Stone countertops are one of the hardest-working surfaces in your home. With the right care, granite and quartz can look new for decades — and many common problems, from small chips to surface stains, can be repaired without a full replacement. Below is a practical guide to sealing, stain removal and when to call our team for any stone help.
Sealing granite countertops
Granite is a natural stone with tiny pores that can absorb oil, wine, coffee and acidic liquids. A quality impregnating sealer fills those pores and gives you time to wipe up spills before they become permanent stains.
- Test whether your counters need sealer by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface. If it beads up, the sealer is still active. If it darkens the stone within 5–10 minutes, it is time to reseal.
- Clean the countertop thoroughly, apply the sealer evenly and let it absorb for the time listed on the label — usually 5–15 minutes.
- Buff away excess product with a clean microfiber cloth and let the surface cure for 24 hours before placing heavy items back.
- Most kitchen granite benefits from resealing once every 12–18 months, depending on use and the porosity of the stone.
Quartz maintenance
Quartz countertops are engineered from natural quartz crystals and resin, so they do not need sealing. They are highly resistant to stains and scratches, but they are not indestructible.
- Wipe spills quickly, especially from wine, coffee, citrus and tomato sauce.
- Use cutting boards and trivets. While quartz resists scratches, repeated knife work or hot pans can damage the resin binders.
- Clean daily with mild soap and water or a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Avoid harsh bleach, ammonia and abrasive powders.
- For dried spills, lay a damp cloth over the area for a few minutes to loosen the residue before wiping.
When to call Seattle Vegas Granite
Some countertop problems are best left to a stone repair specialist. If you are dealing with deep chips, cracked seams, stubborn stains, dull etch marks or a countertop that no longer seals properly, our team can repair and restore the surface in place — often at a fraction of the cost of replacement. We serve homeowners throughout King County and surrounding counties, including Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap and Thurston and many more.