5 Signs Your Granite Countertops Need Professional Sealing

1. The Water Test Fails

The simplest way to check if your granite needs sealing is the water test. Sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface and wait 10–15 minutes. If the water beads up and stays on the surface, your seal is still intact. If it absorbs into the stone and leaves a dark spot, it's time to reseal.

2. You Notice Dark Spots Around the Sink

The area around your kitchen sink takes the most abuse—constant water exposure, soap, and food particles. If you're seeing persistent dark spots or discoloration near the sink area, the sealant has likely worn through in those high-traffic zones.

3. Stains Are Getting Harder to Clean

When your granite was freshly sealed, spills wiped right up. If you're noticing that coffee, wine, or cooking oils are leaving marks that require more scrubbing—or aren't coming out at all—the protective barrier has degraded and the stone is absorbing liquids.

4. The Surface Looks Dull or Faded

Properly sealed granite has a rich, deep appearance with a subtle sheen. Over time, as the sealant wears away, the stone can start to look flat, chalky, or faded. This is especially noticeable on darker granite colors where the depth of color is part of the appeal.

5. It's Been More Than a Year

Even if your countertops look fine, most granite professionals recommend resealing every 6–12 months depending on usage. Kitchen counters that see daily cooking and cleaning typically need annual sealing. Bathroom vanities and less-used surfaces can often go longer.