Granite benchtops are like the quiet superstar in many Sydney kitchens—strong, beautiful, classy, and absolutely unbeatable when it comes to that “wow” factor during open-home inspections. But just like a superstar, granite needs a little pampering to stay camera-ready. And one of the biggest questions homeowners ask us during kitchen renovation consultations—whether in Chatswood, Ryde, Turramurra or the Eastern Suburbs—is:

“Do I need to seal my granite benchtop regularly?”

Short answer?
Yes—most granite benchtops should be sealed, and in many cases, resealed every 1–3 years.
Long answer? Let’s break it down so it actually makes sense.

What Does Sealing a Granite Benchtop Do?

Imagine you’ve bought a brand-new white sofa for your lounge room in Epping. Then your friend shows up carrying a full cup of red wine… and suddenly your heart rate goes up. Granite works the same way. It’s beautiful but porous, meaning liquid can creep into microscopic holes and leave stains.

Sealing your granite benchtop acts like putting a raincoat on it — a transparent shield that:

• Blocks stains from wine, coffee, oil, soy sauce (the real Sydney threat)

• Reduces bacteria absorption

• Makes cleaning easier

• Helps maintain the polished finish

• Extends the benchtop’s lifespan

No magic tricks here — just smart maintenance.

But Isn’t Granite Already Strong and “Natural”?

Absolutely. Granite is naturally tough — perfect for the fast-paced Sydney lifestyle where kids prepare snacks on the island bench, someone is chopping veggies on the side, and guests always gather around the kitchen like it's the new club.

But “strong” and “stain-proof” are two totally different things.

Think of granite like your car’s paintwork. The metal body is strong — but without a protective coating, it fades, stains, and absorbs grime. The sealant is the coat that keeps everything looking fresh.

Do All Granite Benchtops Need Sealing?

Here’s where a lot of confusion happens. Not all granite is created equal.

1. Light-Coloured Granite — Needs More Frequent Sealing

Whites, creams, and light greys look amazing in homes across Lane Cove, Mosman and Pymble — especially in bright, airy, coastal-inspired designs.
But they also tend to be more porous.
Meaning: seal them once a year.

2. Dark Granite — Still Needs Sealing, But Less Often

Black, charcoal, and deep greys — extremely popular in industrial-style apartments in Alexandria, Chippendale and Newtown — are denser.
Meaning: sealing every 2–3 years may be enough.

3. Factory Pre-Sealed Granite

Some suppliers deliver slabs pre-sealed. Sounds convenient, right?
But… pre-sealing won’t last forever.
You still need to monitor absorption and reseal periodically.

How Do I Know If My Granite Needs Re-Sealing? (The 10-Second Test)

Forget the complicated tests you see on forums.
Here is the ultra-Sydney version — simple, fast, no guessing.

The Water Drop Test

1. Pour a tablespoon of water on the benchtop.

2. Wait 10 minutes.

3. Observe:

• Water disappears quickly (under 5 minutes) → The stone is thirsty → Time to reseal.

• Water darkens the surface → Moisture is absorbing → Definitely reseal.

• Water still beads after 10 minutes → You’re good for now.

If the water test sounds too boring, treat it like a fun little science experiment with the kids. They love pointing and shouting, “Mum! Dad! The benchtop drank the water!”

How Often Should Granite Be Sealed in Sydney?

Sydney’s environment actually plays a role here.
Areas near the coast — such as Coogee, Maroubra, Manly and Dee Why — deal with:

• Sea salt

• Humidity

• Temperature fluctuations

These can affect the durability of sealants.

General Sydney Recommendation

Granite Type Frequency Light-coloured granite Every 12 months Medium granite Every 1–2 years Dark granite Every 2–3 years Outdoor kitchens Every year

Outdoor granite benchtops in places like Drummoyne, Leichhardt or Hunters Hill must be sealed yearly because sun exposure weakens sealant faster.

What Happens If I Don’t Seal My Granite?

Let’s be honest — skipping sealing doesn’t destroy your benchtop tomorrow.
But over time, expect:

• Stains that permanently darken the stone

• Oil marks around cooking zones

• Etching from acidic foods

• Bacterial growth in micro-pores

• A dull finish that looks old even if the kitchen is new

In Sydney, we’ve seen homes in Burwood, St Ives and North Sydney where unsealed granite benchtops aged in 2–3 years, even though the renovation was brand new.

You wouldn’t go three years without washing your car, right?
Same logic.

Is Sealing Hard? Can I Do It Myself?

Yes — and yes, absolutely. Sealing granite is not rocket science.

DIY Process (Simple Version):

1. Clean the surface.

2. Apply sealant with a cloth.

3. Wait for it to absorb.

4. Wipe off excess.

5. Wait for curing (usually 12–24 hours).

If you’ve ever wiped your benchtop with Windex, you’ve already completed 70% of the effort.
Just add the sealant step on top. Easy.

When to Hire a Professional

• Your benchtop is heavily stained

• You are doing a full kitchen renovation

• The slab is over 3 metres

• You want a flawless finish with no streaking

This is especially common for premium homes in areas like Killara, Woollahra, and Northbridge, where homeowners prefer professional-grade restoration.

Will Sealing Change the Colour of My Granite?

Modern sealants are designed to be invisible.
They won’t turn your benchtop shiny or make it matte.
What you see is exactly what you get — just better protected.

However, enhancing sealers can deepen the colour slightly. These are usually used intentionally for dramatic black or dark grey benchtops.

If you’re unsure, test on a small corner first.

How Long Does a Sealant Last in a Busy Sydney Kitchen?

Consider real-life Sydney scenarios:

• Breakfast rush in Ashfield

• Kids spilling Milo in Parramatta

• Weekend dumpling-making marathon in Hurstville

• Friends drinking Pinot Noir in Surry Hills

• Grilling spicy wings in Kellyville

All these messes hit the benchtop daily.
Sealants are tough, but not immortal.

On average:

A high-quality sealant lasts 12–36 months depending on use, colour, and cleaning habits.

Do New Kitchen Renovations Come Pre-Sealed?

If you are working with MB9 or any quality renovation team, yes — sealing is done as part of the installation.

During a kitchen renovation in Sydney suburbs such as Hornsby, Strathfield or Baulkham Hills, the benchtop is:

1. Installed

2. Polished

3. Sealed

4. Cleaned

5. Inspected

But remember, this first sealing is just the beginning.
You still need to re-seal periodically to maintain protection.

Can I Seal My Granite Too Often?

No — you can’t “over-seal” granite.
The stone simply stops absorbing once it’s saturated.
Any extra sealant just wipes off like moisturiser on already-hydrated skin.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Granite Looking Brand New

Granite is one of the most durable, timeless, and premium benchtop materials in the renovation world — from cosy apartments in Macquarie Park to luxury homes in Roseville Chase.

And maintaining it?
Shockingly simple.

If you:

• Seal it regularly

• Clean using pH-neutral products

• Avoid harsh chemicals

Your benchtop will look as stunning in 15 years as it did on day one.

Want Expert Help or Planning a Kitchen Update?

If you’re thinking about a kitchen renovation, upgrading your benchtop, or refreshing your entire home layout, MB9 Australia Pty Ltd works across the whole Sydney region — offering customised kitchen, bathroom and full home renovation services with meticulous project management and genuine care.

Explore more about kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation and home renovation services at MB9 Australia Pty Ltd by visiting www.mb9.com.au.