Which Granite Sealer To Use?

Marble & Granite Sealer Comparison

Marble & Granite Sealer Comparison

QUESTION:

I'm wanting to find the best granite sealer available, but not sure how to know.


I was wondering... are there any reviews or studies ranking the performance of the different granite sealers?

I have looked at two in particular: MB Impregnator/Sealer for stone and Stonetech Bulletproof Stone Sealer. Any other suggestions?

ANSWER:


I understand your confusion. Choosing the best granite sealer can be challenging. Many sealers on the market will do an adequate job sealing granite countertops. But yes... there are significant differences.

We've used all the top brands, but have found a few that are more effective, durable, and cheaper sealers.

The following granite sealer review and discussion will provide the desired perspective, answers, and advice to help you confidently compare, evaluate, and decide which sealer to use.

Stone Sealer Evolution


"How long will it last" is typically the key question. That answer is not cut n' dried. Each sealer will have a range depending on certain variables.

The chemicals and ingredients used in stone sealers have evolved (and are still evolving), so they get better and more durable, but there are still plenty of low-grade sealers on the market.

A scientific sealer comparison would be great, but that's a tricky task.

A true comparative test would need several years with samples undergoing "normal" use and cleaning, or at least some type of an accelerated process that simulates years of use in a short time.

Either way... quite a project and may be of little use by the time completed as new or improved products hit the market.

Years ago Stonetech was cutting-edge, and I've recommended bulletproof in the past. It's a fluorocarbon aliphatic sealer that works by plugging up the pores (as most sealers do).

Fluorocarbon aliphatic sealers were once the very best class of sealers. Most of the recognized brands are now of this type (which is no longer the most advanced formulation).

Stonetech is still a decent, but average product similar to others in its class like Miracle 511, Marble Life, Stonecare International, Rock Doctor, Black Diamond, Weiman, Aqua Mix, etc.

MB Stone Sealer is far better... very good product, much more durable and longer-lasting than Stonetech and the rest of the "last generation" sealers.

None of the above are the best anymore, though. Sealer technology has advanced far beyond how "standard" sealers (like Stonetech, MB, 511) work.

Development of high-quality permanent stone sealers has left these behind.

Which Marble & Granite Sealer is Best?


The top product now for sealing granite & marble countertops (and other natural stone or porous surfaces) is the STAIN-PROOF Permanent DIY Granite Sealer.

STAIN-PROOF is currently the best granite sealer available.


Using nano-technology Stain-Proof employs the most advanced and durable sealer technology yet invented. It forms permanent bonds with the stone, which means... only one application necessary... no re-sealing!

Two or three coats may still be needed (depending on the porosity of your stone countertop) during that one application in order to effectively seal the granite, but then no resealing is necessary.

It can be applied to indoor or outdoor installations and to any porous
surface including granite, marble, travertine, limestone, quartzite, slate, onyx, concrete, grout, etc.

Note, we used to highly recommend SenGuard Sealer. Stain-Proof Sealer is the exact same formula and performance (made by the same company) but you get more volume of sealer at a cheaper price with Stain-Proof!

Obviously, Stain-Proof (and previously SenGuard) is a big step up from the "last generation" fluorocarbon aliphatic sealers that require re-application.

Stain-Proof Sealer is also super-easy to apply:


  1. Apply in small, manageable countertop sections

  2. Pour on a sufficient amount of sealer to cover the surface

  3. Spread the sealer into a thin film over the entire section of countertop

  4. Allow the granite sealer to dwell and absorb for 1-5 minutes, but...

  5. Do not let the sealer dry on the surface

  6. Remove all excess sealer and completely wipe the area clean and dry to remove all sealer residue

  7. Move onto the next section and repeat steps

We still recommend the Stone Care Impregnating Sealer by MB. It is by far the best of the "last generation" sealers.

The cost is less than Stain-Proof upfront, so it's a good choice if on a tight budget or when sealing a large floor.

However, it will need periodic re-application, so time / effort / cost catches up with you in the end.

All considered (total lifetime cost, performance, ease of application) STAIN-PROOF is easily the best value for all countertops and vanities.

Once you decide on which granite sealer to use, you can get answers to all your other sealing questions from our comprehensive sealing granite guide.

A couple other permanent sealers (Granite Shield, Permatreat) are also on the market, however, they are much more complicated to apply.

Granite Shield requires a multi-step application procedure and is more expensive than Senguard and Stain-Proof which are very simple to apply.

Permatreat can only be applied by a licensed technician (expensive).

For a complete explanation of sealer technology, different types of chemical formulations, how various sealers work, and how to apply sealers correctly then check out the All About Sealing Granite & Marble e-book.

It doesn't break down every brand, but it does thoroughly cover this topic, so consumers can get a detailed understanding of sealers.

Just remember that no sealer will work as well as designed without proper application. It's not a difficult job, but you must completely saturate the stone without letting the sealer dry on top.

Follow the directions carefully and you'll do fine.

First, be sure to perform the sealer application test to determine if you even need to seal the stone.

If you don't know... and many don't... some stones just don't need sealing and trying to apply one can cause problems with a hazy film.

Many dark granite colors (black, blue, green, brown) will not need sealing while white granite and lighter colors almost always require a sealer, but it's always best to directly test your specific countertop, tile, or any natural stone first.

Testing will eliminate any guessing and give you a definitive answer. If testing shows you should apply a sealer, then...

Stain-Proof Permanent Marble & Granite Sealer will provide the very best performance, durability, and value over all other sealers.

Comments for Which Granite Sealer To Use?

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Pros / Cons Fantastic White Granite Counters
by: nancy

What are pros/cons to fantastic white granite for kitchen counters?

I did see few surface hairlines. Would think this needs to keep sealed. Other issues?

Seal myself or "permanent" seal?

=== Countertop Specialty comment:

Fantastic White granite is a beautiful choice for a countertop. The only issue is that lighter colored granites and particularly white granites are the most absorbent and prone to staining.

Sealing it will help prevent this, but some white granites can be so porous that even when sealed water and other liquids may absorb in 15 minutes or less.

Note that sealing does not form an impenetrable film over the surface. Sealing dramatically increases the absorption time to allow you more time to clean spills, etc.

On most granite this absorption time can be improved to 20 or 30 minutes or more. But white granite cannot usually be improved that much. This is the one consideration.

I'd recommend you save a few $100 and seal it yourself using Senguard Sealer (permanent).

It will likely need 2 or 3 coats to effectively seal it. Just perform the "water test" prior to sealing to get a baseline absorption time and then perform the test again after each coat. Keep applying additional coats of sealer until you don't see any more improvement (increase) in absorption time.

If you found cracks on a slab, then choose another without cracks.

resealing SensaStone
by: NoPermaSeal

Very informative from both sides - yet I have a question. Seven years ago we put in new granite (New Venetian Gold) which came from the factory impregnated with the SensaGuard (it was SensaStone). I.e. we never sealed it and kept it clean.

After six years, we had an issue with a crack in front of the sink - oxidation jacking. Long story short, after three years of discussion, the manufacturer and the store agreed to replace our stone.

The old stone had developed many pits and pocks and chips around the sink area and was rough to the touch.

Away from the sink area the stone was like new. Obviously, the factory seal wasn't perfect. There was zero - I mean zero staining of any kind.

Now that we have new SensaStone counters, what cleaner and sealer can I use to make my new stone stay looking new even after six years down the road?

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Sounds to me like the pre-sealed Sensa stone lived up to billing. Sealing only prevents staining and you noted no stains at all... and that is what you'd expect with Sensa. You didn't seal it, but the Sensa granite comes "pre-sealed".

The pitting is a completely different issue. No sealer will keep a stone from pitting. All granites have the potential to pit, but some more than others.

Unfortunately, New Venetian Gold is prone to pitting and chipping. And this will typically happen more around the sink due to all the water and constant impact occurring in this area.

If you get pits again, then just fill them using this repair kit for pitting and chipping in granite, marble, quartz.
Reply to Anonymous
by: Ryan

I am not "bashing" granite shield. In fact, I stated 2 or 3 times that granite shield is a very good/excellent sealer.

Yes, it is my opinion and that is all I expect anyone to understand. However, we take the consumer's point of view and detail the pros and cons of any stone care issue.

All factors considered Stain-Proof (and previously Senguard) is the top sealer on the market providing a much better value for the consumer, which is why we recommend it over all other sealers... period.

Stain-Proof performs far better than all standard sealers... and it performs as good as Granite Shield, but much easier to apply and far less expensive. You simply can't buy a "better" sealer than Stain-Proof (the same formula as Senguard - which is now unavailable).

Maybe you've had trouble removing a lot of stains and it is true that stains can "become" (key concept) impossible to remove when left for years.

And certain stains like rust are very difficult/impossible to remove. However, such stains constitute a miniscule percentage of all marble and granite stains that occur.

And possibly you are not aware of the different methods required to remove different types of stains.

Many bogus and ineffective methods for removing stains are found online.

The vast majority of stains are very easy and cheap to remove without any need for professional help (see Removing Granite & Marble Stains e-book) when the proper procedure is followed.

This is especially true if in the rare event they have occurred on a sealed countertop. The stain will be very shallow.

So, in light of this paying for a relatively expensive sealer warranty (far more expensive than the actual cost to remove a stain) isn't a good bargain.

Why pay in advance for a service that 99.5% of customers won't ever need... particularly if (as you state) GS guarantees that you "won't get stains" at all?

Which I don't think is exactly the case since a few GS licensed applicators have contacted us to discuss our knowledge and experience with Senguard and Stain-Proof sealers precisely because they had trouble with warranty service (and other issues) from Granite Shield company HQ.

It simply makes more sense to save the money, apply a sealer like Stain-Proof that has the same performance, but without all the muss and fuss and high cost of Granite Shield.

And agreed... saving bottles from the dump is great... a step in the right direction. My point was only that the GS product itself is not "green". Simply "claiming" to be "green" doesn't make it so.
Ryan you're full of it
by: Anonymous

I think that your opinion of Granite Shield is what is misleading. You are bashing the product without much factual information and your statements are very opinionated.

First, you claim that Granite Shield and SenGuard are similar, yet only GS guarantees their information. Well, I think that makes GS a little more trust worthy. The cost difference you mention? Not true. Granite Shield costs as much as any sealer.

You then go on about how warranties are "useless," especially Granite Shield's. Are you serious? Your reasoning is that "stains are rather easy to remove..." I can tell you do not know what you are talking about because lots of stains become IMPOSSIBLE to remove. I know this from experience. Plus, most of the regular sealants, even SenGuard, can absorb stains even if correctly applied, so I would say the use of coasters and trivets is ABSOLUTELY necessary unless you have GS that is... Why? Because, opposite of your statements, Granite Shield guarantees you won't get stains. If you happen to get a stain with SenGuard, a stain that won't come out, SenGuard won't help you, and that would make me want to use a coaster. GS will, however. I would say that's a very useful and reassuring warranty.

I also think GS has the right to call themselves green even if saving bottles is all they are doing. Grocery stores claim to be green by offering tote bags rather than plastic, but you don't see people calling them liars.
Re: Better Sealant - Granite Shield
by: Ryan

Granite Shield is a very good sealer. Forms permanent bonds requiring only one application just like Stain-Proof Permanent Marble & Granite Sealer, which is the sealer we recommend for a few reasons.

We take issue that Granite Shield uses misleading language and in some instances flat out lies on their website.

Granite shield is not a "green" product. By having to seal only one time, you save from throwing away bottles of other sealers that require re-application. Good, but hardly qualifies as a "green" product.

From Granite Shield website:

"You don't have to worry about wiping up spills immediately or have to use coasters or placemats like you have to do with other presealed granite countertops."

--Just not true. You don't have to use coasters or placemats, etc., or worry about spills with "other" sealed countertops either.

"With other well-known sealers they are temporary and depending on what you use to clean your granite may only last weeks, usually 6 to 12 months at the longest. "

--Flat out false. While it is true that some sealers will require re-sealing this quickly, there are several sealers on the market that will easily last 5 years and up to 10 years on some stones.

"In the long run using Granite Shield will save you hundreds to thousands of dollars,"

Granite shield is very expensive. It must be applied by a franchised operator and only so many "licenses" are allowed per area, so prices remain high.

While it may save you the trouble of re-sealing, you'd have to re-seal 3 to 10 times (depending on the sealer you use) before Granite Shield would save you money.

They do provide a lifetime warranty, but is it worth anything?

I'll say the same about GS warranty as Senguard warranty...

You are paying a lot and getting very little. Your risk of staining is minuscule. If you did manage to stain it... stains are rather easy to remove.

You end up paying $100s more for a warranty you'll never use and they know it.

That's why we recommend Stain-Proof - SenGuard... Same protection... way less expensive.

No warranty, but as I've explained here and in several other posts, I truly believe the warranty is near worthless.

Stains and etching are easily and cheaply handled by the homeowner.

Again, GS is very good. If you choose to use it, you won't be disappointed. I just think you have a much better choice that provides the same permanent bond technology and protection for at least 50% less.
better sealant
by: Anonymous

i have had my tops sealed with Granite Shield, this green product came with a lifetime (transferrable) warranty against stains, they had certified technicians come to my home and apply the sealant and now my tops look brand new everyday ...

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