How to seal limestone countertops

Limestone countertops are the picture of elegance and there are few things more luxurious than the addition of natural stone to your home. Investing in limestone worktops will not only increase the value of your home but it will also more than pay for itself by lasting more than a lifetime.

In order to make sure that your limestone stands the test of time, it is important to follow the care and maintenance instructions carefully. This includes periodic sealing in order to prevent stains from taking hold.

Before you seal your limestone worktops, it is essential that the surface is completely clean and dry. You need to decide between using a limestone sealer or sealing your worktops with a mineral oil. If you choose to use a mineral oil, it needs to be safe since your kitchen is used for food preparation. Regardless of the type of sealer you use, it will need to be resealed from time to time. Limestone sealers usually need to be redone every three to four years while mineral oil will need to be redone more often.

Before sealing your limestone worktops you will need to remove any fixtures and you will need to cover any areas that you wish to protect from spilling. Follow the instructions on the packaging and allow the sealer to dry before you wipe off the excess. Be prepared to let your worktops dry for at least 24 hours. On occasion, drizzle a few drops of water on your countertops to test how porous it is and if it needs resealing.