After letting your granite sealer dry for 30 minutes you may want to perform the water test again especially the first few times you re seal your granite until you get the hang of it.
Can you seal granite too much.
Especially with dark color stones damage may appear such as ghost water stains or water rings.
The surface will need to stay dry for at least 24 hours before polishing the stone but the countertops can be used two hours after sealing.
Otherwise apply more sealer to reactivate the formula then wipe it away.
The water test can help make sure that your granite is properly sealed and that you didn t miss any spots.
Although you may find that many countertops do not require being sealed applying a sealer is common practice.
Countertop edges will require at least 2 applications.
Sealing your granite countertops regularly protects the granite from stains etches and other damage.
Prior to the application mask off any surfaces not intended for treatment.
If the granite doesn t need sealer it won t absorb it and it will pool and dry on top of the granite.
In fact you can consider the sealer is what has created the look of a stain.
Make sure to seal under sink lips.
The deeper into the surface of the material the sealer penetrates the better it will resist stains keep out bacteria and clean up with just mild detergent and a wet wash cloth.
As a general rule you can use your granite again right away after sealing but only if you have buffed the sealer into the stone without letting it dry on the surface.
The good news is sealing granite is an easy do it yourself project.
Choosing the right sealant is essential.
If you get excess sealer on fixtures or unwanted areas wipe it away immediately if you can.
The granite isn t stained.
It s possible that you already have too much sealer and that s why you re having a problem cleaning.
Granite countertops like other natural stone countertop materials such as marble sandstone and slate are resistant to staining and easier to clean only when properly sealed.
Notes and tips on sealing.
Yes you can overseal granite.
The sealer penetrates granite pores and can be effective for up to 3 5 year on interior surfaces.
Test whether the granite needs sealing.
For a granite countertop apply an even coat by a paint pad brush or roller and allow the sealer to penetrate the surface for 15 to 30 minutes.
Reseal every 6 12 months and as needed in certain areas.
I m sure the experts will chime in with more details.
If you apply sealer to a stone that doesn t need it and won t absorb it some sealer will remain on the surface of the stone.