Granite countertops are a beautiful investment that will last for decades. Still, there is always a chance you’ll damage your countertop, or you’ll inherit a damaged one when moving into a new home with pre-existing conditions. Let’s take a look at some of the most common afflictions of granite countertops and what you can do to fix any harm.
Haze from Sealing
One of the leading causes of that hazy, filmy look on a granite countertop is the sealant. Not all granite needs to be sealed in the first place because it is naturally dense and non-absorbent, and any applied seal will not sink into the granite and bond with it, but just kind of “sit” on the surface of the stone and obscure its natural sheen. It’s also possible that the sealant was applied and left to sit on the countertop for too long, pooling and drying without fully integrating into the stone. In either case, you need to remove the sealant and start over from bare granite.
Etching
Etching is a type of surface damage caused by corrosive materials reacting with calcite, the main ingredient in marble and limestone, and present in some granite. Acids like lemons, alcohols, and many cleaning products can react with calcite, leaving rings, dull spots, or rough-feeling patches on your countertop. It’s wise to do an “etching test” using a scrap or sample of the granite you’re considering before you buy, but if it’s too late, light etching can be repaired using a DIY marble polishing powder. Large areas of the countertop, especially if they are no longer smooth to the touch, will require professional help.
Chips
Granite is a rigid surface, but it’s not uncommon for small chips to form around the edges of the slab. If the chip is large enough, save the stone that’s fallen out and glue it back in using a clear epoxy. With small chips, you can use epoxy alone to fill the chip—either clear or colored—and sand it until smooth, then flesh it with the surface of the granite. This is necessary to prevent further chipping away from the original damaged area.
Fissure and Cracks
There is an essential difference between these two kinds of problems. Fissures are naturally occurring in granite and probably don’t go all the way through the stone, whereas cracks are caused by damage or stress to the granite. For small fissures or cracks, you can use a clear resin, epoxy, or acrylic adhesive for repair and usually handle it without a professional. Be sure whatever substance you choose is UV-stable and won’t change color or consistency as it’s exposed to light. Larger cracks—like ones you can fit a coin inside—require professional attention, mainly because they could be the result of structural or installation errors.
The main thing to remember about damaged countertops is that starting with good granite, installed by experienced professionals, is the best way to prevent damage before it starts. Most problems with granite appearance are caused by faulty sealant, and chipping or cracking result from improper installation. Do it right the first time—come in to Granite and Marble Specialties for granite or quartz in Seattle to get the best possible job done.