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After many years of frequent use, your granite countertops may begin to appear dull. This is the result of the distinctive shine of the natural stone fading over time. Fortunately, you often will not have to replace your countertops. Dull granite countertops can be fixed in many ways. This guide will provide you with knowledge of granite restoration, which can help have your countertops looking brand new in no time.
How Can You Restore a Granite Countertop?
The following will highlight four ways you can restore your granite countertop to its original beautiful appearance:
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Removing stains
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Polishing
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Fixing chips
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Sealing
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How Do You Remove Stains from a Granite Countertop?
Despite granite countertops being stain resistant, no stone countertops are totally stain-proof. In order to reduce the likelihood of stains, you will need to keep up on cleaning and sealing. If you do happen to encounter stains on your granite countertop, you can fix the issue relatively easily.
Most stains can be removed using a DIY stain remover called a poultice. This is a paste that you mix together and apply to the stain. Different types of stains (such as oil stains, hard water stains, etc.) will require different ingredients for the poultice or methods for removal.
Once you mix the poultice together, apply it to the granite surface at the site of the stain. Then, cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit for 24 to 48 hours. After this, you can remove the plastic wrap and the stain should be gone. If it is not, you can try repeating the process.
How Do You Polish Granite Countertops?
Granite polishing involves applying a polisher to the stone surface and buffing in a circular motion. Make sure when you are doing this to always use a soft cloth – never any harsh cleaning tools such as steel wool.
By following the instructions that come with the polish, you can restore your countertop’s luster in no time. Your granite countertop will regain the distinctive shine from when you first had it installed.
How Do You Fix Chips in a Granite Countertop?
Granite countertops can occasionally be impacted by chipping. This should not cause concern, however, as small chips are very easy to fix. There are many chip repair kits you can find, such as this one.
Sealing Granite Countertops: Why and How
Sealing is one of the most important steps for taking care of your granite countertops. Granite, and most natural stone in general, is porous. This means that stains and liquid can work their way down into the pores of the stone and cause damage. To protect against this, you must seal natural stone countertops. Since granite is one of the least porous natural stones, re-sealing is only necessary roughly once per year. This will depend on what type of granite you have, as some require more frequent sealing than others.
As for the process itself, re-sealing your granite countertop is not difficult or time consuming. To start, you will need to clear off and clean the countertop. Once this is done, you can apply the sealer to the surface. After you have applied your sealant, wait 15 minutes for it to set in. If you see that all the sealer has absorbed within this amount of time, apply another coat. When you have waited the proper amount of time, wipe off the excess sealer. Lastly, wait at least 24 hours before using your countertop.
| Step 1 | Clear off and clean the countertop |
| Step 2 | Apply the sealer |
| Step 3 | Wait 15 minutes |
| Step 4 | Wipe off excess sealer |
| Step 5 | Let the countertop sit for 24 hours before use |
What Other Options Do You Have?
Other than the methods you can do on your own listed above, you can also have a stone restoration professional address your granite countertop issues.
How Do You Keep Granite Countertops in Good Shape?
In addition to the methods referenced above, regularly cleaning your granite countertops can help keep them in great shape. Many granite cleaning products, like this one, can help retain your stone’s beauty. Make sure to never use common household cleaning products, such as bleach, Windex and others on your granite countertops. These products can damage natural stone.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Sealer for Granite Countertops?
There are many great granite sealers on the market. Two of the best are Laticrete StoneTech BulletProof Sealer and Superior Zero Ultimate Stone Sealer.
Where Else Does Granite Look Good in the Home?
Granite looks great as many different surfaces in the home. Other than countertops, consider using granite for backsplashes, fireplace surrounds and even outdoor living areas.
If your granite countertops have begun to have a dull appearance, chips or other issues, it does not necessarily mean that you need new countertops. Through following the simple steps above, your granite kitchen countertops, granite vanity tops or other surfaces can look as good as new.
Granite countertops are a major addition to any home improvement project. The countertops often complete any remodel. Because this is the case, you will want to take great care of the surfaces so they can look as nice as the day they were first installed years down the road. By following the steps in this guide, you can do exactly that.
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