just had my granite counter tops installed the other day in my new house. wanted to see what everybody has used to seal their granite. couple people at work use Simple green granite cleaner and polish but did not having any advice on sealing it. the instructions that came with the granite said to seal it which is no big deal but would like to use a better sealant if there is one . looking online granite resources seemed to lean toward a solvent based sealant over a water based one.
sealing granite
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everyone knocks the water base products when they are actually superior in some ways.
NO ONE can recommend a finish for you until they know your needs and your particular finish on your stone. We generally use a water base penetrating sealer that is imperceptible yet protects well. I would strongly recommend a place that sells granite as your first phone call!
Beware, as sealer can really be a boondoggle if it becomes a problem, needs removal, yellows, peels, etc.
NO ONE can recommend a finish for you until they know your needs and your particular finish on your stone. We generally use a water base penetrating sealer that is imperceptible yet protects well. I would strongly recommend a place that sells granite as your first phone call!
Beware, as sealer can really be a boondoggle if it becomes a problem, needs removal, yellows, peels, etc.
typically, I would call the granite counter supplier for advice.
If none avail (bought 2nd hand house with granite counter, etc.), I'd do my best guess and go with this:
http://www.homedepot.ca/product/stonespecific-polished-granite-sealer/921891
Q.
If none avail (bought 2nd hand house with granite counter, etc.), I'd do my best guess and go with this:
http://www.homedepot.ca/product/stonespecific-polished-granite-sealer/921891
Q.
Since you just bought granite, I'd like to get your thoughts and find out if you were aware of the following:
1) Granite is not approved by the FDA as a food prep surface. It is unsanitary and cannot be reliably cleaned.
2) Granite is a common source of cancer causing radon inside the homes. Recent studies have found some granite tops to be significant sources.
3) The dust from granite should you scratch it is a silicate which is known carcinogen.
I have recently learned this while looking into granite counter tops and was quite surprised.
1) Granite is not approved by the FDA as a food prep surface. It is unsanitary and cannot be reliably cleaned.
2) Granite is a common source of cancer causing radon inside the homes. Recent studies have found some granite tops to be significant sources.
3) The dust from granite should you scratch it is a silicate which is known carcinogen.
I have recently learned this while looking into granite counter tops and was quite surprised.
I just wipe it down with a dish rag that has either water, dish soap or all purpose cleaner. I've used Windex too.
I am on my second house with granite counter tops and have never sealed or used any special cleaners on them.
I am on my second house with granite counter tops and have never sealed or used any special cleaners on them.
Originally Posted By: dishdude
I just wipe it down with a dish rag that has either water, dish soap or all purpose cleaner. I've used Windex too.
I am on my second house with granite counter tops and have never sealed or used any special cleaners on them.
That doesn't clean granite, but I doubt you are worried about it anyway.
I just wipe it down with a dish rag that has either water, dish soap or all purpose cleaner. I've used Windex too.
I am on my second house with granite counter tops and have never sealed or used any special cleaners on them.
That doesn't clean granite, but I doubt you are worried about it anyway.
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Originally Posted By: badtlc
Since you just bought granite, I'd like to get your thoughts and find out if you were aware of the following:
1) Granite is not approved by the FDA as a food prep surface. It is unsanitary and cannot be reliably cleaned.
2) Granite is a common source of cancer causing radon inside the homes. Recent studies have found some granite tops to be significant sources.
3) The dust from granite should you scratch it is a silicate which is known carcinogen.
I have recently learned this while looking into granite counter tops and was quite surprised.
Old news....
You can add anything you touch or do to the list of carcinogens. I posed many a question concerning cancer to some very top cancer Dr's...one of them is considered the pioneer of the way in which we treat cancer today. Each and every one of those Dr's started off with the #1 -- SMOKING. And surprisingly the second was limiting medical and ESPECIALLY dental X-Ray.
The remainders of advice were more of the tidbit range. The impetus of my inquiry was the fact that I built my own home atop a mountain comprised of rock or course; lots of quartz and granite.
Just my 2cents.
Since you just bought granite, I'd like to get your thoughts and find out if you were aware of the following:
1) Granite is not approved by the FDA as a food prep surface. It is unsanitary and cannot be reliably cleaned.
2) Granite is a common source of cancer causing radon inside the homes. Recent studies have found some granite tops to be significant sources.
3) The dust from granite should you scratch it is a silicate which is known carcinogen.
I have recently learned this while looking into granite counter tops and was quite surprised.
Old news....
You can add anything you touch or do to the list of carcinogens. I posed many a question concerning cancer to some very top cancer Dr's...one of them is considered the pioneer of the way in which we treat cancer today. Each and every one of those Dr's started off with the #1 -- SMOKING. And surprisingly the second was limiting medical and ESPECIALLY dental X-Ray.
The remainders of advice were more of the tidbit range. The impetus of my inquiry was the fact that I built my own home atop a mountain comprised of rock or course; lots of quartz and granite.
Just my 2cents.
I'd suggest checking out 3M Stonetech "BulletProof" sealer. I've used some of their sealers and they are really good. Also, it is water based.
BulletProof Stone sealer
BulletProof Stone sealer
In the 17 years we've had our granite counter tops in our current home we've had to reseal them just once about 5 years or so ago. I normally clean them with a cleaner made for stone. The sealer I used I purchased from the company who cut the granite for me (I don't remember the brand).
Originally Posted By: badtlc
Since you just bought granite, I'd like to get your thoughts and find out if you were aware of the following:
1) Granite is not approved by the FDA as a food prep surface. It is unsanitary and cannot be reliably cleaned.
2) Granite is a common source of cancer causing radon inside the homes. Recent studies have found some granite tops to be significant sources.
3) The dust from granite should you scratch it is a silicate which is known carcinogen.
I have recently learned this while looking into granite counter tops and was quite surprised.
That's the biggest load of nonsense I've seen in a while. On the rare occasion granite (or other stone) emits radon it's such a small amount that it's meaningless. The venting in a kitchen or bath is more than adequate to vent out what little radon that may be released by stone counter products.
I also suggest that you do a bit of research-sealed granite is very bacteria resistant and retains less bacteria when cleaned compared to other counter surfaces.
I'd invite you to read a 1999 study that tested common countertop materials.
Hospitality Institute Study
Originally Posted By: From Study
The retention of the E. coli was from most retained to most removed as follows.
1. Laminate
2. Wood
3. Tile
4. Concrete
5. Stainless steel
6. Granite
In other words, sealed granite retained less E. coli when cleaned.
As far as your claim about scratching granite, if you are able to scrape and scratch granite in a manner that actually raises dust then you should install stainless steel. In the 30 or so years we've had stone counters we've never once managed to scratch them.
Originally Posted By: badtlc
Since you just bought granite, I'd like to get your thoughts and find out if you were aware of the following:
1) Granite is not approved by the FDA as a food prep surface. It is unsanitary and cannot be reliably cleaned.
2) Granite is a common source of cancer causing radon inside the homes. Recent studies have found some granite tops to be significant sources.
3) The dust from granite should you scratch it is a silicate which is known carcinogen.
I have recently learned this while looking into granite counter tops and was quite surprised.
That's the biggest load of nonsense I've seen in a while. On the rare occasion granite (or other stone) emits radon it's such a small amount that it's meaningless. The venting in a kitchen or bath is more than adequate to vent out what little radon that may be released by stone counter products.
I also suggest that you do a bit of research-sealed granite is very bacteria resistant and retains less bacteria when cleaned compared to other counter surfaces.
I'd invite you to read a 1999 study that tested common countertop materials.
Hospitality Institute Study
Originally Posted By: From Study
The retention of the E. coli was from most retained to most removed as follows.
1. Laminate
2. Wood
3. Tile
4. Concrete
5. Stainless steel
6. Granite
In other words, sealed granite retained less E. coli when cleaned.
As far as your claim about scratching granite, if you are able to scrape and scratch granite in a manner that actually raises dust then you should install stainless steel. In the 30 or so years we've had stone counters we've never once managed to scratch them.
Originally Posted By: badtlc
even with sealant, granite is not an fda approved food prep surface for sanitary reasons. as for radon, studies within the last couple of years indicate it can be a serious amount.
Not anymore than what is found is most of the basements around here without a radon mitigation system. Radon would be my least concern with the amount of air exchanges in a kitchen area. Granite is better than a lot of laminates and Formica counter tops. Bacteria gets trapped in those small cuts unlike granite.
Plus what does the FDA know anyway I mean they say aspartame is not dangerous......... LOL
even with sealant, granite is not an fda approved food prep surface for sanitary reasons. as for radon, studies within the last couple of years indicate it can be a serious amount.
Not anymore than what is found is most of the basements around here without a radon mitigation system. Radon would be my least concern with the amount of air exchanges in a kitchen area. Granite is better than a lot of laminates and Formica counter tops. Bacteria gets trapped in those small cuts unlike granite.
Plus what does the FDA know anyway I mean they say aspartame is not dangerous......... LOL
This is what I've always used on granite and marble.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Miracle-Seala...75#.UfslYt7n_IU
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Miracle-Seala...75#.UfslYt7n_IU
Originally Posted By: dishdude
Originally Posted By: Vikas
Just be aware that if you don't seal granite, you better not be cooking Indian food with turmeric powder
So before I try this just to see what will happen, can you elaborate?
Unsealed granite is porous. Foods with a lot of color like turmeric can stain it.
Originally Posted By: Vikas
Just be aware that if you don't seal granite, you better not be cooking Indian food with turmeric powder
So before I try this just to see what will happen, can you elaborate?
Unsealed granite is porous. Foods with a lot of color like turmeric can stain it.
Originally Posted By: badtlc
Since you just bought granite, I'd like to get your thoughts and find out if you were aware of the following:
1) Granite is not approved by the FDA as a food prep surface. It is unsanitary and cannot be reliably cleaned.
2) Granite is a common source of cancer causing radon inside the homes. Recent studies have found some granite tops to be significant sources.
3) The dust from granite should you scratch it is a silicate which is known carcinogen.
I have recently learned this while looking into granite counter tops and was quite surprised.
Let me guess, the place selling other material was the one saying all this nonsense. "Don't buy that natural stuff, right out of the Earth. That kind of stuff will kill you. You need stuff made out of chemicals."
Anyway.
1. This is assuming what you're saying is true; I have my doubts. Who preps food directly on the counter top? Especially raw meat?
2. You really think that couple dozen sq feet 1 1/4 slab of stone means anything when your house is built of a 6 inch slab of radioactive concrete. Then that sitting on top of the Earth. Silly. Do you even google bro? Check it out.
3. Do you food prep with a sledge hammer and concrete chop saw? If not you're never going to get your counter top material pulverized and airborne.
Since you just bought granite, I'd like to get your thoughts and find out if you were aware of the following:
1) Granite is not approved by the FDA as a food prep surface. It is unsanitary and cannot be reliably cleaned.
2) Granite is a common source of cancer causing radon inside the homes. Recent studies have found some granite tops to be significant sources.
3) The dust from granite should you scratch it is a silicate which is known carcinogen.
I have recently learned this while looking into granite counter tops and was quite surprised.
Let me guess, the place selling other material was the one saying all this nonsense. "Don't buy that natural stuff, right out of the Earth. That kind of stuff will kill you. You need stuff made out of chemicals."
Anyway.
1. This is assuming what you're saying is true; I have my doubts. Who preps food directly on the counter top? Especially raw meat?
2. You really think that couple dozen sq feet 1 1/4 slab of stone means anything when your house is built of a 6 inch slab of radioactive concrete. Then that sitting on top of the Earth. Silly. Do you even google bro? Check it out.
3. Do you food prep with a sledge hammer and concrete chop saw? If not you're never going to get your counter top material pulverized and airborne.
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
everyone knocks the water base products when they are actually superior in some ways.
NO ONE can recommend a finish for you until they know your needs and your particular finish on your stone. We generally use a water base penetrating sealer that is imperceptible yet protects well. I would strongly recommend a place that sells granite as your first phone call!
Beware, as sealer can really be a boondoggle if it becomes a problem, needs removal, yellows, peels, etc.
I am not going to be doing any heavy duty cooking but you always run the risk of some splatter on the granite. we do not drink wine but fruit juice, coffee or tea may end up on the surface ( hopefully not but you never know ) other than that water and soaps from washing hands would be the main items I would expect to see on the surface. the kitchen has the most granite ,it is blue pearl color. have seen good reviews on the BulletProof Stone sealer, is it on your list as a good product or can you suggest something different ? I am open to a water based product if it keeps me from having any issues with yellowing etc..... that reason I posted my question here is i am looking for honest opinions from people on this board. reading reviews on the internet is not as reliable to me as the members here. to the person who asked if I did research on granite cancer and radon, my wife and I are not buying it. my wife is a nurse for a long time and feels our food and the preservatives in it will do more harm than granite would ( this topic should be another post I would suspect ) have not had a chance to talk to my granite guy yet but could if need be .
everyone knocks the water base products when they are actually superior in some ways.
NO ONE can recommend a finish for you until they know your needs and your particular finish on your stone. We generally use a water base penetrating sealer that is imperceptible yet protects well. I would strongly recommend a place that sells granite as your first phone call!
Beware, as sealer can really be a boondoggle if it becomes a problem, needs removal, yellows, peels, etc.
I am not going to be doing any heavy duty cooking but you always run the risk of some splatter on the granite. we do not drink wine but fruit juice, coffee or tea may end up on the surface ( hopefully not but you never know ) other than that water and soaps from washing hands would be the main items I would expect to see on the surface. the kitchen has the most granite ,it is blue pearl color. have seen good reviews on the BulletProof Stone sealer, is it on your list as a good product or can you suggest something different ? I am open to a water based product if it keeps me from having any issues with yellowing etc..... that reason I posted my question here is i am looking for honest opinions from people on this board. reading reviews on the internet is not as reliable to me as the members here. to the person who asked if I did research on granite cancer and radon, my wife and I are not buying it. my wife is a nurse for a long time and feels our food and the preservatives in it will do more harm than granite would ( this topic should be another post I would suspect ) have not had a chance to talk to my granite guy yet but could if need be .
Originally Posted By: dishdude
I just wipe it down with a dish rag that has either water, dish soap or all purpose cleaner. I've used Windex too.
I am on my second house with granite counter tops and have never sealed or used any special cleaners on them.
Mine aren't sealed, unless the place installing them secretly sealed before installation. No stains. But they're mostly black. I do know the lighter colored granite will change colors if you put sweaty arms on it. At least until it drys. I'd be concerned with those.
I just wipe it down with a dish rag that has either water, dish soap or all purpose cleaner. I've used Windex too.
I am on my second house with granite counter tops and have never sealed or used any special cleaners on them.
Mine aren't sealed, unless the place installing them secretly sealed before installation. No stains. But they're mostly black. I do know the lighter colored granite will change colors if you put sweaty arms on it. At least until it drys. I'd be concerned with those.
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