DIY guideCountertops

Test and reseal natural stone counters and floors

A drop of water tells you if the stone needs it. Then clean it, let it dry, wipe on the sealer and wipe off the extra: counters, floors and sills.

8 steps

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Drip a little water on the stone in a few spots, the busiest ones too, and wait about ten minutes.
Water beads up: the seal is fine, so stop here. The stone darkens: it's soaking in, so reseal it.
Wash it with a stone cleaner, or warm water and a little dish soap. No vinegar, lemon or bleach on stone.
Rinse, wipe it dry, and leave it as long as the sealer's label says before you seal.
Spread an even coat of stone sealer with a clean cloth, a small area at a time.
Open a window, and wear gloves.
After the minutes on the label, wipe off every bit left on top before it dries to a haze.
Keep water off it as long as the label says. Then drip water again: it should bead.
A crack, a loose or hollow tile, a dull etched patch you can feel, or a stain that won't lift: ask Handyman for a stone pro.

Handyman says: Cracked or etched? I'll find a stone pro.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.