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Granite Countertops Maintenance
Taking care of granite countertops goes
beyond day to day cleaning. There are a few
granite maintenance issues that should be addressed
periodically to keep your counters looking beautiful.
Polishing granite countertops is a way to enhance and
protect them. When it is done on occasion (monthly or
every 2 months), it helps to reduce fingerprints and keeps
daily cleaning easy. Before a granite countertop is
polished it should be cleaned and dried first. After
you spray on the granite polish, buff the area clean using
a soft microfiber or terry cloth. Be sure to apply the
polish evenly over the entire counter. Make sure that
the polish you buy is specifically for granite. Some
types of general household polish may contain acidic
ingredients that could damage the surface of a granite
countertop.
Electric powered buffing machines are also available for
polishing granite, but it can be harmful if you aren't
using the correct product for a polishing machine or if you
are inexperienced. These buffers should not be used
for monthly polishing, but instead for restoring
granite counter tops that are worn, dull, and have
minor scratches. Buffing machines actually
grind or abrade the surface using a special crystal spray
in strong and vigorous manner to work the crystals into the
countertop. There are different types of crystal
sprays, varying from fine to coarse. It is best to
use a fine crystal spray first, and then use a
coarser one if the buffing is not enough. Consult a
professional for polishing with a buffing machine because
uneven buffing can result in patches different from the
original coloring.
Sealing the countertops is probably the most important
granite maintenance issue to take care of. Granite
sealers must be applied to the counter tops to prevent deep
stains from seeping into the stone. Remember, granite
is a natural rock that is composed of different minerals
mixed together. While this is what is responsible for
the beautiful colors and texture, it is also the reason
granite is somewhat porous. Also, some types of
granites also have small cracks and fissures from the
natural stress they endured while in the earth. These
small pores and cracks are what allow staining when
colored substances such as juice, wine, oils, grease, and
markers come in contact with a granite counter top.
Sealers can be thought of as a shield that keep stains from
entering the granite. With that being said, however,
a sealant does not make granite stain proof. The protective
layer gives you extra time to wipe up a spill before
it actually reaches the granite.
So how do you seal granite? First, make sure the area is
clean and completely dry. Then, apply the sealant
using a soft clean rag or a brush. The directions for
how long to wait before apply another coat and techniques
for application are product specific and you should
follow the manufacturer's directions. Two coats
are usually recommended and it is best to work in small
areas (about 5 square feet) at a time until the entire
surface is completely sealed. After both coats are
completely dry, you can check to see if your granite is
sufficiently sealed by placing some water on your counter
top for about 30 minutes and then wiping it up. If
the area is not darker than the surrounding surfaces, the
seal is good.
There are many different brands and types of granite
sealers available. High quality permanent sealers last the
longest, some guaranteed for up to 10 years. These
are generally the more expensive products, but they are the
best granite sealer type to use. Many of
the common, less expensive products need to be
reapplied every 6 months to one year because it wears
off. You should not wait until old sealant wears off
before applying more coatings to maintain the quality of
your counter. An easy way to see if your granite
countertops need to be resealed is to sprinkle water on
it. If the water does not bead up (it soaks in) it is
time to reseal.
Scratches are another granite repair issue encountered by
homeowners. It is best to call a professional to fix
a scratch on your granite countertop because attempting to
fix it yourself can actually make it worse and end up
costing you more money in the long run.
granite countertops maintenance - Google News
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