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.