What Makes Granite Countertops Lose Their Shine?
When granite slabs are prepared for countertop installation, they can be finished by means of sandblasting or polishing for the purpose of getting a shiny finish. How long this glossy look lasts depends on use and maintenance. In its natural state, granite is a very durable stone. However, once blocks are extracted from quarries, transformed into slabs, and installed in bathrooms or kitchens, this stone can still go through chemical changes. There are a few reasons the surface of your granite may lose its shine, and each reason has a corresponding treatment.
The Professional Finish Needs to Be Restored
Though using a granite sealer can help you maintain the original finish to your stone, it won’t necessarily restore the shine to the countertops. A stone restoration professional can fix this issue for you.
Check out this video explaining how to protect and preserve granite and other types of natural stone in your home:
Soap Buildup
Soap buildup is more likely to be seen on granite bathroom countertops or showers, but it can also happen to sections located close to the kitchen sink. As long as the stone has been properly sealed, the luster hasn’t disappeared—it’s simply buried underneath a soapy film.
Removing this buildup is a simple matter of two important steps. First, make sure to clean the countertops with a granite countertop cleaner and scrub it with a soft nylon brush or a stone-safe scrubbing pad. Then take a new single-edge razor blade and gently shave the buildup from the surface of the stone.
Staining and Etching
Surface stains and spots that look like they’re floating just beneath natural-stone surfaces have a dulling effect because they distract the eyes and cause them to ignore existing glimmer. Far from being optical illusions, staining and etching are issues you should strive to remove from your granite countertops because they could make things worse. There are various methods for getting rid of different types of stains (check our blog or the “Ask the Experts” section of our website for more detailed information, depending on the type of stain you have). Etching can only be repaired by a stone restoration professional.
Permanent Patina
The bar tops at older British pubs tend to have this problem, and it can give the establishment some character, but they look terrible in a home. A permanent patina that has formed on a granite countertop over the years can be removed by stone restoration professionals. Refinishing should serve as a prompt for you to frequently clean and seal your granite counters.
Help Your Granite Shine Again with Granite Gold®
For more information on granite care or caring for other types of natural stone, such as marble, slate, and travertine, reach out to the Stone Care Experts at Granite Gold®.
Call us today at 1-800-475-STONE (7866). Also, if you have a Facebook account, make sure to like our page to receive regular tips on caring for natural stone and quartz.