Maintaining black granite.

Black granite is certainly beautiful, and it makes great countertops, but there are some things you need to know about this particular type of granite before you install it in your home. Depending on the specific type of stone you choose, its treatment will be somewhat different from other types of granite.

Normally, granite needs to be sealed once or twice a year, depending on its finish and what kind of use it sees. This keeps it stain-resistant and looking its best.

If you’d like to have black granite in your kitchen, it’s good to learn about the different types of black granite available and their individual maintenance needs. You’ll likely see Star Galaxy granite, which is black with copper and bronze flecks; Black Pearl granite, which has an opalescent appearance; and Absolute Black granite, which, as the name implies, is the blackest of these, and it has no opalescence of flecks of other colors. Absolute Black granite is the most popular black granite because of its elegant, uniform appearance.

Does Absolute Black granite need to be sealed?

Unlike other varieties of granite, which are porous, Absolute Black granite doesn’t need to be sealed. If you apply an impregnating granite sealer to this stone, you’ll see hazy streaks on the surface because it doesn’t absorb. This won’t damage the stone, but it will affect its appearance. Due to its unique properties, it’s already stain and heat-resistant, as well as resistant to knife damage, although you should still always use a cutting board—you might not damage your counters, but you can damage your knives.

One exception to this, however, is if you go with a honed finish rather than a polished one. This leaves the stone more susceptible to stains. The best thing to do with black granite, or any natural stone, is check with the supplier about the maintenance requirements of the specific stone and finish that you’re interested in.

If you’re not sure if a granite countertop needs sealing, you can perform the water test. In an inconspicuous area, place a few drops of water on the counter and leave it for a few minutes. If it remains beaded up on the surface, the sealant or natural stone surface is intact. If it gets absorbed, the stone needs to be sealed. If you put sealant on a stone that doesn’t need it, it can leave hazy streaks that may be difficult to remove, so it’s best to be sure that it’s necessary.

How to clean Absolute Black granite

The best way to keep your Absolute Black granite countertops looking great is simply by cleaning them with a gentle soap and water. As with any granite counter, it’s important to clean up spills right away, as they can discolor the stone’s surface if they’re allowed to sit for too long. This is of course more of an issue with lighter colors of granite, but it’s always a good practice, especially with acidic liquids like citrus juice or wine.

Black countertops can bring an air of modern sophistication to a kitchen, and Absolute Black granite can be easily maintained. Make sure that you understand the maintenance needs of any granite that you have installed in your home, and it will look great for years to come.