Granite is one of the most popular choices of material for countertops. They are a beautiful and expensive option for your kitchens and bathrooms. Even though they are incredibly durable, they are vulnerable to stains and scratches. 

That’s why you need to keep them clean, polished, and sealed.

This blog post will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to polish granite, restore them if they lose their shine, and other tips and tricks to help you take care of your prized granite counters. 

Table of Contents

What is granite?

Granite is a type of intrusive igneous rock that can be both light-colored and dark-colored. It is composed mainly of feldspar and quartz, with smaller proportions of other minerals. Granite is a rugged, durable rock that has been used for building structures and monuments around the world.

What is Dry Polishing?

Dry polishing granite uses diamond polishing pads to remove natural surface imperfections, leaving a smooth, shiny finish without using water.

What is Wet Polishing?

Wet polishing is a process to remove surface imperfections by wetting the granite surface before or during the polishing process. Wet polishing is generally recommended as it keeps the pads cool and delivers a smooth and shiny finish.

How to polish Granite Countertops

Granite is one of the most popular materials for kitchen projects. It is durable, easier to maintain, and less porous than other countertop materials, such as marble.

However, they require some special care to keep them looking their best. 

Here are the process and tools needed to polish your granite countertops and make them look new again.

Tools Needed

• 4-inch diamond polishing pad set
• Variable speed angular grinder
• Hook and Loop or velcro backing pad holder

1. Get rid of all dirt and stains

There are many ways to clean a granite surface. The most common way to do this is by using a mild abrasive cleaner mixed with water, applied with a sponge in a circular motion. After you’ve cleaned the countertop, it must be dried, giving time for excess moisture to evaporate from the stone. 

Avoid using acidic, harsh, or abrasive cleaners like lemon, lime, vinegar, glass cleaner that can break down the sealant and damage your granite over time.

2. Attach the polishing pad to the angular grinder

Attach the velcro backing pad holder to the variable speed angular grinder or wet polisher. Attach the 50 Grit pad to the velcro of the backing pad. Thoroughly wet the surface and start to move the grinder left to right. 

3. Wipe down with water, check finish

Change the polishing pad to Grit 100.

Then use grits from lower to higher (200, 400) and repeat installing and polishing the counter with the grinder left to right. Continue to wipe down with water and check the finish. Change the polishing pad to a higher grit until you achieve the desired finish.

Check the finish. Continue the process of switching polishing pads.

Finish up with finer Grits (800, 1500, and 3000) that will help you get your desired finish.

PRO TIP: After polishing is complete, you must seal your granite counters. This will keep the shine longer and protect them from getting scratched.

How to Restore Granite Countertops?

As beautiful and durable granite is in a kitchen. They can get scratched or stained over time with use.

To restore your countertops, you can use various techniques depending upon their condition. Choose from;

• Countertop Polish
• Polishing powder
• Polishing creams
• Soap film removers
• Resealing
• Repair

How do you know if your Granite needs to be re-polished?

Over time, granite can become scratched and dull. It is pretty common and doesn’t mean the granite is damaged. Most of the time, the granite finish becomes dull because of use or constant contact with water and cleaning agents. 

Fortunately, there are many ways to quickly restore the shine to your granite countertops and make them look brand new.

• Using diamond polishing pads set, or by
• Using DIY home remedies

How to tell if my Granite needs a sealant? 

Granite requires regular care to ensure the finish and overall properties last for a long time. As a general rule of thumb, you should have your granite sealed every 3-5 years, sometimes even longer if used with care.  

Even though granite countertops are durable, they can still chip, stain, or get scratched with use.  

If your granite is less than one year old, you should be ok as the fabricator sealed it before installing. But if it’s been 3-5 years, it’s good to do a ‘Water Test.’ 

This test will show you if your countertop is porous enough to use a granite sealant. To do the water test, 

• Wet the countertop with ¼ cup of water
• Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes
• If the water remains beaded, you don’t need to seal
• If the water gets absorbed and you see a dark spot, you should get your countertops sealed.

How to maintain Granite?

Granite countertops are expensive but a beautiful addition to any kitchen. And they require some maintenance to keep them looking great.

Here are 8 tips on how to maintain your granite countertops.

1. Clean your counters regularly with soap and water or a mild abrasive cleaner.
2. Use coasters to protect your granite countertops from heat, organic materials, and abrasive particles.
3. Use coasters when placing glasses, cups, or dishes on the countertop to avoid leaving rings behind.
4. Avoid abrasive cleaners or steel wool pads that will scratch the stone’s surface and ruin its appearance over time.
5. Wipe spills right away before they can stain the surface of your counters.
6. It is essential to seal your granite countertops regularly.
7. Prevention is better than cure, so be mindful of how you use your granite surfaces and what you put on them.
8. Wipe your granite down daily with a damp cloth to buff away any excess moisture. This will help you keep your granite shining and give you a chance to notice any spills before they become stains.

How much do Granite Countertops cost?

Granite is more expensive than most countertops; it is essential to understand how much they cost. The cost of granite countertops can range depending on the style, material, and grade. A single granite slab can cost between $20 and $90 per square foot for a commercial kitchen slab or $60 per square foot for residential countertops.

The cost to install granite countertops also varies widely. There is no one set price for the installation. The average cost is around $80 to $120 per square foot when hiring a professional. This price can vary based on size, quality, type of granite, and whether a backsplash is included. You can save on installation costs if you decide to do it yourself.

Conclusion 

We hope you enjoyed our blog about how to polish granite. We know keeping your countertops polished will protect them from spills, scratches, and other abrasions. But this will also help you keep your prized granite counters looking elegant and new again!

Please contact us with any questions or comments; we love hearing from our readers. Please visit our website or contact us via email at support@ibouteek.com.

Thank you for reading our blog post; we hope it provides you with helpful information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to seal granite countertops?

There are multiple ways to seal granite countertops. Some popular methods include using a sealant or wax, applying a penetrating sealer, or using a topical sealer like TriNova Granite Sealer & Protector, Granite Gold Sealer Spray, or the Black Diamond Stoneworks Granite Plus.

What are some tips for removing fresh granite sealer from countertops?

Removing fresh granite sealers from countertops can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Soak a cloth in acetone and use it to wipe the sealer off the countertop.
2. Use a razor blade or scraper to remove the sealer.
3. Sprinkle baking soda on the countertop and scrub it with a wet brush to remove the sealer.

How do I fix a black granite countertop that has been doctored with a darkening agent?

There are a few ways to seal granite countertops. The most common way is to use a penetrating sealer. This type of sealer soaks into the stone and forms a barrier on the surface to protect it from staining and etching. There are also topical sealers that can be used, but use them only if the penetrating sealer doesn’t work. If your granite countertop has been doctored with a darkening agent, you will need to remove it before you can apply any sealer.

Can polished granite be sealed?

Polished granite can be sealed, but it is not necessary. If you do apply sealant, it will add a layer to help protect the surface from staining and etching.

What is the Food Safe Sealer for Granite Countertops?

A food-safe sealer for granite countertops is applied to the granite surface. It helps protect the granite from staining and makes it easier to clean. Various sealers are available on the market, so it is essential to select one specifically designed for use with granite countertops.

How often should I seal my granite countertops?

There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people say you only need to seal your granite countertops once a year. Others say every six months. Do a water test every six months to see if your counters need to be resealed.

What is the best granite sealer available?

There are a variety of granite sealers on the market, and it can be challenging to determine which one is the best for your needs. Consider a few factors when choosing a sealer, such as the type of granite you have, how porous it is, and what kind of finish you would like. You will also want to make sure that the sealer you choose is compatible with the cleaner you plan to use.Here are some recommendations

1. TriNova Granite Sealer & Protector
2. Granite Gold Sealer Spray
3. Black Diamond Stoneworks Granite plus