Are you wondering how to make your granite countertops smooth and shining?If yes then this article will be a game changer for you!!
Granite countertops are not only visually attractive, but they’re also highly durable which means you can count on many years of beauty without worrying about them breaking or chipping away in any way.
Granite remains popular as a choice for kitchen countertops because it can offer many years of attractive service. When it comes to kitchen counters, there aren’t many materials that provide the same kind of appeal and performance as granite does.
Granite countertops are beautiful but it’s worth knowing that they can be expensive, and they have a tendency to stain. Fortunately, granite is scratch and heat resistant too so you might just be able to get away with an S grade when supervising domestic staff.
However, if you want your granite tops to stay pristine for as long as possible and aren’t sure how best to go about keeping them that way having recently spent a chunk of your fortune on installing new work surfaces, we’ll be showing you how best to keep granite countertop looking like the day your finder brought it home from the store! So let’s begin.
What Is Granite?
Granite is an igneous rock. It forms from lava and can have a range of different mineral contents, hence the wide variety of colors one can expect to find in granite. We know that this is a fact that so many people seem to overlook, but granite is much more versatile than what many make it out to be.
The granite derives from the element silicon dioxide (SiO2) bound to several other elements such as calcium and iron into a mineral compound that can be used for various commercial applications, including being cut for countertops.
Each limestone deposit is unique due to its own geological formation process in which heat and pressure bring the minerals together over time at eruptions in volcanoes. Therefore, granite, marble, and onyx all have distinct properties.
Is a Rough Granite Countertop Surface Normal?
If grit develops on your granite countertop, it is likely due to a poor quality granite slab – an issue that cannot be easily fixed without countertop replacement. Often, grout particles may flake off from the newly grouted backsplash, which can happen if the stone isn’t sealed properly.
This, however, is less common. Another way grit can develop is if a sealer was applied incorrectly or left on for too long. A good granite countertop should feel as smooth as glass.
How to Clean Granite Countertops?
People love granite countertops because of the natural shine they naturally exude. Don’t ruin their luster by cleaning it with the wrong products! If you want to make sure your surface stays shiny and spotless, look for a granite-friendly surface cleaner.
Make sure you read the fine print for cleaning instructions too so as not to strip away its smooth sheen. To shine your granite countertops, spray or mist the polish across the overall surface and allow it to settle for a minute.
After that scrub with a soft microfiber cloth or a cleaning pad. It will leave your countertops looking as good as new! It has been said that this particular stone’s durability makes it worth every penny, literally. Some even say that one can bring vintage glamor into their lives just by what their countertops are made of.
Having them professionally installed first is highly recommended before you attempt doing it yourself, though – since it is indeed a substance that does require extreme precision when handling in order to maintain its pristine shine for years to come!
Also Read : 10 Best Countertop Microwave Under $100
What About Polishing The Surface?
The best suggestion to remove corrosion from granite kitchen countertops is possibly a complete repolishing of the entirety of the area. This is not the most cost-efficient solution, although it will shine up your countertop like new.
Although this is one suggestion, it may be costly if you are on a budget and not able to spend thousands right away trying to solve your problem. Polishing the surface will make it look nice again, but if there still is corrosion present even after repeated polishing attempts, then try cleaning the area with a mixture of vinegar and water.
A third choice would be to purchase some food-safe non-bleachable trisodium phosphate at your local home store and scrub your countertop clean with this.
Is Polishing Granite A DIY Job?
A lot of people who own granite countertops or marble floors do their own polishing. They don’t need to call in a pro. That’s possible because of the high-quality products available. The right powder or cream, used as directed, restores the surface to simulate professional work.
Because of this, there is no need to hire a pro. It’s not just professionals who can restore granite surfaces. Homeowners and property owners can use the best premium polishing products available to do the job themselves.
They just need to follow the instructions on the polishing powder or cream labels, and they’ll have an even surface with a high-gloss shine that looks like it was professionally restored.
Granite Polishing Options And Techniques
Granite can be polished to a shine with either wet or dry material. There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods, as each has its own particular approach to polishing. In the comparison of wet granite polishing vs dry granite polishing, Here are some pros and cons you need to consider:
- While dry granite polishing powder costs less than paste, it is also easier to apply.
- Powder granite polish allows it to be used dry or wet depending on your preference.
- Wet polishing can produce quite a bit of spray, so it’s worth investing in water-resistant clothing to protect you when wet polishing with power tools. Also use plastic sheeting to protect walls, furniture, and cabinets that you’re working around.
- The objective of wet polishing is to cool the pads before they get too hot. Wet pads are most effective and last longer than dry pads. Dried polishes don’t work as well and can cause material damage and pad deterioration over time.
Granite polishing powder:
Making your kitchen countertops gleam may seem like a daunting task but the truth is, it doesn’t have to be. Granite polishing compound is ideal for giving marble surfaces a fresh gleam in a short amount of time.
However, if working with this product you will want to use it with a buffing pad in order to work the polish into the surface of the marble in a circular pattern. When using this product wet, however, you’ll be best off using a muslin wheel.
Many professionals use Dia-Glo Stone Polishing Compound when working with both new and used granite. The product line is designed to work on both dark and light varieties of granite so you can use the special formula that’s right for your needs. The product line also comes in two separate formulas, one meant for polishing dark granite and one that’s specialized for light stone.
When choosing different polishing compounds for granite, remember that some shades of the stone will require a different polishing compound than others. If the sample is predominantly lighter than medium brown with some lighter highlights, then use the Dia-Glo light.
Otherwise, consider using the Dia-Glo Dark. You don’t want to use this product on dark granite though as it’ll just intensify the darker tones of your stone!
Granite polishing paste:
Most granite polish paste is created specifically looking to effectively and gently remove stubborn stains incurred on countertops, which are typically made of rich stone material. Because it’s abrasive, it can often be used on many different types of different surfaces that might require a little bit of buffing and shining.
The MB-20 is one of the most popular granite polishing creams on the market. Granite-specific formulas are more effective than those for other materials and because it is safe to use, it does not damage countertops or wear away essential nutrients that may be ingrained in the stone itself.
The MB-20 polishes at just the right speed to make your granite gleam, and can even bring out a natural shine in already finished countertops.
Substances That Will Stain Granite Countertops?
Although you should try to keep your granite worktop as clean as possible, it is generally resistant to stains. However, whether your granite is resistant or not, you should take certain precautions to avoid stains.
Water:
Water can stain your granite countertop. If you leave it, the stain will be more difficult to remove. So, if you spill water on your counter, immediately wipe it up with a dry cloth. Don’t leave wet sponges or clothes on the counter.
Although water can stain your countertops, use water to clean them often. Don’t be afraid of water, use it as a cleaning agent. It will leave stains behind only if it soaks into the stone and stays there for a long period of time. Always dry the counter thoroughly to prevent water damage.
Food:
Food stains are a common problem on all surfaces. You should try to prevent them by using coasters and placemats, or by cutting your food on a plate. Even if you do spill something, it is still usually possible to clean up the stain. For example, wine stains can be removed with club soda or warm water with white vinegar.
Although granite countertops are resistant to scratches, they are not scratch-proof. Don’t use anything sharp on your countertop, including knives and nails. Be careful when moving heavy objects across it as well.
Oils:
Remember, If you have granite countertops, you need to be careful about what you put on them. Oils from certain foods can soak into the top of your counter, and once the oil is in, it’s hard to get out.
You can avoid these stains by always wiping down your counter with a clean rag, especially around your stove. If you want to be extra cautious, use cutting boards and silicone mats instead of putting food directly on your countertop.
Sealing Granite
Once you’ve finished polishing your granite countertops, you need to seal them. This will help keep the glare out of the kitchen and protect your stone from staining. This step is highly recommended by professionals and families who want to protect their investment for the long term.
Most people choose to use penetrating granite sealers for their surface protection. These types of sealers are best at protecting surfaces against stain producers. One of the best performing granite sealers on the market is Protex Impregnating Sealer from Tenax.
This sealer is designed specifically to work well with granite, marble, and concrete so that it offers lasting protection against most stain-producing substances including oil, juices, and water. Since Protex impregnating sealer lasts for a long time, you need less of it to cover your surface than you would with another brand. This is good considering how expensive granite sealers can get these days.
Clean, polish, and seal your granite countertops to create a shine that will give you durable beauty for decades to come.
How To Maintain Granite Countertops?
To prevent your granite countertops from getting damaged, there are five steps to take.
First: You should not put hot or organic items directly on the counter.
Second: You must avoid abrasive dust and grit.
Third: You must clean up spills immediately so they don’t sit and stain.
Fourth: Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners, as they can also damage the surface
Finally, you must seal your granite regularly so it doesn’t get damaged by water
Granite is durable, but it’s not impervious to damage. To protect your countertop, wipe it down every day with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly. If you notice a spill, clean it up right away.
The best way to keep your counters looking like new is to treat them regularly and maintain them yourself. A little preventative care will keep your countertops looking nice and avoid costly replacements.
Conclusion:
Granite countertops are a beautiful addition to any kitchen or bathroom, but like any other material, they can also be damaged if not taken care of correctly. In this blog post, we discuss how to clean granite, and the different ways to polish them to achieve a flawless finish. Do you have any questions about granite countertops? Leave them in the comments below and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
