how to polish granite countertops at home

Dry polishing is used in cases where the stone is in serious need of repair, but cant be detached and transported to fabricators facility for work. Its also extremely hard, withstands scalding heat with ease and requires little maintenance. Let sit for a few minutes before wiping off. Thanks for the tips on how to make my own polish too. Corporate: 773.376.4400, Blog / Indoor and Outdoor Living / Lifestyle, | Before you can polish your granite countertop, you should make sure its clean. Keep in mind that there are many techniques for polishing and restoring granite countertops. Often your granite will be sealed for the first time upon installation and its the owners responsibility to seal it thereafter. Jan 15, 2019 at 6:28pm, | Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? For dry polishing, you will also require specialized polishing pads. Most granite surfaces require remedial polishing every five to 15 years, depending on the traffic or use they receive. I used lemon juice to clean the residue off windows successfully. Before leaving the store or completing your order, please note that some powders will call for a use of an application pad. Many DIY websites offer recipes for these polishes, but before you use one, make sure it isnt too acidic for your granite. Just be certain not to apply acidic substances to your counters and use soft cloths or recommended polishing pads when you tackle this chore. For example, you can use vegetable oil, olive oil, or avocado oil. Granite polish is not expensive, particularly when you make your own. After all the steps have been completed, its crucial to thoroughly clean and seal the countertop. You must be logged in before you can vote. Service. Every article is thoroughly fact-checked by members of our editorial team. After youve finished polishing, wipe the countertop with a damp cloth to avoid a streaky finish. like plagiarism or maliciously written content. If you feel proficient with power tools, using an electric polisher will make quick work of this task. Hope that helps! Tenax Protex sealer offers outstanding protection against oil, juice, wine, water and other potential stain producers. Granite countertops usually need to be resealed every 5-10 years. If you use a general polish that contains too much acid, you can permanently damage your countertops. Multi-Action Disinfecting Antimicrobial Spray, Anytime Clean & Polish for Wood - Woodland Fresh, Anytime Clean & Polish for Wood - Lemon Fresh, Revitalizing Lemon Oil with UV Protection, Professional Cordless Electrostatic Sprayers, 12780 Danielson Court, Suite A, Poway, CA 92064. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. One of the top products in this category is MB-20 Stone Granite Polishing Cream. Wet polishing is a professional grade polishing technique used to treat more severe countertop damage, whether it be deep cuts, harsh etching, or staining. This will also help to protect your knives and keep them sharp. Dont hurry through this step, or you will find that the polish application does not work as well as it should. Clear directions are found on the container so getting the mix right is very easy. Im definitely planning on doing that. Try enhancing the color of the stone, for that you can use, Privacy Starting with the smallest grit number, usually 50 grit pad, work your way up to the highest number polishing pad, usually 3000 grit pad. Try Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or Resolve Spray and Clean. Even if you have just sealed your countertop, its good to get into a habit of cleaning up your messes. Having them installed was a significant investment, so seeing them dull and scratched can be discouraging. The sealer is not permanent, however, so dull granite counters may need more help than a nice polish can give them. How can I remove crazy glue spots on my granite counter? https://marble.com/articles/how-to-polish-your-granite-countertops-at-home Consider these pros and cons of wet granite polishing versus dry granite polishing: Based on the type and color of stone you have installed, Doctor Granite can usually suggest which type is most suitable for you; ask me! Repeat this periodically, such as daily or once a week, depending on your preferences. Its first extracted in large blocks and those blocks are later sliced into slabs. Granite Gold Inc. | 12780 Danielson Court, Suite A, Poway, CA 92064 | 858-499-8933 | 800-475-7866 | GraniteGold.com. Then take a dry, soft cloth and thoroughly dry the countertops. 4400 S Kildare Ave We also use this product at Going Granite. This job requires more effort, but you can use a DIY method to reapply as welljust be sure to carefully follow the recommended steps. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Because the majority of the expense is in the labor to do the job rather than in the polishing material, there is significant savings in doing the work yourself! If the persistent problem is from hard water deposits, soap scum, efflorescence, or grout haze, consider using DuPont StoneTech Restore Acidic Cleaner, which will with ease deal with these problems and restore countertop back to its beauty. Theres no clear choice here professionals are divided on the issue of which is better. A dry powder will save you money and can be used wet if you wishjust add water. Fortunately, you dont need to call a professional team to revitalize your granite. My granite countertops are "pocked" in some spots. Your granite counters are beautiful, durable, and expensive, but like most countertops, they can show some wear and tear. Dry polishing using a buffer polisher can certainly be a DIY option for an experienced homeowner or landlord, however, consider that this is considered an advanced level of DIY project and irreversible damage to the countertop is possible. This will maintain the sheen while protecting porous stone from stains. Any thoughts on using diamond pads vs polishing paste? This product offers both a reliable seal and protection against stains. We also use this compound in our workshop and factory and on job sites to produce a fresh glow on granite flooring, countertops and, in particular, wall panels. Bought your item from GraniteGold.com? If your countertop requires deep polishing, always hire a professional. Consult with a professional before you attempt to power polish on your own. Avoid general-purpose polishing products, as these can damage granite. What do I do if I can't get the streaks off after polishing my granite counter top? For example, sealing your countertops will prevent staining and a cutting board will eliminate scratches yet accidents still happen. This is a top choice both for maintenance and tough restoration projects. Before applying this sealer, clean the countertops and give them plenty of time to dry to ensure the best adhesion. Whether using a dry or wet application method, its important to use instructions provided by the manufacturer as different products will come with their own set of directions. If that step doesnt restore the shine, you need to give the surfaces a good polish. Granite polishes come in both wet and dry varieties. Experts note, though, that polishing pads may work better with the wet variety. Granite is among the most versatile and widely used naturals stones in residential and commercial projects. For some, any stone polishing might be considered a last resort, and for those there are last abrasive stone restoration options. You can clean and polish the granite if the countertop needs to be resealed, however, its best to act promptly to avoid any damage. Everyday granite cleaners are great for cleaning up these messes. Dont attempt to polish a granite countertop yourself using power tools or harsh abrasives, as its very easy to accidentally cause damage. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. We value your time, and our goal is to create the best work possible and have you enjoying it as possible. comments The compound does the work, so excessive pressure should not be used during the process. I had a black galaxy granite counter installed and it had an odd vein that the installer tried to buff smooth. Even though the blog post is focused on Granite it will work for Marble as well. MrStone.comsMakita Buffer Polisheris a great solution for dry polishing needs, offering variable speeds you are sure to achieve the level of polish you desire. If you are using a retail granite polish, read the manufacturers directions carefully first and always follow all of the instructions. Another excellent compound is Tenax Granite Polishing Powder. All rights reserved. Try nail polish remover, it has acetone in it. This granite polishing cream is an excellent choice for the entire spectrum of granite hues from light to nearly black. Two coats of this sealer are applied; one before and one after polishing. Many homeowners, property owners and maintenance professionals do their own granite, marble, quartz, slate and other natural stone surface polishing without calling in stone pros! Microfiber cloths or nubby washcloths are ideal for cleaning granite. This option is seldomly recommended by even the most seasoned professionals in the stone care industry: its extremely messy and should not be performed in the house. If you want to move things along more quickly, you can adopt the professional method and use a power polisher. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Otherwise, you may damage the sealant or the granite. How do I remove stains from my granite counter tops? Use whatever oil you typically use for cooking. Polished granite is easier to maintain, its less prone to stains and is designated for high traffic areas. The single most important precautionary step one can take is sealing the granite countertops, whether it be in the kitchen, bathroom, or any other use, sealer is the first layer of defense against stains. Never use harsh chemicals on granite. This stone polishing compound can be used dry or wet with the tools I mentioned. Experts also note that the dullness of your granite may simply be from soap buildup. Not to worry, this is usually easily fixable with a regular routine of cleaning, sealing and polishing that you can do yourself. If you notice any excess water on the countertop after you have wiped it down, use another cloth to dry it off. Apply a mixture of olive oil and salt. It can often be used both wet and dry and is found across most hardware box stores and online. On bathroom vanity tops, avoid placing makeup and nail polish directly onto the stone. Can they be re-polished to smooth the surface? Use a granite cleaner and a soft sponge or cloth to clean the surface. powered by Disqus. If you read the directions carefully and follow them closely, you should experience remarkable results. Always thoroughly clean the countertop surface before applying the sealer and work in sections to make sure its applied evenly. Going Granite relies on Dia-Glo Stone Polishing Compound for use both on new granite in our workshop and factory (located at 812 S. Tejon Street in Colorado Springs, CO) and on older flooring and countertops in our clients homes and businesses. As the years go by, you may notice some areas of your countertop are not as shiny as the day it was installed, or discover superficial scratches on the surface. Too much pressure can mar the surface of your granite or at least damage the sealer. That area is now dull, not shiny like the rest - is there a way to polish that area to look like the rest of the counter? If you are uncertain about granite care, consult with the professionals who installed your counters. Whats the name of a good p whats the name of a good pun plush??? Will water seep into the granite and ruin it? Investing in this tool means you will use less elbow greasean important consideration, especially if you are going to live with the granite for many years. The first stage of polishing takes place before the stone even leaves the quarry. The process of sealing countertops is fast and easy. I have etched marble. The right polishing powder or cream used according to the labeling produces a restored granite surface that looks like a skilled professional did the work. If cleaning and polishing do not work, you may need to reapply sealant to the countertops. If using it dry, choose a buff polishing pad to work the polish over the surface of the granite in a steady, circular pattern. Your granite countertops should retain their beauty for decades as long as you give them proper care. Using a tray or storing these products away will save you the headache of restoration down the road. Only through time and trial and error will you discover which type of polish works best for you. In addition to daily wipe-downs after meal preparation, you need to thoroughly clean them regularly and polish them when they start to lose their shine. The first stage of polishing takes place before the stone even leaves the quarry. Dull spots might also become an inevitable reality. In under thirty minutes, you can protect your stone for 6 months or more. Call Going Granite at 719.439.7077 if youd like advise or a free, no obligation cost quote for any of you natural stone remediation projects! If you clean and polish your granite countertops and they remain dull and scratched, you may need to apply a fresh layer of sealant. It is suitable for granite, marble and most other stone surfaces as well. Support wikiHow by Chicago, IL 60632 "I've only used the cleaner and now that I know the polish and sealer are available, I will be getting those as. , Hi Mary, It depends on what the stain is. On the other hand, dry powder may be more successful at removing superficial scratches. One safe recipe for a polish is as follows: Mix these two ingredients together and then apply the solution to your countertops using a soft cloth. I would test it on an area that's out of sight first. Let sit for 24 hours, then remove and clean the paste off. Jan 2, 2020 at 1:57pm, a few simple cleaning and polishing steps, https://countertopguides.com/guides/polish-granite-restore-factory-shine.html, https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-polish-a-granite-countertop, https://marble.com/articles/how-to-polish-your-granite-countertops-at-home. Two Tenax Ager products are excellent on granite that has a dull appearance or when you want to bring out the rich, varied highlights in stone. The products mentioned above should be used as instructed on the label, as misuse of these products maycause countertop discoloration. I found some other articles online that helped too: In this case, 90% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Its important to always use a very soft cloth for buffing, as anything more abrasive could scratch the granite. The outcome is a still-wet look that glistens while enriching the colors in natural stone and resin-enhanced stone products like quartz. Drying the countertop thoroughly prevents streaking. Granite countertops look luxurious when they are shiny and new! Baking soda is also great for removing stubborn stains from granite. Its referred to as wet polishing because water is poured over the stone to reduce heat created by friction between the countertop and the polishing pad. How do I refinish a black granite slab that is exposed to rain, sun, and sprinklers? However, over time, even this incredibly durable stone can succumb to scratches and etching. Alternatively, you can use a terry cloth towel instead of a microfiber cloth. Its recommended you first determine the level of damage youre working on repairing before taking the further steps. Proseal is a good choice for stone countertops that are not subject to food preparation chopping and slicing or dirty, greasy dishes. If you want to make your own polish, combine 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water into a paste. A sister product, Tenax Proseal is intended to be a premium professional sealer but, interestingly, is usually more affordable than Protex. Contrary to what many may think that glossy surface isn't the result of any sort of gloss coating or treatment. This is typically done using a wet polishing technique, where a technician will use a progressive grit of diamond pads to work on the stone surface under a constant flow of water. We use MB-20 cream on a hogs hair pad or similar material for buffing. It contains the type of light abrasives best suited to the rich stone Going Granite uses to manufacture fabricate premium finished granite. Granite can be polished with dry powder or wet polishing paste. Approved. Rapid changes in temperature may lead to micro cracks, which can develop into a more serious problem down the line. When it comes time to get the job done, our fabrication and installation teams have the equipment and expertise it takes to get your project cut and delivered the right way, every time. Don't let it sit for long, and then wipe it off. Dry granite polishing powder costs less than paste. While accidents in the kitchen may not always be avoided, its certainly possible to take preventive measures to protect your stone and keep it looking new. How do I remove a burn mark caused from putting a hot pan on the granite counter top? In fact, any polish or cleaner that contains lemon, vinegar, lime, ammonia, or bleach can harm the granite sealant and lead to stains and other signs of damage. Driscoll received her Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2016. Micro-scratches form when the granite experiences a sudden change in temperature. By using our site, you agree to our. Dry polishing is used in cases where the stone is in serious need of repair, but cant be detached and transported to fabricators facility for work. Powder granite polish can be used dry or wet, so it is more versatile. This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. Its important to note that the polishing process and methods can vary from quarry to quarry and the exact level of polish, in turn, may vary between slabs. Surfaces are buffed with felt pads while the polish restores the gleam. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Although granite is a hard-wearing material, it needs to be treated gently to keep it looking good. For tips from our Household co-author on how to preserve your granite over time, keep reading! Using a cutting board will eliminate this possibility and protect your knives. The streaks should come off. Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.firstforwomen.com/posts/how-to-clean-granite-countertops-164786, https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-and-disinfect-granite-countertops-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-202159, https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/maintenance-and-repair/cleaning/how-to-clean-granite-countertops, https://marble.com/articles/how-to-polish-your-granite-countertops-at-home. If you believe that may be the case, try a soap film remover or a combination soap film and mineral buildup remover. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/Polish-Granite-Counter-Tops-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Polish-Granite-Counter-Tops-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/Polish-Granite-Counter-Tops-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid21936-v4-728px-Polish-Granite-Counter-Tops-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"