How to Waterproof Granite

Always test the absorbency of the granite before applying the waterproofing agent. If your granite is highly permeable (water or oil), a waterproofing can make maintenance much easier. Nothing can completely protect granite against stains, but with a good waterproofing agent, you will have enough time to clean the stain before it penetrates the stone. Note that waterproofing has nothing to do with the luster of the stone; The polishing will determine this factor.

Table of Contents

Check before waterproofing

Check if the granite needs to be waterproofed. Although there are many types of granite that do not require waterproofing, it is still customary to apply waterproofing. ^{[1] X Research Source} To check the stone surface, you can apply a few drops of water or place a wet paper towel on the stone surface for 10-15 minutes in a hidden location. If water starts to seep and darken the surface of the kitchen, the next step is to waterproof the stone. ^{[2] X Research Source www.marble.com/articles/to-seal-or-not-to-seal/} If water is still dripping on the surface then the granite is already resistant to contamination and you are not need waterproofing.

If the granite has to come into contact with a petroleum-based product, test it with a few drops of mineral oil. ^{[3] X Research Source www.marble.com/articles/to-seal-or-not-to-seal/} Perform waterproofing if either test darkens the granite.
If water doesn’t penetrate the stone, don’t waterproof it. The waterproofing agent needs to soak into the rock to work, so it will build up in scale if not absorbed.

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Avoid dripping lemon juice on the stovetop. The “lemon juice” test is often mentioned online, but according to the Natural Stone Institute, acidic products like vinegar and lemon juice can corrode the stone’s surface. Granite is very sensitive to acidic or alkaline products, and products like lemon juice and vinegar can damage the surface and the glue underneath. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Choose a waterproofing agent for natural stone. Only use products designed specifically for natural stone, and preferably for granite. The waterproofing agent will soak into the kitchen surface to reduce the ability of the stone to absorb. It will effectively protect the surface against stains in the long run. These instructions should be enough to keep the hob safe, but you can dig deeper into the documentation if you’re interested:

For best results you should choose a carbon waterproof glue. Look for products that say “fluorocarbon aliphatic resin” on the label. This product can protect kitchen surfaces for many years but is also the most expensive.
The next option is a product containing “siloxane” or “silane” but the oil resistance is not very good.
Avoid using silicone or linseed oil-based repellents. They are the least durable and need to be re-watered every eight months, and sometimes even stain the stone.
Some waterproofing chemicals may be water-based or solvent-based. Experts have mixed opinions on these two categories; both work, but water-based repellents are easier to clean and eco-friendly. ^{[5] X Research Sources}
After applying the waterproofing, consider using cleaning solutions containing ioSeal Protectants as they help strengthen and maintain the waterproofing effect without pooling on the surface.

Waterproofing for granite kitchen countertops

Granite cleaning. Wipe the cooktop with water and dish soap or a specialized stone cleaner such as Tenax, then dry with a cloth (soft lint-free cloth is recommended). Use a degreasing product, and finally wipe with ethanol. Wait 24 hours for the granite to completely dry and return to its original color, or wait 8 hours if the work area is subject to strong winds. ^{[6] X Research Source}

If the cooktop has just been installed and other items are still under construction in the kitchen, it’s best to wait until those jobs are completed. Dust from application may affect the protection of the waterproofing agent.

Wear gloves and ventilate the work area. Solvent-based repellents can produce unpleasant or toxic gases, so open windows and wear gloves. Do not worry; Waterproofing agent will not leave harmful chemicals in your kitchen.

Test at a small angle. Choose an unobstructed corner on the stovetop, perhaps where the microwave or other appliances are located. Perform the following steps on a small area first, to ensure the sealant is suitable for the granite. If the repellent leaves a matte residue or stains the stone, look elsewhere.

While the advice in this prep will prevent most problems, there are so many varieties of granite that it’s hard to completely prevent damage.

Waterproof coating. Spray the repellent evenly over the surface, or use a clean lint-free cloth or brush to coat the repellent if the product is not in a spray bottle. The entire surface will become wet but not soggy.

Let the waterproofing soak into the stone. See the instructions for the waiting time, as waiting too long can cause the granite to discolor. It usually takes about 20 minutes for the repellent to soak into the stone, but you should check the label.

Apply a second coat if necessary. If the information on the label requires a second coat, this will usually be done when the first coat is almost completely dry. Apply the second coat in the same manner as the first.

Wipe waterproof. After waiting twenty minutes or following the product instructions, you will wipe away any excess waterproofing agent with a clean rag. Leaving excess waterproofing can create an unsightly matte finish on the surface.

Leave on the stovetop for 48 hours. This continues to be a number depending on the product, but the waterproofing needs to “cure” for a while before it becomes effective. Some products need to cure for an hour or two, but it is better to avoid washing the countertop for the first 48 hours after applying the waterproofing agent.

Consider future maintenance. Many contractors recommend recoating the waterproofing every year, but this is usually not necessary. Different types of rock need to be waterproofed with different frequencies. In addition, re-coating of the waterproofing agent can be replaced by cleaning the surface with a product containing ioSeal Protectants, which strengthen and maintain the protective layer.

Other conditions also affect how often the waterproofing needs to be reapplied. These are the color of the stone, the porosity of the stone, the quality of the repellent, and whether or not you use a cleaning product containing ioSeal.

Advice

Depending on the quality of the repellent and the color of the granite, the protection can last from one to fifteen years. ^{[7] X Source of Research} You only need to test with water to see if additional waterproofing is needed, or reapply waterproofing whenever you see the stone darkening after exposure to water. Never apply waterproofing without first testing with water.
If the waterproofing leaves a matte finish on the stone, try applying a similar product to dissolve it and quickly wipe it off. If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to use a micro-abrasive cleaner to clean the stone. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Warning

No waterproofing agent can completely resist stains. They are designed so that the stone surface absorbs longer and gives you time to clean. The best waterproofing product can be a bad choice for granite countertops, as natural stone needs a “gap” to prevent cracking or other damage.
The waterproofing agent will not resist corrosion caused by the chemical reaction between the natural stone and the acidic liquid. ^{[9] X Research Source} You will need a corrosion removal product to correct this damage.

Things you need

Clean white rag
High quality waterproofing agent

Steps

Check before waterproofing

Waterproofing for granite kitchen countertops

Advice

Warning

Things you need

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