Note: This DIY article is provided as a general guide only and is not intended to take the place of product-specific installation procedures; always follow applicable manufacturers’ instructions. Depending on your home’s age and condition, location within the home, and other potential factors, repairs and/or upgrades or other services may be necessary prior to the beginning and/or completion of your project that may involve the services of a home improvement professional. This article does not include advice pertaining to local building codes and/or any related inspections.
Choosing the right countertop sealant is key to a clean, durable finish in your kitchen. Whether you’re sealing granite, tile, or painted drywall, GE offers silicone and hybrid options to match your material and style.
Why sealing your backsplash and countertop seams matters
The joint where your countertop meets the backsplash might look small, but it’s one of the most leak-prone areas in your kitchen. Without the right countertop sealant, it can let in water, steam, and food debris that quickly lead to mold growth, laminate swelling, or stained stone.
If you’re sealing a backsplash made of tile or glass, or working around materials like granite or painted drywall, the wrong product can do more harm than good. Some sealants shrink, crack, or discolor premium surfaces over time.
Using the right sealant for your countertop creates a watertight barrier that keeps grease and grime out, and gives your kitchen a clean, professional-grade finish that lasts.
The seam between your countertop and backsplash is a high-risk zone for leaks, stains, and mold. Using the right GE countertop sealant (waterproof, flexible, and mold-resistant) protects your surfaces and preserves a clean, finished look.

What makes a great countertop sealant?
Your countertop sees daily water spray, temperature swings, and constant cleanup. A reliable countertop sealant does more than just fill a gap. It seals tight, stays put, and works with your surfaces, not against them.
Here’s what to look for:
- 100% waterproof: This seam is inches from your sink. Choose a sealant rated for wet zones (not just damp areas) to avoid swelling, staining, or failure over time.
- Mold and mildew resistance: Moisture builds quickly behind your backsplash. A mold-resistant formula keeps bacteria from growing where you can’t see or scrub.
- Neutral-cure chemistry: If you’re working with granite, marble, or stainless trim, steer clear of sealants that release acetic acid. Neutral-cure silicone won’t corrode metal or stain natural stone.
- ASTM-rated flexibility (Class 50 or 35): Homes move. So do countertops. A flexible sealant adapts to seasonal changes, so seams don’t crack, split, or peel.
- Non-sag application: For vertical seams like backsplash joints, pick a formula that stays put during application and tooling.
- Cure speed that fits your schedule: Some silicone for backsplash applications is water-ready in 30 minutes. If you plan to paint over joints (especially along drywall or trim), hybrids like GE’s SMP technology are paintable in just one hour.
Which countertop sealant is right for your surface and finish?
Whether you’re working with granite, painted drywall, tile, or trim, GE has a formula designed for your finish goals and installation needs.
If you’re sealing natural stone (granite, marble, or quartz)
Use: Supreme Silicone Kitchen & Bath Sealant
Natural stone needs extra care. Some sealants can stain or etch sensitive materials. Supreme Silicone is a neutral cure, so it won’t react with granite or marble. You get Class 50 flexibility to handle seasonal shifts, and it’s water-ready in 30 minutes.
If your seam meets painted drywall, cabinetry, or trim
Use: Pro Seal Max Kitchen & Bath Sealant (SMP Hybrid)
You need paintability for backsplash joints that run into painted walls or trim. This hybrid formula is ready for painting in just one hour, bonds to damp surfaces, and moves with your home. This means seams won’t crack as things shift. This SMP hybrid is ideal during remodels when time and color matching count.
If you’re sealing tile or glass backsplashes
Use: Advanced Silicone Kitchen & Bath Sealant
Backsplash seams are vertical and often exposed to steam, splatter, and daily wipe-downs. This neutral-cure silicone for backsplash holds its shape during application, so it won’t sag or slump as you use it. It resists mold in damp environments and is water-ready in just 30 minutes, making it a reliable pick for clean lines and fast finishes.
Note: For natural stone or high-movement seams, step up to a Class 50 sealant like Supreme Silicone for added flexibility and stain resistance.
If you’re doing a touch-up or sealing a small seam
Use: Interior Seal Silicone Sealant (2.8 oz squeeze tube)
For quick jobs or tight spaces, this compact 100% silicone sealant delivers pro-grade results. It’s precise, clean to apply, and ideal for minor gaps. That said, this formula isn’t rated for wide joints or areas with frequent movement—use a full-performance sealant for those.
How to apply countertop sealant like a pro
Use this five-step method to get a countertop bead that bonds tightly, tools clean, and lasts:
- Remove the old sealant and prep the surface Start with the GE Sealant Remover Tool—it scrapes out old material without gouging your countertop. Then wipe the joint with isopropyl alcohol to eliminate residue. Soap-based cleaners leave a film that breaks bonds, so don’t use them.
- Mask both sides of the joint Use painter’s tape to create a crisp line and protect nearby surfaces. You’ll get a cleaner finish with less cleanup.
- Cut the nozzle and apply a smooth bead Use the GE Cartridge Opener & Smoothing Tool for a clean, angled cut. For long seams, use a caulk gun. For tight areas, a squeeze tube offers better control. Keep the bead steady and consistent.
- Tool the bead within 5–10 minutes Press the sealant into the joint using a gloved finger or your countertop sealant smoothing tool to shape a uniform bead.
- Let it cure completely Even quick-set formulas need time to fully bond. Most GE silicone and hybrid sealants reach full cure in 24 hours. Don’t scrub or stress the joint until then.
Cure tips and timing
Each GE formula cures on a different timeline. Here’s how to stay on schedule:
- Most GE silicone sealants are water-ready in 30 minutes. This means water exposure, not cleaning. Wait the full 24 hours for a fully cured, durable seal.
- Pro Seal Max is paintable in one hour. This hybrid formula also tolerates early moisture, making it ideal when conditions aren’t perfect.
- Always check the label. Temperature, humidity, and joint size affect cure times. Plan around these to avoid premature failure.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between acrylic and silicone for backsplashes?
Silicone sealant is 100% waterproof and stays permanently flexible, making it ideal for wet zones like your backsplash. Acrylic caulks, on the other hand, shrink, crack, or break down in damp environments.
Can I paint over the countertop sealant?
Only GE hybrid formulas, like Pro Seal Max Kitchen & Bath Sealant, are paintable. Silicone sealants (including those rated for kitchen and bath) are not.
How long should I wait before using the sink?
Most GE silicone for backsplash and countertop applications is water-ready in 30 minutes. But for heavy water exposure or scrubbing, wait 24 hours to ensure a fully cured, long-lasting seal.
Need the best sealant for your backsplash project? Find a store near you in the U.S. or Canada.