dry vacuum can efficiently remove the dirty water.
  7. Dry the Floor: If necessary, rinse the floor with clean water and let it dry completely before proceeding to the sealing stage.

Sealing

Sealing is a crucial step in protecting granite from stains and other potential damage. To ensure the best results, use a breathable penetrating sealer. It’s advisable to conduct a test on a spare piece of stone before sealing the entire surface. For sealing granite, you have multiple options:

Sealing Process:

  1. Prepare Materials: For sealing, gather your sealer, Spirit Microfibre Applicator, clean white rags, gloves, respirator, and a solvent suitable tray (for solvent-based sealers).
  2. Apply Two Coats: Apply two coats of the sealer, allowing approximately 1 hour of drying time between coats. Follow the directions on the product’s label closely for best results.
  3. Excess Sealer Removal: Take extra care to remove any excess sealer, especially when using Spirit Colour Enhancer Pro.

Maintenance

Maintaining your sealed granite is essential for preserving its beauty and longevity. Regular cleaning with Spirit Neutral Cleaner is recommended, and the frequency of cleaning can be adjusted based on the level of traffic and wear. For more thorough cleaning, Spirit HDC or Spirit Bright As can be used periodically to remove tough stains and grime without harming the granite.

Re-Sealing

To ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the sealer, it’s crucial to re-seal as needed. Factors that influence the frequency of re-sealing include the level of traffic and the location of the granite surface. Commercial areas with heavy foot traffic and daily cleaning will require more frequent re-sealing than domestic areas. By following the guidelines provided in this guide and using Spirit Sealers’ premium quality products, you can ensure your granite surfaces remain protected and pristine for years to come.

Remember, Spirit Sealers always recommends conducting a test before sealing any surface and encourages you to contact us for more technical information. Trust Spirit Sealers for all your granite sealing needs, and experience the beauty and durability of this remarkable natural stone to its fullest potential.