Most homeowners understand that natural stone kitchen countertops require a sealant.
Most homeowners understand that natural stone kitchen countertops require a sealant. Otherwise, you risk your kitchen countertop becoming susceptible to absorb food and liquids and face deep stains. While it’s clear that sealing your natural stone countertop is essential, what’s often not as clear is how to go about the process. Here are six mistakes to avoid when sealing your kitchen countertops.
Over-Sealing Kitchen Countertops
Sealants are compounds that you can apply to the surface of natural stone countertop materials. They fill up the pores of the rocks to make them scratch-proof and water-resistant. If you apply sealant excessively, it will result in your kitchen countertop appearing too slick and shiny. A recommended rule of thumb is for you to wipe off any excess sealant with a dry towel.
Polishing Over the Improper Sealant
When you polish over the improper sealant, this can be dangerous and ruin a countertop automatically. It would be best to apply the sealant in an even layer over the stone’s top surface to ensure that you don’t miss a spot. Otherwise, polishing over any countertop surface you have not sealed thoroughly can make the stone brittle, and liquids will seep into the natural stone. In short, when you want to polish your countertops, ensure you seal the entire surface.
Polishing Then Sealing
Not only do you not want to polish over an unsealed countertop. You also don’t want to polish kitchen countertops before sealing them altogether. Otherwise, this technique will weaken the natural stone and result in it appearing chalky versus polished.
Using the Improper Cleaning Supplies
Abrasive cleaners or detergents shouldn’t go on natural stone countertops. If so, this could result in an acidic chemical reaction causing the stone to dissolve. You won’t notice it immediately, but over time, you’ll see indentation and holes. Soap and water will do the trick.
Using Heavy Cleaning Tools
Nothing abrasive should go on a natural stone countertop, which also applies to the cleaning tools you use. There isn’t a need to depend on a diamond or carbide sander or polisher. A soft, lint-free cloth is more than enough.
Misapplying the Sealant on Kitchen Countertops
Refrain from applying the sealant in too thick of a layer. Instead, the application should be smooth and even. On a clean, smooth, and unpolished surface, apply a small amount of primer followed by thin coats of sealant. Once the first layer dries completely, you can go over it one more time.
QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR CUSTOM KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS?
If you have questions regarding kitchen or bathroom countertop trends for 2020, Rock Tops Fabrication is here to answer them. Our trained professionals are here to make sure that your new kitchen is designed and finished in exactly the way you want it. We service Maryland, DC, and Virginia. Feel free to give us a call at 410-363-4257. For more information, tips, and tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Pinterest, and Houzz.