Whether or not to seal, and with what

[poppy]

I have heard mixed advice on whether or not to seal tan brown granite.  I have heard that it is mostly impenetrable, and that sealing with an impregnating sealer will not work and make a lasting mess.  I have also heard that all stone has pores and should be sealed.  OK.  Is there a different kind of sealer that should be used for Tan Brown granite?  Thanks for the advice!  (I have new countertops and don't want to screw them up.) -Poppy

PS I want to add that I will try the lemon juice test...that will tell me if I need to seal, I guess.  But what about the surface pores?  I was told:

"This is because all stones contain pores that can harbor bacteria and are a great dark, moist place for mold to live. Sealer prevent this from happing as well as keeping stains from penetrating deep into the stone."

Is this true?

[Mark D.]

Let me give you my input:
Tan brown should be sealed! I have it in my office and it takes a seal just fine, unless there is a sealer already in place or a wax already in place. The only granite I would consider dense enough not to need sealing is absolute black, and only the purest veins of that stone.

If you use a mineral based sealer it is a wipe on and let dry process (5 minutes to wipe it on, 5 minutes for it to dry), then give it a second coat.

Regardless of the porosity of the stone, if you cut a lemon in half and place it face down on the stone for 5 minutes it will etch the stone, eating away your shine. An impregnating sealer like Hydrex will prevent this as well as stainproofing you stone. It is an inexpensive way to protect your investment. You don't want to be penny wise and dollar foolish on this one.

Here is the link to Hydrex:
http://www.defusco.com/tenax-impregnator-and-sealer-liter-p-2095.html

Glad to be of service,
Mark