Sealing Countertops: How And Why This Is Done
Posted on: 9 November 2018
Kitchen countertops are made of everything from laminate to granite. Yet, regardless of what they are made of, they are sealed along the edges of the walls and countertops, and sometimes the countertops are sealed themselves. You may wonder how and why this is done. This article will tell you more.
How the Countertops Are Sealed
Along the walls where the countertops meet the walls, beads of clear sealing caulk are placed. This closes off the space between the wall and the countertop, forming a solid connection between the two. The countertop contractor will use a small tube of clear sealing caulk and apply it in an even thread all along the back edge of the countertops. Then, to make it less noticeable and obvious when it dries, he/she will use a small tool or flattening instrument to push the caulk into the area between the wall and countertop. Finally, he/she will use acetone to wipe away excess caulk to create a professional look.
When the actual tops of the countertops are sealed, it is because they are made of stone. Typically, marble, granite, or other stone surfaces have to be sealed because they are porous and likely to absorb liquids and food stains. A special stone sealing chemical is wiped over the whole surface of the countertops in smooth, long strokes and then left to dry. By sealing the full tops of these stone countertops, the contractor is making them easy to wipe clean and easy to keep clean, too.
Why Sealing Is Done
The contractor seals the back edges of your countertops so that zero spills will slip behind the cabinets and counters. No spills back there means no rotting or sticking residue that would attract bugs, and no rotting cabinetry or rotting walls after repeated liquid spills. Everything behind the countertops and the cabinets to which the countertops are affixed remains spill-free, damage-free. and bug free when that strip of clear caulk seals that opening between countertop and wall.
When sealing the tops of the counters, damage to the countertops themselves is prevented. There is little to no possibility of permanently staining the countertops, and the sealing agent makes the tops very smooth and easy to wipe off. As long as you do not burn the tops by setting hot pans on these stone surfaces, then the sealing agent does exactly what you need it to do.
For more information about caring for your kitchen countertops, contact local countertop services.
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