Sealing is an important factor when installing countertops that are made of organic stones. Natural stones are porous, which means they have small holes that are liable to cause expansion, cracks, and general damages to your countertops.
If you want your countertop to last, you have to seal it. There are a number of kitchen countertop sealing mistakes to keep in mind, though. We’re going to run through some of the most important things to avoid when sealing your countertop.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
1. Using Too Much Sealant
It makes sense that you would want to double down on sealant and ensure that everything is plugged. That said, using too much sealant can detract from the natural look of the stone.
You can’t really reverse the application of too much sealant. Note that you don’t need more than the sealant company recommends. Start small, as you might need to buy a new countertop if you don’t.
2. Pre-Polishing
When we’re done sealing the stone, the next step is to polish it to our liking. Some people get these steps mixed around and polish first.
Note that polishing the stone first can make it more delicate, damage it, and lead to lasting consequences. Make sure that the stone is sealed before it gets polished in any way.
3. Using Incorrect Cleaners
Make sure to look at the instructions given to you buy the sealant company that you choose. Further, consult with the maker of the countertop to see what they recommend in terms of cleaning products.
If you use chemicals that are too abrasive or corrosive, you could erode the rock and the sealant. After a few days, you might notice that the stone has little dips and divots created from the chemicals.
This ruins the look of the stone and leads to costly repairs if there are any possible. On the other hand, you might just have to replace the stone.
4. Inconsistent Application
Applying a smooth layer of sealant can be hard because some stones aren’t even. Unique countertops pose a number of challenges in this respect.
That said, it’s important that you apply sealant in an even layer. Doing so will ensure that the sealant works evenly across the stone and that there aren’t any lumps or bumps in the countertop when all is said and done.
5. Lack of Professional Help
We all like to think we can DIY just about anything. That may be true most of the time, too.
That said, there are some things that wind up becoming a little trickier than they appear. Sealing a countertop is one of those things, especially if the stone is complex and large.
When in doubt, discover more about professional help and new products that might work better than the way you’re doing things. There’s no shame in throwing in the towel to get a better quality result.
Curious About Kitchen Countertop Sealing Mistakes?
Hopefully, the ideas above can prevent you from making the most common kitchen countertop sealing mistakes. There are a lot more ways that things can go wrong, though.
The more you know, the better you’ll do, and we’re here to help. Explore our site for more insight into kitchen renovations, polishing countertop seals, countertop sealing options, and more.
