Granite countertops are known for their strength and durability, but even the most durable of materials can be vulnerable under the right circumstances. When damage occurs to your granite countertops, it can be tempting to find shortcuts to fix the problem. However, most times, you will be better off having the granite professionally repaired. Here are a few instances for which you should contact a professional to restore or repair your granite countertops.
1. Deep Scratches
Deep scratches and gouges aren’t as common on countertops as other surfaces, such as flooring, but they can be caused by the dragging of heavy objects across the surface of the granite. Depending on how deep the scratches go, you might need a professional to come out to grind the stone down to eliminate the scratches before refinishing the stone and resealing it.
2. Etching
Etching is damage that occurs when acidic liquids like citrus juices and household cleaners make contact with the surface of the stone. While granite sealers protect the stone from etching, if acidic substances are left on the surface of the stone for an extended period of time, the acid eats through the sealer and etches the stone. Etching can’t be cleaned off, but it manifests much in the same way that water spots or dull marks appear. The only way to get rid of etching is to have a professional restore the damage.
3. Chips
Chipping most commonly occurs around the edges of granite countertops, especially near the sink, when heavy objects are dropped on the stone. Small chips might be fixable with some type of DIY option, larger chips or those near the sink will likely need to be fixed by a professional using epoxy resin and color matching. If the chip is structural and not cosmetic, other repairs might be necessary as well. All structural repairs should be handled by a professional.
4. Severe Dullness
Minor dulling can often be solved with a simple, thorough clean. However, over time, extreme dulling can occur that can’t be repaired with cleaning and buffing. In these cases, the entire surface of the granite will need to be refinished to a professional stone restoration specialist, because the granite will need to be ground down with diamond abrasives. After the grinding, the granite can be polished again with any time of finish that you want.
Preventing Damage
The best thing you can do for your granite countertops is to prevent damage in the first place. You can do this by doing a few simple things, including:
- Cleaning up spills right away
- Using cutting boards
- Keeping the granite sealed properly with a special natural stone sealer
- Using potholders or trivets for pots and pans
- Using appropriate granite-specific cleaners to wash the countertops
- Keeping heavy objects off the granite countertops
When you take proper care of your granite countertops, you are more likely to prevent damage to the stone from occurring. To learn more about appropriate granite care, check out Rock Doctor’s Ultimate Guide on Cleaning Granite Countertops in the Kitchen.
