Pros and Cons of Topical Sealers
As you may well know, stone sealing is important if you want to keep your granite countertop looking new for years to come. Sealing prevents liquids and moisture from penetrating granite slabs which them prevents stains and corrosion from within the stone. One issue that a granite and marble countertop owner would face is, what sealer should he get? There are several types and one of them are topical sealers. Here, we outline the advantages and disadvantages of using a topical sealer to help you decide if it is what you need.
Topical sealers are made from acrylic or polyurethane and are coated on the surface of natural stone. Since it’s applied on top of the stone, it gives ample protection from stains, spills, and moisture. And since it’s simply a coat that you spread over the stone, it’s application is not that difficult and can be done by yourself. Another main advantage to topical sealers is that these are more affordable compared with other sealer types. On the aesthetic side, you can choose different finishes so you can add more style to your granite countertop should you want to. So if you’re on a budget, topical sealers can be a good choice.
Now, to the downsides. These sealers need to be re-applied after a certain amount of time since these can get scraped or uneven over time. Another issue is that since it’s provides only a soft layer of protection, it’s prone to scratches and etches. Re-application can also prove difficult since you need to strip the existing layer before applying a new coat. When it comes to a granite kitchen, the topical sealer may not have as much heat resistance as the granite it’s protecting. Another issue is that topical sealers do not allow the stone to breathe, which can lead to spalling and efflorescence.
In the end, are topical sealers good for granite slabs? For countertops that don’t get much action in terms of heat, stains, and spills, you can use topical sealers for those applications. But for kitchens, it would be best to invest on penetrating sealers since kitchens are exposed to a lot of stains, heat, and wear and tear. Of course, it would still depend on your budget and how intense the action can get in your kitchen. Overall, topical sealers provide a good sealing solution, although you need to be aware of its limitations to know whether they’re right for the granite and marble in your home.
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