Sealing Granite

[Ernie DeMartino]

I recently engraved a granite tile that will be used in a table top. When I sealed it with sealer from HDepot, the engraved portion darkened. I did a test before using it on the finished product. Does anyone have suggestions on an alternate method of sealing? Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks Ernie

[Dan Hintz]

There have been quite a few threads about this topic in the past, so try a search on tile and seal. If you still can't find the answer you're after, contact Belinda... she will be able to answer all of your ?s and then some.

[Belinda Barfield]

I can answer most questions about stone, just don't ask the big questions about the meaning of life and such!

Ernie, check the label of the sealer. If it is a color enhancing sealer don't use it for granite or marble. Color enhancing sealers contain wax which will darken the engraving. I don't seal engraved granite because I don't see the need for it. If you choose to seal the tile use an impregnating sealer without wax. This shouldn't darken the stone once it dries.

[Ernie DeMartino]

My worry is that it will be used in an outdoor table, not sure if I need to seal it or not. I appreciate any advice.
Thank you.

[Belinda Barfield]

The granite, and the engraving, should be fine in an outdoor setting without sealing. There is a product available that is a three in one spray - cleaner, antibacterial, and sealer. It will not darken the engraving. I recommend application once to twice a month in a high use setting like a kitchen. You should be able to purchase it from a stone countertop company in your area. Many companies re-label or re-brand it, but the name of the product is 3-in-1 Spray Cleaner.

[Ernie DeMartino]

Thanks Belinda, I appreciate it.

[Hannu Rinne]

I just simply rub (hard) some cheap white alkyd paint on the engraved area. It dries quickly and does not darken the engraving (actually makes it more visible).

Regards,
Hannu

[Belinda Barfield]

You're quite welcome Ernie. Here's a link that provides info on care and cleaning of stone, just in case you every need it. Midway down the page you'll find tips for removing stains, etc.

http://www.marble-institute.com/consumerresources/care.cfm

[Ernie DeMartino]

Belinda, the 3 & 1 cleaner worked like a charm; Thanks again for your help.

Ernie

[Belinda Barfield]

Glad it worked for you Ernie.

[Peter Berry]

Hi Guys, I know this is an old thread, but, I have recently engraved some granite and in filled with white oil paint, a few members have said it needs to be sealed with a product from Home Depot (USA Store), as I am in the UK does any one have any suggestions of sealant available in the UK please. I am told that oil paint can last up to three years on granite outside.

Regards
Peter

[Josh Jackson]

Belinda, I just saw this and wondered if there is any way to tell about the wax in the sealer? I ask because I am setting up to do a marble tile floor (quite an undertaking) and bought a DuPont water based sealer. There is nothing anywhere mentioning wax, but it could be one of those 'unspoken' kind of things. Also that 3-in-1 would it work for a long duration on something like a floor?