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If you have stubborn stains on your granite counters, try mixing baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply this to the stain and cover with plastic wrap, tapping down the edges. Leave it on overnight.
If regular cleaning and polishing are not restoring your counters, it may be time to reseal them. You can do this yourself or have a professional do it.
Paint
Many homeowners use paint to change the look of their granite countertop restoration. This can be a relatively inexpensive way to make your countertops look new. However, before you grab a can of paint, consider whether or not it’s really what your granite needs.
Before you apply any type of paint to your countertop, lightly sand it to encourage adherence. You can also buy a poultice, which is essentially a paste of baking soda and vinegar, to remove stains from your countertop.
Choose three accent colors, preferably colors that often appear in natural-looking granite. Pour a small amount of the first color into a paint tray. Then dip a sponge in the color and dab and smear it across the base coat on the counter. When you’re done, let the paint dry. A good quality masonry sealer should go on after the paint is dry. It’ll keep the paint and the granite from chipping and peeling.
Reseal
Granite is a natural, porous material that can be susceptible to staining. While it is very durable, it does require resealing from time to time to make it stain resistant. A penetrating sealer creates a barrier to prevent liquids from being absorbed by the granite, making it easier for you to wipe up spills.
A good quality sealer should last about a year before it needs to be replaced. Your countertop retailer can recommend a product that will work best for your particular type of granite.
Before applying the sealer, thoroughly clean the countertops using a specialized stone cleaner. After it has been cleaned, use a cloth that is free of lint to apply the sealant. It is important to allow the granite to dry completely before washing it again. It can take up to 48 hours for the sealant to cure, depending on the manufacturer. If you want to ensure that your counters are stain-resistant, opt for a carbon sealer.
Repair
Granite counters can add a touch of elegance to a kitchen. But these beautiful surfaces require maintenance to prevent stains and chips. Regular cleaning and resealing should keep granite countertops looking good. If you think it’s time to reseal your granite, do a simple test to see if the sealer is still intact. Sprinkle a few drops of water onto the counters. If the water soaks into the granite, it’s time to reseal.
Cracks and chips in granite can be repaired easily with a clear epoxy resin. You can find this at home improvement, hardware and remodeling stores. For best results, choose a color that matches your granite.
Using a razor blade, cut away any excess epoxy until the chip is flush with the surface of your countertop. Once the area is smooth, apply a granite polisher to match the shine of the rest of your countertops. This will help conceal the repair. Then, you can wipe the counters down to remove any dirt or grease.
Laminate
Granite is a natural stone that comes in many vibrant colors and unique patterns. Its beauty is breathtaking and can make a dramatic statement in a kitchen or bathroom. It also adds value to a home and is an excellent investment.
It is resistant to most stains, but it must be sealed properly to prevent etching and discoloration. A stone fabricator can seal granite countertops to protect them from spills and abrasions and to keep them looking beautiful. Most countertop fabrics require resealing once every one to two years.
Laminate can be more affordable than granite and comes in a wide variety of styles that look like wood, marble and more. It’s also low-maintenance and easy to wipe down with a cloth and regular household cleaners. It also resists scratches and scuff marks, but it may be vulnerable to delamination over time. A remodeling project using laminate will typically recoup between 65 and 80 percent of its cost.