Granite countertops can be beautiful structures in your home until they acquire pitting. Now, you're wondering why this problem surfaced. So, we researched this concern for you, and here's what we found!
Generally, pitting happens when empty pockets develop in the granite countertop. Over time, deposits and other small debris enter these tiny holes.
Attempting to remove the substances from those gaps may cause additional imperfections, like a deeper pit than before.
Although pitting may occur on granite countertops, it’s still possible to fix this problem. So continue reading as we dive deeper into this concern. We’ll also tackle some ways to improve the pits in your granite countertop.
How Do You Repair A Damaged Granite Countertop?
Before attempting to repair a granite countertop damaged from pitting, ensure that the imperfection isn’t a natural feature.
Some granite countertops have designs that don’t look flush. Instead, these seemingly flawed looks may go well when paired with specific home décor.
If you’re sure that the pitting isn’t a built-in feature on your granite countertop, here are two methods to help you fix this issue:
Method #1: Apply A Stone Sealer
What You’ll Need
- UV flashlight
- Razor blade
- Cloth or towel
- Granite sealing kit
Step-By-Step Guide
- Apply the filler to the pit in the granite countertop.
- Place a transparent plastic sheet on top of the sealed pit.
- Place a UV light on top of the plastic sheet. Ensure that the beam of light hits the seal.
- Wait for the sealing solution to dry and cure before removing the UV light and plastic sheet.
- Scrape the excess sealer from the granite countertop with the razor blade.
- Wipe the leftover debris from the sealer with a cloth or towel.
Check out this stone-filling system on Amazon.
Tip: Use a sealer that with a similar color as your granite countertop. Transparent stone-sealing solutions also exist on the market, which can be great alternatives to colored options.
Note: Different granite sealers are available on the market. That also means that some sealing solutions may have different usage instructions. So check the product’s guidelines before using it to prevent mistakes.
You can also watch the video if you need a visual guide for the steps mentioned above:
Method #2: Apply Epoxy
Warning: Apply a spot test to your skin before using an epoxy sealer on your granite countertop. Stop using the product if you encounter any sign of irritation from the product.
Alternatively, you can wear gloves to prevent your skin from getting into direct contact with the sealing solution.
Follow these steps when you’re ready:
What You’ll Need
- Compressed air
- Toothpick
- Masking tape
- Denatured alcohol
- Cotton swab
- Clean cloth
- Clear epoxy sealer
Step-By-Step Guide
- Apply compressed air to the pit to blow out loose deposits and debris from the pit.
- Remove food particles from the pit by scraping the area with a toothpick.
- Place masking tape around the pit.
- Dip a cotton swab in denatured alcohol and wipe the pit with it to remove oil and grease residue.
- Apply clear epoxy gel into the pit. Ensure the syringe’s tip is over the pit during the application to prevent spills.
- Move any excess solution into the pit with a plastic card (e.g., an old credit card).
- Wipe the epoxy-covered pit with a clean cloth dipped in denatured alcohol.
- Remove the masking tape and let the product dry and cure for about 2 hours.
Check out this epoxy sealer on Amazon.
How Do I Restore My Granite Countertops?
Perhaps you’re dealing with serious pitting issues in your granite countertop. If so, you may think about restoring the fixture instead of applying small amounts of sealing solutions to those imperfections.
So follow these general steps to help you restore your granite countertop:
What You’ll Need
- All-purpose cleaner
- Microfiber cloth or towel
- Stone scrub
- Hogs hair polishing pad
- Polishing machine
- Granite polishing powder
- Stone cleaner
- Stone crystallizer
- Stone polisher
- Lamb’s wool pad attachment
Step-By-Step Guide
- Clean the granite countertop by wiping it with a microfiber cloth dipped in an all-purpose cleaner.
- Wipe off the dampness and the soapy residue with another clean cloth.
- Seal the pits using the steps mentioned in the previous section.
- Apply stone scrub onto the granite countertop. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions in applying this product correctly.
- Use a hog's hair polishing pad to spread the stone scrub across the granite countertop’s surface area.
- Spray stone cleaner on the scrub solution.
- Wipe the stone cleaner and scrub with another clean microfiber cloth or towel.
- Apply a small amount of granite polishing powder onto the countertop. Spray the powder with a stone crystallizer afterward.
- Buff the countertop with a power polisher with a steel wool pad attachment.
- Spray granite sealer onto the countertop. Then, let the product sit for about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Wipe the granite countertop with another clean microfiber cloth or towel.
- Attach a lamb’s wool pad attachment to the polishing machine.
- Apply a stone polishing solution to the granite countertop.
- Spread the solution with the polishing machine.
Check out this product on Amazon.
Note: Make sure you wear a respirator, safety goggles, and cleaning gloves for this procedure.
These safety gear can help reduce potential irritation to your mouth, throat, eyes, and skin from using harsh cleaning/restoring chemicals.
Watch the video below if you need a visual representation of this procedure:
How Much Does It Cost To Restore A Granite Countertop?
Professional granite countertop restoration services may require you to spend about $4 to $10 per square foot.
But the technician may suggest replacing the fixture instead of restoring it if it has already accumulated extensive damage. If so, you may need to pay $40 to $60 per square foot to replace the countertop.
Are Pitting And Fissures The Same In Granite?
Generally, pitting and fissures are imperfections in granite and other stone surfaces. However, the difference between these issues is their appearances.
A pit is often a tiny space that appears because of deposits in the granite surface. On the other hand, a fissure typically takes the shape of a crack. But these problems may become serious over time, especially when left alone.
What Are Alternatives To Granite Countertops?
At this point, you might also be thinking about replacing your granite countertop with another stone fixture. If so, here are some options that may pique your interest:
Marble
Marble is a heat-resistant material made from limestone. Generally, it can withstand up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit before encountering significant damage.
Apart from its high heat resistance, a marble countertop can also be a great addition to your home, thanks partly to its beautiful appearance. It can work with different indoor themes, allowing it to stay in various trends over the years.
Conversely, marble isn't a good choice if you use the countertop to cut or slice ingredients. The material is prone to scratches and may require frequent maintenance to prevent these imperfections from appearing.
Nonetheless, specific methods are available for you to use if scratches appear. You can find one particular solution to remove scratches from marble surfaces in the video below:
Slate
Slate is a rock formed by altering mudstone or shale. Like granite and marble, slate can be a visually appealing choice for your next countertop.
It’s important to note that slate is often only available in a few color choices. Some color options include black, brown, charcoal, gray, and pewter. Still, you may find slate countertops with shades of blue, green, or red on the market.
Moving forward, slate gains the upper hand when compared to granite with its compactness.
In particular, slate countertops are often non-porous, making them more resistant to pitting and other types of physical harm than their granite counterparts.
Limestone
Limestone often comprises different debris, including tiny fossils and shell fragments. Like slate, this material generally only has a few color options for interested buyers to choose from the market.
Some relatively common limestone colors are shades of brown, yellow, and white.
Countertops also made with this material have reasonably high resistance from possible harm. However, its sturdiness is often lesser than granite or slate.
To Wrap It Up
Remember, pitting in granite surfaces, particularly countertops, may occur naturally. But solutions are available to seal those small gaps. You can also attempt a restoration if you're dealing with several pits on the countertop.
Remember, investigate your granite countertop first before trying to repair its pitting.
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