Haze from Sealing Granite Countertops

Sealer failure after 2 years
by: Anonymous

I redid my kitchen 2 years ago and had a brand-new granite countertop installed.

I have only cleaned it with what they told me to use. It is supposed to have a 15-year dry treat sealer on it.

It is changing color in my work areas (I cook in my kitchen like once a week!)

Now the company is trying to say it’s not the sealer, but the stone is just changing color on its own and wants me to pay for a new countertop! Is there anything I can do?

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

It's hard to say why the discoloration is occurring. You didn't say if it is getting darker or lighter.

It certainly isn't the granite itself changing color. Some contractors will make up any excuse not to take responsibility for a problem. But this one is nonsense.

The installer may not be responsible at all but shouldn't make stuff up. And if they don't know that granite does not just up and change color, they need to study up.

I'm guessing the granite is getting darker in the working areas. This usually happens due to oils absorbing into the surface. It does seem extreme to notice discoloration after only two years of cooking once a week, but not impossible, especially if the granite is lighter in color or white granite.

Sealers work to slow down absorption but do not absolutely prevent it. So, if oils or grease from cooking or any other liquids are left on the surface long enough, then a stain could result.

This is not "sealer failure."

Most people do not know this and assume a sealer forms some impenetrable shell over the granite. No, that's not how it works.

So, you can try to remove any stain with a quality Granite & Marble Stain Remover.

Be sure to clean up and wipe down the countertops after use every time.

How you use and care for the countertop will greatly impact how it looks over the years. Most granite can look the same as the day installed 10 years from now with proper care.

Not saying you are neglecting the granite, but there is always a reason for stains or damage. In some cases, the problem stems from the installation but not always.

It may be that the sealer actually applied was not the 15-year sealer. If they applied it in front of you, then maybe you can rule out this possibility. But if applied at the shop prior to installation, then there is no way to know what it was sealed with.

I wouldn't hold out much hope that your installer will help you solve this. I would try removing the granite stains and applying a quality stone sealer yourself so you know it's done right.

Contact our support if you need additional advice on diagnosing the issue or product choice and use.

Removing Haze on Fantasy Brown Granite Countertops
by: Anonymous

We had new Fantasy Brown granite countertops installed. The island and one side of the kitchen were completed about 6 weeks ago. The other side of the kitchen was completed last week.

The installer sprayed something on the countertops installed 6 weeks ago but I did not see them put that spray in the side that was just completed.

The older side has a haze or film on it and the new side does not.

I wonder if the spray they used caused this. I have tried polishing the older side but it made no difference.

Might it be the spray the installers used? How can I test this to fix the issue?

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

My guess is that the installer sprayed on a sealer and let it dry, which is the wrong way to do it.

This method of lightly spraying on a sealer doesn't work. Not enough sealer is applied to allow the granite to absorb it and actually seal the surface.

You can use a spray bottle to apply a sealer but you have to create a complete thin film of sealer sufficient enough to allow the granite to absorb as much as it can.

But the big mistake is allowing the sealer to dry on the surface. For some reason, many installers do not know this fact about sealing granite (or any stone).

You must not let a sealer dry on the surface or it can form a haze once it cures. The correct method is to apply the sealer, let it dwell and absorb, and then wipe off all the excess and completely buff dry the surface so no sealer residue remains.

This haze is difficult to remove. At this point, I'd suggest washing with acetone or mineral spirits. Both are solvents so make sure you open all windows and doors to provide good ventilation and protect all surrounding surfaces.

But the solvent won't harm the granite. Apply the acetone, let it dwell, scrub a bit and then wipe clean and dry.

It may take a couple applications. If after 2 or 3 applications the haze is still there, then it may be permanent, but usually, you can get it off in this manner.

You may also try a Magic Eraser which can work in some instances.

White Springs Granite - Sealer Changing Color
by: Sharon

I was told be a fabricator that penetrating sealers can change the color of some granite. If the water test does not bead up, how can I protect my granite without having it change color?

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Most standard impregnating stone sealers do not change the color of the granite countertop or only ever so slightly.

When it does occur it is usually so subtle that you don't really notice it. You'd only notice if comparing an unsealed piece of the exact same slab to a sealed section.

But most often there's no color change. What you should do is have the fabricator give you a left over piece of your slab. You paid for it. And then apply a sealer to that piece to test it.

The sealers we recommend are designed to not change the color. Still easy and best to test on a left-over piece.

White springs granite will almost certainly need a sealer or you'll be battling stains a lot. But testing with water is the proper way to do it and then proceed (apply a sealer if needed) based on the water test results.

Water disperses though... seal again?
by: KK

Have Ubatuba granite that is 3 years old. Sealed it last year and this year prior to learning that dark granite shouldn’t be sealed (thanks to the info on this page).

However, when water droplets are placed on the stone, it disperses instead of beads up, which it used to do. So, question is, do I need to seal or leave it alone?

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Well, the lesson is you need to test any granite to see if it needs sealing or not. Dark granites usually do not, but still should water test.

Water typically beads up for some time after the sealer was applied, but may not continue to do so forever.

If water does not darken the surface, then it is not absorbing and does not need sealing.

Since you've already sealed this Ubatuba granite twice I'd guess it does not need it again.

Magic Eraser worked
by: NY5

Thanks so much for all the responses here. I too used Magic Eraser and it removed all the residue that looks like it might have been from improper sealing.

Haze on Ubatuba
by: Nick

I just had installled my counter tops with Ubatuba about a month ago.

I've noticed that only the countertop on the island has a haze to it.

The company came back and applied more sealant but this did not work. They had use Adria Protection sealer. Any ideas?

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Uba Tuba granite is usually very dense and very low absorbency so doesn't need a sealer. You need to test it to be sure, but typically does not need it.

The haze is probably from the sealer they put on the first time. Applying more sealer, scrubbing, and then wiping off all excess and drying can sometimes remove the haze, but only if done within a day or two of the original application.

You'll likely need to use a potent solvent like methylene chloride to strip off the hazy film.

Magic Eraser
by: Anonymous

Thanks so much for your recommendation of Magic Eraser to clean the haze. Just had new granite counter tops installed and got the "haze". So relieved to have found a cure. Thanks again!

Spotty film on black galaxy granite
by: Mike

Just installed new black galaxy counters in a new kitchen and there is a spotty film under the shine. I was told by the installer it needs to be sealed but sealing didn't take the film away . It almost looks like the granite was left out in the rain and it appears to be water stains under the finish.

===== Countertop Specialty comment:

Typically, a haze or film on granite is from improper application of a sealer. Sealer residue will leave a streaky haze.

Usually, black galaxy granite will not need to be sealed since it is naturally stain-resistant and a sealer will not clean or remove anything.

A "spotty" haze is somewhat curious. It could be hard water deposits. Tough to know without seeing it or knowing the exact history.

Scrubbing with acetone and 0000-grade steel wool may remove it. Also, note that the "shine" is not on top of the granite. It is part of the granite. The granite itself has been ground or sanded smooth to a shiny finish.

granite countertop haze around sink
by: Ron

I have had granite counters in my last 3 homes. The granite in my present kitchen has a haze on it right at the apron of the kitchen sink. It looks lousy.

I have had it stripped, & polished 3x & the shine lasts 3 days.

I live in SE FL. I lived in NYC for many years with Wilsonart laminate counters that were 15 years old when I sold my condo and looked like they had just been installed.

My next house will be BACK to laminate or Corian. I am OVER cleaning & polishing granite!!!

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Very unlikely that the haze around the sink is a problem with the granite countertop. It's almost certainly due to mineral deposits from hard water.

Stripping and polishing will remove this, but as soon as any water dries on the granite it will leave behind hazy mineral deposits.

Hard water can be difficult to remove with standard cleaners.

You may be able to remove buildup with 0000 steel wool, but typically you'll also need a specialized cleaner like this Hard Water / Soap Scum Remover made specifically for use on marble & granite countertops.

You'd get this build-up no matter what type of countertop material is installed.

Hazy Dull Granite Countertop with Water Stains

by Carol Laffite
(Lancaster, CA)

QUESTION:

I don't know how to restore it to a shiny granite countertop.

No matter what I do to 'polish' it, the haze returns as soon as I wipe off the polish.

Imagine a kid covered his hands with toothpaste and rubbed it all over the counter.

You can't see it when you look DOWN at it, only when you look at it from the side. It's a combination of streaks and now water stains or spots and glass rings too.

I've only had the house one year. I don't know if it was ever 'sealed'. I've never sealed it. What can I buy to fix this?

ANSWER:

Well, since you are not certain what has been done to this granite countertop, I can't be certain either, however, what you describe is classic granite sealer residue from improper sealing technique.

If a sealer is applied on a granite countertop (or any type of natural stone) where the stone is too dense and already naturally stain-resistant, then all that will happen is the sealer will dry on the surface leaving a dull, blotchy, or streaky haze like you describe.

This can also happen on a granite countertop that should be sealed, but the excess sealer was not removed properly and again it dried on the surface.

I suspect this is what happened in your case. Unfortunately, removing the hazy cured sealer residue can be difficult. You'll likely have to use powerful solvent like methylene chloride to strip it off.

Despite what you may read that sealing granite countertops must be done on all granite every year, it's not true.

Many granite colors need a sealer applied, however, very few granite countertops will need annual resealing.

Frequency for applying a granite sealer depends on many variables, but most surfaces will go 3-5 years before needing more sealer. Some can go 10 years and if you use a permanent granite sealer like Senguard, you'll never have to re-seal.

The "water stains" and glass rings are not actually from water and they are not stains. These are from acidic substances etching the sealer residue on the surface... not the granite itself.

Follow the e-book instructions (link near top) on how to remove sealer residue and you should get rid of the water marks and get your shine back!

Hazy Ghost Spot on Black Granite

by joe moreno
(greeley co.)

QUESTION:

Our black granite countertop has hazy rings and a hazy ghost spot. What can we do to clean it up?

ANSWER:

Used to be that most varieties of black granite were nearly stain-proof and did not etch.

Now, many black granite countertop slabs are dog stones that will etch or have been doctored with a coloring agent to make them more black and this dye will etch creating the "ghost spots" you describe.

Improper sealer application could be to blame as well. Putting a sealer on a non-absorbent black granite countertop is trouble.

The sealer remains on the surface rather than absorbing into the stone and forms a film that can etch creating the rings and dull spots.

In any case, you'll need to remove whatever is on the surface using solvents. Try acetone or methylene chloride (found in paint strippers).

If the MC doesn't work, then likely you have a a rare granite that etches but most likely it is a sealer residue or doctoring dye issue.

Haze On New Granite Countertops

QUESTION:

I had Santa Cecilia granite countertops installed and I notice a haze on the granite.

Now, two weeks into it I am noticing round water stains from glasses left to long on the countertop. What is this?

ANSWER:

Most likely this is due to improper application of a granite sealer.

Santa Cecilia typically is not very dense and applying a granite sealer does not present problems with absorption which can result in problematic film.

A common sealer application error is to let the sealer dry on the surface. This often results in the streaky haze.

The glass rings are from acidic substances etching the sealer residue left on the countertop surface (and not the granite itself).

To solve this issue you'll need to strip the sealer off the surface using methylene chloride, which is a powerful and noxious solvent.

The "All About Sealing" e-book mentioned several times (with links) on this page details exactly how to do it.

Sealing Granite Countertop Problem

by Cindy
(RI)

QUESTION:

We have a light granite (creamy with brown and grey througout). I used the sealer as instructed on the bottle after 1.5 years of having it. (the company told us to do it every year)

So, I sprayed the sealer, waited for it to dry, then sprayed again waited and wiped excess off.

When I returned home after the required time- 3 days to be exact. The countertops looked like someone had sneezed andit dried!

I couldnt polish it to make it look better and now it looks like it has water spots all over it and not shiny at all!

I am sooo upset and dont know how to fix this - can you guide me?? The sealer and polish and cleaner I used was "SCI" (the same they used when the counters were installed).... HELP!! Thank you so much!

ANSWER:

The mistake the company made was telling you to re-apply the granite sealer every year. Not surprising since many sales people and others working in the stone industry have limited knowledge.

Of course, if this particular sealer does commonly need re-application every year, then it's a very poor sealer.

Very few granites need re-sealing every year. Many can go 5 years and some even ten years depending on the sealer.

The point is that granite is a natural product with wide variations in porosity, so there is no set rule for applying granite sealers or frequency for re-sealing.

It's always a case-by-case basis and some granite countertops do not need sealing at all... ever.

The only way to determine when/if to apply or re-apply a granite sealer is to perform the water test for sealing granite countertops.

What occurred with your granite countertop is that it was already sealed, so it did not readily absorb liquids. The granite sealer is a liquid, so it did not absorb, dried on the surface and left the hazy sneeze pattern, which sealers will do when not properly applied.

Of course, it is possible that your granite did need re-sealing, absorbed enough to re-seal, but mistakenly you let the sealer dry on the surface.

I don't know if the bottle instructions stated, but you should always wipe up all excess before it dries. You should never let the sealer just sit and dry.

The sealer residue can be removed but it will likely require stripping with a potent solvent.

Sometimes you can remedy this problem by re-applying the granite sealer, but usually this must be done before the sealer cures.

You'll find complete information regarding granite sealers, "how to" instructions for sealing granite countertops correctly and how to strip a sealer in the All About Sealer e-book.

The water spots are likely etch marks in the granite sealer left on the surface. Granite doesn't etch easy, but dried sealer on granite countertops will often etch. Once the sealer is stripped off the surface your water marks should be gone and the surface back to normal.

Good Luck,
Ryan

Why Is My Sealed Granite Blotchy?

by Mike Doyen
(Naples FL 34105)

QUESTION:

I used SCI cleaner to clean my black granite and 8 hours later used SCI Sealor to seal it.

The black granite in the bathroon (which was done 24 hours ago) looks fine.

The black granite in the kitchen (which was done 6 hours ago) has black blotchy spots all over it.

Do I have a problem? If so, what should I do?

ANSWER:

Without knowing exactly how the granite sealer was applied I can't say why one seems fine and the other blotchy, but....

Most black granite does not need a sealer. Black granite countertops are typically so dense to be essentially non-absorbent and will not stain except in extreme circumstances.

In fact, most black granite cannot be sealed since the sealer will not absorb.

When a granite sealer is applied to a black granite like Absolute Black or Black Galaxy it just sits on top until it dries leaving a dull hazy, streaky, or blotchy sealer residue on top.

Now, if the sealer is wiped off completely prior to drying like it should be, then you may not develop any problem. It's not likely the sealer absorbed much if at all into black granite, but wiping down until dry at least avoids creating a haze problem.

If applied and left to dry, it is possible that some sealer absorbed in some spots and in other areas it didn't.

Anyway, here's how to remove sealer residue:

Strip it off by washing and scrubbing with methylene chloride. You may have luck re-applying the sealer to try and get it to re-absorb the dried sealer then remove all excess and dry completely. But may be too late.

Info about sealers, how to properly seal stone, and how to remove granite sealer residue is in the Sealing Granite & Marble ebook.

For future reference not all granite or stone must be sealed. Yeah, I know you read that a lot but it comes mainly from granite sealer manufacturers.

All you need to do to determine if any stone needs sealing is to water test for sealing granite countertops the surface in several places.

Comments for Why Is My Sealed Granite Blotchy?

Removing Miracle 511 Impregnator sealer haze from Quartzite tiles
by: Anonymous

Hi,

We have laid quartzite - natural stone - not manmade quartz material ( Golden Fantasy ) tiles and the installer applied too much of the Miracle 511 impregnator sealer.

It shows sticky and streaky patches on the tiles all over.

What can we do to remove the haze? When I wrote to Miracle, if we could remove the sealer, their answer was no, that particular sealer can not be stripped off.

So, wondering what can we do to just remove the haze?

Thanks

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

It often can be difficult to strip off sealer residue haze, but try scrubbing with methylene chloride. This is a powerful and noxious solvent found in paint strippers.

Protect cabinets, etc. and use carefully as instructed. Solvents won't harm granite, but this is your best shot to remove the sealer haze.

Marble counters stain
by: Heman

Hi, I'm a granite and marble installer. A customer came to me with a problem.

She has a honed Calacatta gold marble island. Every time she has a party she would have rings on here counter top.

Is there anything that can be done. We have honed it again and put sealer back on it but it still gets rings and we are afraid to take the sealer off cause it could stain.

The ring the glass make is not clearly round it's more like when the light hits it it's a dull round spot like when you put your fingers on black honed granite. Any advice?

===== Countertop Specialty comment:

Yes, marble is sensitive to acids like wine, coffee, fruit juices, etc. Such drinks are often served at parties and the acids in the drinks corrode and etch the marble leaving the dull rings.

Sealing won't prevent etching. An etch mark is not a stain. It is physical damage to the marble, so it must be refinished. Since it's a honed surface you can sand them out or just re-hone it every so often.

fixing dull granite haze
by: Ryan

Carolina lady... almost certainly your granite was improperly sealed. The dull haze is the sealer residue dried on the surface. It must be stripped off. Usually this is a nasty job using the solvent methylene chloride.

dull granite
by: carolina lady

Just purchased a home 3 years old and the black granite counters in kitchen (especially sink area) are dull and hazy.

Have cleaned with soap and water and they will not shine like all other granite counters I have had.

Have just pulled out nasty caulking and wondering what steps to take to make this granite pop. Should the next step be caulk or more cleaning?

Need advice on products to use for both caulk and cleaning. Please help!! Thanks.

Sealing Black Galaxy Problem

by Phoenix
(Chicago)

QUESTION: I have black galaxy granite countertops and my wife decided to seal the countertop... and it dried with streaks and looks like crap. I tried marble polish but it is still streaky.

How can I retain the original finish and add to the luster?

ANSWER: First, true Black Galaxy granite countertops are one of the best stones for the kitchen. Because it is so dense with tiny pores and does not absorb anything, it is essentially stain-proof.

=======
NOTE: In recent years some black granites on the market have been "doctored" with a coloring agent to make it more "black." The coloring agent on these doctored stones will etch from acids. Look for black streaks on the edges of the slab in the warehouse and/or preform the lemon test on a sample... true Black Galaxy will not react.
=======

Also, because Black Galaxy is non-absorbent, it will not take a sealer.

If you apply a sealer, it will just sit on the surface. If you let it dry before wiping ALL of the sealer off the surface, you will get streaks.

To remove the streaks you will need to strip the sealer off the countertop with methylene chloride.

You could do this yourself, but honestly it's a nasty job and I'd hire a professional to come take a look and restore the countertop.

Once restored, of course do not put a granite sealer on it. Just wipe it with a granite cleaner daily/weekly, every couple months use a spray on granite polish or color enhancer and it will look great longer than you or I will!

Removing Black Granite Sealer

by Mikal Krauss
(Atlantic Highlands, NJ)

QUESTION:

We just installed miles of beautiful countertop: Blue in the Night granite...very dark dark grey black ...with small flecks of deep blue!!

The installers applied two coats of a penetrating sealer....they told me to leave in be for a day....and then I could 'wipe' off any residue and just clean and live with the granite normally.

I think the granite didn't absorb the sealer at all......and I can't get it off the counter now!!

They said it could take a while....but I'm worried that since it should never have been applied, the sealer will be a huge headache.... and could damage my granite countertops.

How difficult is it to remove that sealer....will I need to "refinish" the granite....how toxic is the chemical that could remove this sealer (which they said was the latest greatest super expensive type of sealer)....

I'm pretty upset because it was VERY expensive granite....and the fabricator comes so well recommended....but should have known if this granite wouldn't "take" the sealing.

Thanks for any advice....i liked your website and forum...
Mikal Krauss

ANSWER:

WOW! I'm sorry to tell you that your installers may be excellent craftsmen, but they don't know their stone or anything about sealing granite.

Highly unlikely that this stone needed or could even absorb a sealer. But the most moronic, clueless advice was to let the sealer sit for a day.

The most important step in sealing is to wipe off all excess BEFORE it dries. Now, as I said... probably wasn't necessary in the first place and even if they wiped off excess you'd still have some left on the surface creating a streaky residue.

This is their fault all the way and they must correct it. I'd raise hell and I wouldn't back off or let them tell you any bogus story.

It's a shame, but it will need to be stripped with methylene chloride. The chemical itself won't damage the surface, but yes... it is nasty, toxic and will damage cabinets, paint, etc. so everything must be well protected.

I wouldn't want the same installers to do it since they are obviously inept regarding the matter, but it's unlikely they'd agree to pay for another more experienced stone restoration pro to do it.

It is sometimes possible to re-apply a coat of the same sealer, work it with a soft bristle brush to get the fresh sealer to dissolve the dried sealer and then wipe off all excess, dry the countertop and clean with acetone.

What a bummer, but it is correctable... it'll just be a hassle.

Comments for Removing Black Granite Sealer

Very distinct dark areas after sealing
by: Karrie

When I applied a sealer to my new quartzite countertop (white in color), I noticed these very distinct areas on my countertop that were darkening.

It looked like thick tape was there before.

Once I finished the sealing process, the darkened area is slowly lightening (36 hours so far).

Do these darkened areas indicate that they are more porous than other areas?

Should I re-apply another round of sealer?

When I did the water test, a couple of the drops left white watermarks.

Karrie

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

The porosity of stone can vary a little over the surface, but not likely a noticeable amount.

And you said it seemed like tape or something maybe had been on the surface. I'm guessing you're saying this probably because of the shape.

It's always a good idea to thoroughly clean a stone countertop with acetone or mineral spirits prior to applying a sealer to be sure all gunk is removed from the surface.

That the dark areas are getting lighter is good.

You may need a second coat of sealer. Perform the water test again and see if it still indicates that another coat would be beneficial. You want absorption time to be at least over 10 minutes and ideally over 15 minutes.

The white water marks left after performing the water test could simply be mineral deposits. You may have slightly hard water.

Contact our support team and send some photos if you like and we can take a closer look.

Haze on my new granite counter top
by: Louann

We have a saturnia granite top. He saturated it with sealant and said look but don't touch until tomorrow.

Now so hazy we are so upset with this I've tried a buffer. Nothing, so I'm going to buy magic eraser tomorrow or many. The light hits it and nothing but fog. I called them back and they said that's the way its suppose to be...but it's not.....VERY DISAPPOINTED.

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

No, it is not supposed to be all hazy and they know it. Just ridiculous and appalling how irresponsible and clueless some stone fabricators are.

Fact one.... never ever let a sealer dry on the stone or you risk residue haze. So, applying it and leaving it overnight was 100% wrong. You can sometimes get away with this lazy method on very porous stones, but it's very risky and incorrect to do so.

He should have finished the job by applying to saturation and then removing all excess sealer and wiping the surface completely dry buffing out all streaks, etc.

He's telling you it's "normal" hoping you'll buy it and not cause him any more trouble. I apologize these people exist in this business but it is completely unregulated so it is very important to investigate any contractor, get references, etc.

The magic eraser may work or try scrubbing with a solvent like acetone. This is the most common method.

Thanks, Internet
by: Not a handyman

Just wanted to express my appreciation for the advice here. I tried to seal the dark (suede brown) granite in my new construction house.

I thought I followed directions but was left with a smearing, dull, messy residue next day. I was freaking out and preparing to give a lot of money to someone to fix them, but luckily found this thread.

The magic eraser, with quite a bit of elbow grease, worked perfectly!!! Thank you!!!

Black Galaxy Sealer Haze
by: Nacho

Same problem. Had Black Galaxy granite installed two days ago and the installer sealed it and left.

We are left with a blotchy, hazy and a foggy granite. Called the installer and he is coming to check it out.

Can the dried seller be removed with a buffer?

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Hmm... you have to wonder why the installer didn't know not to apply a sealer to Black Galaxy granite.... right.

Sometimes scrubbing with steel wool can remove the haze, but usually you'll need to add in a solvent. You can start with acetone or mineral spirits soaking and scrubbing the surface. Use a power tool if it seems to be more effective.

If the above solvents don't work, then you'll have to use methylene chloride. Much more potent solvent found in paint strippers.

You'll need to protect you cabinets, walls... everything when stripping the sealer.

Here's what I did ; MAGIC ERASER
by: A little late

My newly-installed backsplash granite passed the hardness test and so I thought I just needed to seal the grout.

I bought a small bottle with a brush head on the end and went to work. Well, it dripped and we have lots of tile, so by the time I got finished and went to do it again the drips were dry.

I looked at your website and tried the acetone with no luck. SO, I tried the Magic Eraser. Score!!

I just used a wet MAGIC ERASER and dried the excess water with a cotton cloth. Then I used a sealer/cleaner to make them shine right up. Easy, peasy and no chemicals!

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

That's great! Yes, a Magic Eraser can sometimes work for sealer haze removal as can super-fine steel wool. Both are abrasive which acts to remove the residue.

Often it depends on how long the sealer has cured on the surface. The longer the more difficult to remove. Certainly worth trying before acetone or other more potent methods. Thanks for sharing!

Effective Method
by: Mickey

I sealed the new granite counter tops in a house we flipped but, unfortunately, the sealer was really old.

I noticed I had to shake it each time I applied more sealer, and sometimes it came out very runny (like water) and other times it came out really thick.

The instructions said to apply it with a paintbrush and let it dry.

A day later I applied another layer of sealer. It looked like a disaster when both coats were dry. You could see every tiny paint brush mark in long streaks across the granite, and the finish was dull and rough to the touch.

I read these comments and decided to try the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers as someone else suggested. The sealer was not going to come off no matter how much I rubbed and scrubbed. Finally, I came upon a method that worked well for me. I put a new razor blade in my window scraper and all the hardened sealer came off with a lot of pressure and elbow grease.

Since granite is so hard, it wasn't scratched at all. I wiped the tops clean and the reapplied new sealer I had just purchased. It looks beautiful now. Maybe this method will help someone else? You can always try it in a corner or out of the way spot to be sure.

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Glad this worked for you, although sounds like the "sealer" wasn't what would typically be applied to natural stone.

In most cases, the sealer residue causing the streaks on the surface is a very thin layer which typically cannot be scraped off. However, sometimes steel wool will take it off.

But I agree with you... try it and see. Won't harm granite. Marble is much softer and can scratch so a scraper would not be advised. Thanks for sharing!

Magic Eraser - Magic!
by: Anonymous

I agree that the Magic Eraser removes sealer residue from the warehouse wonderfully!

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
by: sherry

I have used the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove sealer residue from my granite countertops. I will say it works well, but with one caveat: Brand new ones work well.

Once used a bit, and the sealer residue gets on the eraser, they tend to be less effective, and you have to use a lot more force (elbow grease) to get the residue off.

My suggestion is, if you choose this option (and I did find it easiest, short of using a buffer) be sure you buy a lot of magic erasers. I have a large kitchen island (112" x 46") and I used 8, and wished I had more.

Also, I have not noticed any scratches on the granite from the eraser.

Hope this helps!

My success story for removing sealer from black granite
by: Susan from Ontario

Answer: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser! I thought I had destroyed our black granite counter top, when I read somewhere, I should be sealing my granite. To remove it I read all the solutions from "heavy chemicals" to "acetone" and as I stood there, I picked up the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, dampened it and rubbed! Within one hour I had the whole bathroom counter top sparkling and looking like new! No more cloudy residue!

===Admin Comment:

Glad to hear you solved your issue! We have had reports go both ways with Mr. Clean magic eraser. Some stating that is has worked very well to remove tough gunk on the surface and other reports that it has damaged stone... particularly marble.

But never a report about removing sealer residue on granite countertops, which is interesting to note and certainly a method to test out!

We'd advise proceeding with caution when using on marble countertops / floors though.

Thanks for the post!

Same Deal
by: Ryan

Yes, with black galaxy it's almost certain the granite did not need a sealer, could not absorb a sealer and it dried on top.

This can also happen if the fabricator/installer applying the granite sealer simply doesn't know the proper method, which for some incomprehensible reason is far too common. Often they apply it and just leave telling the homeowner to let the sealer dry and buff in 24 hours....

Which is exactly wrong. All residue must be removed before it dries.

You'll have to strip it.

black galaxie
by: mike from phx

we just had counter top installed yesterday ie black galaxie they installer sealed it last night. when i went back to the house today its all smudgy i tried to wipe it and it just keeps streaking like there is a film on it. do i have same issue with the sealer. mike phx

Sealing Blue In The Night Granite
by: Ryan

As with any stone, you should test it to determine whether or not it needs or can take a sealer.

Many dark granites (blacks, blues, some greens and browns) are not porous or absorbent enough to allow liquids to penetrate. This does not mean they are absolutely stain proof.

If you left a large puddle of oil on the surface for a day it could likely stain. But the chance of this happening is very small and most over-looked spills will simply evaporate before they can absorb and stain.

These low-absorbency stones are the ones you want especially for your kitchen because they are the most bullet-proof surface you can buy (including engineered quartz).

Many of these stones won't absorb the sealer, so the sealer just sits on top and if not wiped completely clean, it will leave hazy streaks when it dries.

Since a sealer must be absorbed in order to be effective and these dense granites can't or won't absorb the sealer, it "can't" be sealed. Said another way... black granite won't "take" a sealer.

And yes it means that nothing else will absorb either, so maintenance is a snap. Your risk of staining one of these types of low absorbency granites is pretty much zero.

But always test first. It will help you avoid a sealer mistake/mess when you shouldn't seal and tell you when you should seal and/or re-seal.

Enjoy your new tops!

Blue In the Night granite.
by: jean from Texas

Wow, thank you so much for the sealing warning on this granite. I am getting miles of it for my kitchen and just emailed my fabricator about your warning. What is it about that granite that will not take a sealer? Does that mean substances will not leave marks on this granite because of its hardness? Or will it be a high maintenance issue forever-- without a sealer.?/ Please advise!

Removing Sealer
by: Ryan

Mikal,

That's fantastic! Glad to hear your installer took responsibility and corrected the issue to your satisfaction. That's the way it should work.

Just a side note: usually it's the sealer that will cause a weird reaction with a resined countertop. If anything the solvent would just remove it.

Enjoy your countertops!

Ryan

sealer problem resolved by fabricator
by: Mikal

Ryan, That's great that you are putting out a website forum for help with questions/issue that come up on countertops. I read up extensively online before choosing granite....and to research the sealer problem when that came up.

A world of experience and expertise is available quickly through these online postings. We do have to sort through to find what applies to our individual situations.

Happily, our fabricator did return to rectify the problem. Using acetone and razorblades, the reluctant sealer DID come off....leaving our Blue in the Night granite looking polished perfect.

I really dreaded using any stronger chemical than that......knowing that the slab had been resined (most are) and that could offer reactions to the methyl chlorate.

There was a further issue regarding top polishing a dulled area around a seam/lippage at the seam. With a lot of time and special grinding/polishing tools they were able to correct that too.......the 13-foot island could not have been returned to the shop for that process with out major headache!!

They sent their "best guy"....and even though I was nervous and skeptical, I have to say they did a great job.......today I'll finish paying!!

Hope you post these updates too.....so others don't give up in getting their fabricators to rectify problems....or having them bring in professional stone restorers if that's needed. Mikal