"Cloudy" Sealer?

[robhouston]

Hello, All:

I have a granite kitchen countertop (I think it is Verde Butterfly) that has an area of slight "cloudiness" in what appears to be the sealer. I have no idea of the exact sealer, since we recently purchased the house, and this problem was "pre-existing".

Is there a reasonable way to strip the sealer, so that a new coat can be applied?

Thank you for your advice,

Rob

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[GraniteGirl]

Try to clean the sealer off with acetone. Don't bother applying new sealer. Verde Butterfly is a great material and does not need to be sealed. The sealer is what caused your trouble in the first place because it did not get absorbed into the stone like it should have been.

[robhouston]

Adriana:

Thanks----I'll give the acetone a try!

Regards,

Rob

[ashleykremm]

Is it o.k. to heim in on your thread? I recently had coffee brown granite slabs installed that were not sealed. I have some "Miracle" sealer/enhancer that I'm using for the slate backsplash. Should I use it on the granite slabs too, and if so, what should I clean the granite with first? Thanks, TK

[doitright]

Hi TK :)

You mean hijack this thread? :shades: :D

I suggest you do a TEST on the granite first. First try putting a small amount of water on the granite and let it sit for about five minutes. See if the area darkens. If it does, it needs sealer.

As far as using Miracles sealer/enhancer (if you need it on the granite), I would also do another TEST with that product before applying. You want to make sure you get desired results before applying to your entire countertop.

[robhouston]

There must be one strong sealer on my Verde Butterfly. Acetone didn't touch it. I started with a 6" puddle of acetone, and it just sat there until it evaporated. The sealer looked the same as before.

What would be the next step to try to strip the sealer?

Thanks again,

Rob

[Stonehenge]

Hi Rob,

There could actually be several reasons for your cloudiness, I suggest that you now hire a stone restoration contractor.

Please put the acetone back on the shelf.

Michael of Stonehenge

[doitright]

Hi Rob :)

If you want to try more TESTing, I would step up to a product containing methelyne chloride. I have found Prosoco's Fast Acting Stripper to be one of the best available. BEWARE! This is a flammable product, a respirator mask should be worn, along with other safety gear (including gloves and eye protection). Good ventilation is important also.

[Stone cutter]

If there is a residue then hands down, steel wool. Also, contrary to some others, all granite should be sealed with a penetraing sealer. I like miracle penetrating sealer from home depot, its in the green jug and its about $45 a gallon. Every piece coming from my shop is sealed with a generous layer, allowed to puddle up and dry, then another quick wipe down after installation to remove residue. Some granite or quartzite is so dense that it is less prone to stain, but it still can stain, so seal it. It wont hurt it whatsoever.

[robhouston]

Thanks to all for the replies!

Stonecutter-----you indicate I should try steel wool. I've got some spots of "cloudiness" in the sealer. Are you saying I just should attack the spots with steel wool to remove the cloudiness? What grade of steel wool do you recommend?

Thanks for your help,

Rob

[Stone cutter]

If the sealer has dried on the surface causing the cloudiness, start with some "00". If the cloudiness is "down" in the stone, then thats another story. Try to get the light just right while scrubbing with the wool so you can see what your doing.