Gaillo Ornamental slab granite - seal it?

[mad1ben2]

I know I can test my granite with water and oil to determine this, but from reading various 'granite sealing' threads, it also appears that simply by the name of the granite, some of the experts here can tell me whether it needs to be sealed or not (also, I don't have the countertops yet and I need to purchase some sealer for other things [grout and tumbled marble backsplash] and thought I might get all my sealers at once).

So, based solely on the name of my yet-to-be-installed granite countertops, should I seal or not?... Gaillo Onamental...

Thx, Scott

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[GraniteGirl]

Yes :D

[mad1ben2]

Thanks Adriana... I know there are a bunch of good sealers, but what would you recommend?

Here are some that I am considering... please feel free to offer your advice on these or any others...

Miracle 511 Porous Plus
Miracle 511 Impregnator
Stonetech Bulletproof

It would be advantageous to have a sealer that would also accomplish the following:
* I have just set 500 sq ft of porcelain tile and will need to seal the grout (Mapei brand of Ivory colored sanded grout, ~1/4" grout lines)
* I will be installing a tumbled marble tile backsplash (noche?) that I will seal after grouting (sealing both the tile and the grout). Haven't decided whether I will use an enhancer or not...

Thanks for any additional advice... also, since you are a granite expert :bow: , is there anything special I should know about this type of granite? We picked it based on the colors we were looking for to go with our kitchen remodel.. we did not consider anything else (read: maintenance issues) when selecting this particular granite!

Also, from advice you have given others, although this will be brand new when installed, I understand that I should wipe down with acetone first and then rubbing alchol prior to applying a sealer? Is that right?

Thx, scott

[Davestone]

I wouldn't use the bulletproof on your grout, other than that have at it.This is Giallo, right..pretty porous,be sure to let the sealer soak in awhile before wiping it off.If the slab is resined the acetone could cause problems.

[mad1ben2]

Thanks Dave... so acetone could cause an issue... I'll search 'sealing granite' some more and see if there is a better way to clean new granite prior to sealing. thx!

Also, other than cost :cry: , why is bulletproof not recommended for grout?

[mad1ben2]

Bump...

So what sealer is great for a porous granite and also good for food prep surfaces?

I also have 500 sq ft of Ivory colored Mapei sanded grout that I am preparing to seal (the tile is sealed porcelain, so no plans to seal it). I've made up a test board and tried both the Miracle 511 Impregnator and the Miracle Seal & Enhancer (I would like for the grout to be a bit darker, that's why I tried the enhancer).

The enhancer does darken the grout a noticeable amount, but it seems to be a tad blotchy... the test board is not that big, but the Impregnator appears to have no color impact on the grout, therefore also no blotchy appearance, whereas the Seal & Enhancer does... I'm assuming that extra coats of the product (I've put on 2 coats) would even out the blotchyness of the enhancer...?

Another question: If I go with the enhancer, as it wears off, does the grout become lighter? In some way this would be sign that the grout needs resealed... in a negative way, it would seem I'd never really be able to keep the grout a consistent color and I'd be better off leaving the grout the color it is and using the Impregnator to seal it....

thoughts?

[doitright]

Hi Scott :)

I just met with one of the head honcho's at StonExpo, and mentioned your very question, and some of my concerns. The best sealer to use on grout is their Heavy Duty Sealer (if you decide on Stone Tech).

As far as the issues with acetone for cleaning. First you need to determine if your slabs are resined. If so, I would TEST them first to see if sealing is even necessary. Also, acetone is a very dangerous chemical, and proper precautions (ventilation and safety gear) need to be taken.

By the way, if you choose to use the Heavy Duty Sealer on the grout, it can be also used on the countertop (if needed). Do not let the sealer dry on the surface. :eek:

[mad1ben2]

Thanks John :)

Just to be sure I'm following you, what specific question did you ask Mr. Honcho?

In my previous post I asked the following:
1. What sealer is great for porous granite as well as for food prep areas?
2. If I go with the enhancer, as it wears off, does the grout become lighter?

From your post I gathered that the best Stone Tech sealer for my grout would be their Heavy Duty Sealer... which subsequently can be used on the granite countertops if I so choose... just don't let it dry on the countertops! :sick: I also know that using acetone to clean the granite prior to sealing is not a good idea :shake: , so I'll find something else...

Most likely I will choose one of the two Miracle products for my grout (and possibly my granite????)... I like the looks the enhancer adds, but am scared :eek: that it will either be blotchy or will be a maintenance nightmare over time...

so maybe I need to rephrase my questions more clearly :crazy:
1. If I go with the enhancer on my grout, as it wears off, does the grout become lighter again? Am I asking for a maintenance nightmare if I use an enhancer type sealer on my grout???
2. Of the Miracle Impregnator or the Miracle Seal & Enhancer, is one a better sealer than the other? Is one better for a food prep area than the other?

Thx!

[doitright]

Hi Scott :)

You've understood correctly, minus the bit about enhancer.

1. Enhancers will not wear off. It is an impregnating product. I will go deep into the pores of the stone or surface (if it is porous enough). Most enhancers do not offer dramatic changes for grout.

2. You're safe with either one. It depends on the end results that you're striving to achieve.

TEST, TEST, TEST! ;)

[mad1ben2]

Well, thanks for the responses...

I've tested a small piece of my granite with the Miracle Seal & Enhancer, and in ALL HONESTY, I can't even tell which side of the sample piece I put it on! :think:

I obviously marked which side, but without that mark I wouldn't be able to tell just from looking at the stone, even holding it at angles to 'catch the light'.

I still need to do the water drop test to see how well it works as a sealer (2 applications, left for 5 mins and then wiped leftover off with dry t-shirt), but I was expecting the sheen, color, etc.. of the granite to be 'enhanced'!

In all honesty, I don't really want the granite slab to be enhanced, as we are very happy with the look of the polished, natural stone, I just expected the 'enhancer' to alter the look of it somehow!?

what gives? Does the enhancer not enhance polished granite?

[doitright]

Hi Scott :)

It depends on the stone. The more porous and lighter the stone color, the more dramatic the color will be observed. It has nothing to do with the sheen. The easiest way to see the possible effects of the enhancer on the stone is to let water sit on the surface for about 10-15 minutes, and then wipe away. If the stone darkens with water, it will darken with enhancer. Different brand enhancers all have different end results. It is critical while TESTing to allow the enhancer to dry overnight before deciding which one to use. Many will lighten up overnight.

[mad1ben2]

John, thanks for the great advice :) ... will do!