Resealing Countertops: DIY vs. Professional
Annual sealing is the most important maintenance task for natural stone countertops. Here's what's involved, when to DIY, and when to call a professional.
By Precision Granite Works Team · Precision Granite Works, Epsom NH
Why Sealing Matters
Natural stone — granite, marble, quartzite — is porous. Without a sealer, liquids can penetrate the surface and leave stains that are difficult or impossible to remove. A penetrating stone sealer fills those microscopic pores and creates a barrier that repels moisture, oil, and kitchen acids before they can damage the stone.
We apply a professional-grade penetrating sealer to every natural stone countertop before delivery. But sealers break down over time with regular use and cleaning, and most granite and quartzite countertops benefit from annual resealing. Marble, which is more porous, typically benefits from resealing every six to twelve months depending on use.
The Water Test
Not sure if your countertops need sealing? Place a tablespoon of water on the surface and check it after 10–15 minutes. If the water beads up cleanly on the surface, the sealer is still working. If the water has soaked into the stone and darkened it, the sealer is depleted and it's time to reseal. This simple test tells you what a laboratory analysis would confirm.
DIY Resealing: When It Makes Sense
Annual resealing of granite and quartzite is a legitimate DIY project for most homeowners. The process is straightforward: clean the surface thoroughly, apply the sealer with a cloth or applicator pad, let it absorb for the manufacturer's specified time, buff off the excess, and allow to cure. Total active time is usually 30–45 minutes. A quality penetrating sealer (we recommend impregnators like Tenax, Miracle Sealants, or Dry-Treat) is available at stone care suppliers and online.
The key to successful DIY sealing: use the right product for your specific stone, don't rush the dwell time, and buff off all excess before it hazes on the surface.
When to Call a Professional
Professional sealing makes sense in a few situations: marble countertops (where the etching risk means the sealer needs to be applied correctly every time), any stone that's showing staining or has been neglected for several years (the stone may need cleaning or poulticing before sealing), and commercial kitchens or high-use surfaces where maximum protection is critical.
If you're unsure about your stone's condition or sealing needs, call us at 603-736-0004 — we're happy to give honest guidance. And if you're considering new countertops, request a free estimate or visit our Epsom, NH showroom.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Contact Precision Granite Works for a free consultation and quote at our Epsom, NH showroom.
About the Author
Written by the team at Precision Granite Works — New Hampshire's family-owned countertop fabricators. Jillian and Shawn Woodward and their team serve homeowners and builders across all of NH from our Epsom showroom.