If your kitchen gets daily action (kids’ snacks, weeknight dinners, weekend hosting), sealing natural stone isn’t optional—it’s routine maintenance that keeps stains out and color looking sharp. Around DFW’s heat and humidity, we’re often asked: how often should you seal granite, marble, and quartzite? Here’s a simple, practical guide you can follow at home.
Quick Answer: How Often to Seal (Rule of Thumb)
- Granite: every 12 months on most slabs; some dense, darker granites can go 18–24 months
- Marble: every 6–12 months (more frequent if you cook with wine/citrus or have a busy household)
- Quartzite: typically 12–18 months; very dense quartzites may stretch longer
Not all stone drinks sealer at the same rate. The best way to decide is to use the simple tests below—not the calendar alone. If you’re unsure which stone you have, our granite installation team can help you identify your material and finish.
The 60-Second “Do I Need to Seal?” Test
Try one (or both) of these on a clean, dry area:
- Water drop test: place a teaspoon of water. If it darkens the spot within 5–10 minutes, it’s time to reseal.
- Oil test (for cooks): a tiny dab of cooking oil. If it darkens quickly, reseal soon.
Marble is usually the thirstiest; many quartzites are surprisingly dense; granite varies by color and origin.
Granite: Tough, But Still Needs a Schedule
Granite’s a workhorse, but it’s still natural stone. In DFW kitchens, annual sealing is a solid baseline.
- Best routine: gentle daily wipe-downs + a yearly sealer.
- High-use zones (around the cooktop/sink) may need spot-resealing sooner.
For care between sealings, bookmark our guides on granite countertop care tips and maintaining your granite countertops.
Marble: Beautiful, More Porous, Worth the Care
Marble gives you that soft, classic look—but it’s more absorbent and can etch with acids.
- Plan on sealing every 6–12 months.
- Prefer honed or leathered finishes if you want a more forgiving surface.
- Wipe up wine, coffee, and lemon quickly; sealing helps with stains but won’t stop etching.
If you’re comparing materials, this overview of types of natural stone is a helpful refresher before you pick a finish.
Quartzite: Natural Strength with Light Maintenance
Quartzite often pairs marble’s look with granite-like durability. Many slabs are tight-grained and don’t absorb much.
- 12–18 months is common; some dense quartzites can go longer.
- Use the water test twice a year to decide, especially on lighter colors and around the sink.
What Actually Affects How Often You Seal
- Color & density: darker, denser stones often need sealing less frequently.
- Finish: polished tends to absorb less than honed/leathered.
- Traffic & habits: meal-prep heavy homes, oil-heavy cooking, red wine, and citrus all point to sealing a bit more often.
- Cleaners: harsh or high-pH products can strip protection. Stick to stone-safe cleaners.
For bigger-picture upkeep across materials, see maintenance tips for long-lasting stone countertops.
How to Reseal in an Afternoon (Easy DIY)
- Clean with a stone-safe cleaner; dry thoroughly.
- Mask seams or caulk lines if you’re worried about drips.
- Apply sealer (per label) with a soft cloth or applicator, working in small sections.
- Let it dwell (usually 5–15 minutes). Keep the surface wet with sealer during the dwell time.
- Wipe off excess until the surface feels dry—no haze.
- Cure time: avoid water and heavy use for the time listed on the bottle (often 24 hours).
Prefer a pro to handle it with your next project? We can review sealing and finishing options during your visit—start with our granite installation page or skim what to expect from countertop installation if you’re planning a bigger update.
Signs It’s Time to Reseal (Even If the Calendar Says Otherwise)
- Water darkens the surface quickly
- Oil dark spot lingers after cleaning
- The surface feels “dry” or grabs your cloth instead of gliding
- Stubborn rings or stains show up more often
DFW Notes: Kitchens, Outdoor Areas, and Busy Homes
- Texas kitchens see heat and humidity swings—test your stone each spring and fall.
- Outdoor bars (granite especially) may need sealing more often due to sun and rain.
- Busy households (kids, pets, constant cooking) usually benefit from tightening the schedule a bit.
Need a Hand?
If your last sealing was a mystery—or your water test says it’s time—our team can help you plan next steps and product picks. Browse real projects in our work, or contact us to schedule a visit to our Arlington or Granbury showrooms
