When it comes to gorgeous countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, a granite countertop is an excellent choice. Even though granite is a gorgeous stone, it’s not very delicate as you would think it would be. Instead, this is a very durable stone that lasts for a long time if you keep it cleaned and maintained correctly. Even in high-traffic areas of the house, like the kitchen and the bathroom, it is remarkably resilient.
Even though granite is a beautiful, durable stone, it isn’t perfect. Occasionally, it can develop problems that will need to be fixed to keep your stones gorgeous and long-lasting.
What are some common minor issues that arise with granite countertops, and how can they be fixed?
Signs Your Granite Countertop Needs Repairs
Granite is a durable material that resists scratches, chipping, and cracking better than most stones. It is also heat-resistant and doesn’t absorb liquids if it is appropriately sealed. Even though granite is a tough material, second only to diamonds in terms of hardness, granite can (rarely) develop problems that will need to be fixed. Here are a few signs that your granite countertops need to be repaired:
- Etching
- Stains
- Cracks
- Chipping
- Burn marks
If you have noticed that your granite kitchen or bathroom countertops have these issues, you will need to resolve them to keep the problems with your granite from getting worse. These are easy to address and fix so that your gorgeous granite countertops can retain their beauty and function for decades.
Types of Granite Countertop Repair
Granite is an expensive stone to install. Likewise, it can also be costly to repair. The good thing to know is that you can fix most problems with granite so that you don’t have to remove your countertops and replace them entirely. Here are some ways that granite is repaired.
Fixing chipped and cracked granite
Chips and cracks can be repaired by using epoxy resin and granite dust similar to the color of your granite countertop. You start by mixing these two items and filling in the crack or chip. Next, remove the excess and, for chips, shape the epoxy mix to mimic the countertop’s shape. Allow it to dry and then follow up with sanding and polishing if necessary.
Getting stains out
It’s rare that granite will stain. However, to remove stains from granite, particularly those involving discoloration, you can use a poultice made of baking soda and peroxide. You will need to cover the poultice in plastic and aerate the plastic with small holes you can make with tooth pics. Keep the poultice on the area for 24 hours and wipe clean. If the stain is not completely gone, you can repeat the process until it is clear. Some commercial poultices will also get the stains out of your granite. Just make sure that they don’t contain harsh chemicals that may etch your countertops.
Fixing etching and dullness
Etching on granite is caused by prolonged use of acidic elements, like lemon or vinegar, on the surface. You should avoid these elements on your granite, especially if your cleaning products contain them. However, if the damage is already done, there is a way to repair the etching.
You start by cleaning the area with a soap specially designed to clean granite. After rinsing away the residue, dry it with a towel. Then use a granite polishing powder along with a felt buffing pad or a hog’s hair pad to remove the etch marks. Finally, use a clean towel to wipe away the polish.
Removing burns from granite
Again, rare that this will happen, you can also remove a burn from granite by coating the burn with a poultice mixture for a day and wiping it away.
Most of the repairs that granite needs can be done using common elements you find in your pantry or using commercial products. However, it is best to allow a countertop professional to handle your granite repairs.
How to Minimize Costly Repairs
Repairing granite countertops can become very costly, if left undone and depending on the types of repairs needed. The best way to keep repair costs in check is to minimize the types of damages that create the need for repair. Sealing your granite countertops will prevent liquids and bacteria from seeping into the granite. Avoiding using abrasive or acidic cleaners on your granite will keep them from etching. Using a trivet on your countertops to keep pans and hot plates from scorching your countertops and keep them from cracking.
Granite is a great countertop addition to your kitchen or bathroom. Even though it is a very durable stone, it can develop issues that arise from daily use that need to be fixed. The best way to keep your granite from developing problems is to clean and maintain it properly. However, should it develop cracking, staining, chipping, or other common issues, it’s a good idea to resolve these issues sooner than later to keep your granite gorgeous and help it last a long time.
Questions on your granite countertops? Texas Granite Group can help. We are Austin’s #1 countertop store and one stop shop for affordable granite, marble, and quartz countertops. With more than 20 years’ experience in countertop fabrication, installation, and remodeling, you are in good hands. Visit our countertop store, get ideas for your kitchen and bathroom remodel and browse hundreds of hard to find granite, quartz and marble slabs that will surpass your expectations. Our professional designers are happy to help so call us for a Free Estimate!