When a homeowner in Montgomery, Texas, called us about their dull and cloudy granite countertops, they were frustrated and worried. What was once a beautiful, glossy granite countertop had become hazy, streaky, and grimy shortly after being sealed by a previous contractor. The sealer had been applied incorrectly, leaving the homeowner with a cloudy surface that only got worse over time. The contractor didn’t know what to do to correct the problem, so the homeowner was left with a streaky cloudy countertop that quickly became grimy over time due to an improperly applied sealer.
At Beyond Clean Tile, we see this problem more often than people realize. Improperly applied sealers can not only make granite look cloudy but also make it harder to clean and more prone to scratching. Fortunately, in this case, the countertops were not permanently damaged. They just needed the right expertise and process to restore their natural beauty
The Problem: Cloudy, Streaky, and Grimy Granite
During our evaluation, we found that the sealer had been over-applied and left to dry unevenly on the surface. Instead of penetrating into the stone, it hardened on top. This created:
· A cloudy, streaky appearance from sealer residues
· A grimy, sticky feel that attracted dirt
· Surface scuffs and scratches whenever the homeowner slid things on the counter
Not only did this ruin the granite’s appearance, but it also made the surface difficult to clean and far less sanitary.
Granite countertop with cloudy sealer residue before restoration in Montgomery, TX
Close-up of cloudy streaks and scuffs caused by improper granite sealer.
Excess Sealer Stripped Off Countertop
Shine after sealer removed and polished (1)
Shine after sealer removed and polished
After Stripping, Cleaning, Polishing and Sealing
Our Solution: Strip, Polish, and Properly Seal
We began by safely stripping away all traces of the old sealer using a combination of razor blades and a stone-safe exfoliating cream. This not only helped the excess sealer but also gave the granite a deep cleaning to remove any hard water minerals or other contaminates that were left behind.
Next, we machine-polished the countertop using a high quality granite polishing compound. Then we applied a premium penetrating sealer designed specifically for granite and other natural stones. This sealer soaks into the granite and sits just below the surface and acts as a repellent against oil and water. This gives the homeowner more time to clean up spills and also
prevents spills and other soiling from getting as deep into the granite, which helps resist staining. After sealing the granite, we apply a semi topical polish protectant that helps protect the granite, resist finger smudges and provides a smooth velvety feel that customers love. The result was a crystal-clear, glossy surface that looked brand new and felt silky smooth to the touch.
The Outcome: A Countertop Restored to Like-New Condition
When the homeowner saw the results, they were relieved and thrilled to have their countertops looking better than ever, and without the expense of replacement. The cloudiness and grime were gone, replaced by a mirror-like finish that enhanced the granite’s natural color and pattern.
Now, their countertop not only looks beautiful but is also protected the right way for years to come.
What You Can Learn: Signs of Improper Sealing
If your granite countertops look dull, streaky, or cloudy after sealing, you’re not alone. Here are common red flags:
· Sticky or greasy feeling even after cleaning
· Uneven shine or white haze
· Countertop scuffs easily
· Wiping leaves streaks or smudges
These are signs of a sealer sitting on top of the stone — not in it. The good news? It’s fixable.
At Beyond Clean Tile, We Restore Beauty and Confidence
Our trained stone restoration technicians know how to identify sealer problems, safely remove residues, and properly reseal stone, then walk you through proper maintenance practices and products, to ensure lasting protection and natural beauty. If your countertop doesn’t look or feel right after sealing, we can help.
Schedule your free countertop evaluation today and restore your granite’s clarity, shine, and protection.
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