granite tile sealing/grout advice

[Nette]

hello, we just installed 7 black pearl 12 x 12 granite tiles in front of a new fireplace in the basement. After reading a lot of posts on this site regarding sealing, etc. I think I am more confused. Should we seal this kind of tile at all? If so can you give me a specific product I should use. It seems like there are all kinds of horror stories about "stuff" soaking into granite that I am a little paranoid about not sealing it but it sounds like if you use the wrong thing you're just as bad off. Thanks!!

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[Davestone]

You needn't seal your granite, just clean with a neutral stone cleaner.

[Big Red]

I'm confused about what Davestone said. I have a huge expanse of granite countertop and the granite place recommended sealing it. I use a silicone sealer made by Tile Lab. If you seal it, and the grout, you may not need to do it again for many years since it isn't a high wear area like a countertop.

[GraniteGirl]

Hi Red

Not all stones need to be sealed. The easy way to find out if yours need sealing would be to drip some water on an untreated tile to see if it absorbs liquids. If the stone turns darker where the drops lay for a bit, your stone will benefit from sealer. If not, don't worry about sealing the stone.

The only job a sealer does is to prevent or slow down the absorption of liquids. It does not make stone easier to clean, prevent scratches or chips or make the stone last longer :D