Granite countertops can add a touch of elegance and luxury to any kitchen or bathroom.
However, the cost of replacing a damaged granite countertop can be crippling.
Even a small chip in your granite countertop’s surface can make you pay for complete resurfacing.
That leaves you with an important question: Can you repair your granite countertop yourself?
The short answer is yes. With the right supplies, techniques, and resources, it’s possible to repair many of the typical damages on granite surfaces.
In this guide, we will look at how to fix the four most common damages to granite countertops and three tips to avoid the damages altogether.
But before you begin repairing the damaged countertop, you need to inspect it first.
Inspecting the Damaged Granite Countertop
Granite is a natural stone. So sometimes it has features that look like minor damage, like cracks or chips.
However, they are actually fissures and pits.
Fissures are fine spaces between clusters of crystals in the granite. They don’t weaken the granite slab.
Whereas pits are tiny craters in the granite’s surface, and they don’t need repairs.
On the other hand, physical cracks run across the veins and crystal structures of the granite slab, not along them like fissures.
So if you touch a crack with your finger, the surface will not feel level.
Cracks also appear overnight, while natural features are there permanently from the start.
The real damage to any granite slab usually happens in shipping, fabrication, or installation.
It will usually happen around the cutouts or any area without support.
However, natural features will occur randomly all over the stone.
So you need to carefully inspect your countertop damage with an understanding of the differences between the natural and actual defects in granite countertops.
Check for any sudden damage that you hadn’t seen previously on your granite countertop. That may be a crack or chip.
Related: How Are Granite Countertops Made?
Repairing the 4 Most Common Granite Countertop Damages
Damages on granite surfaces can create trouble over the long term. So fixing them is essential.
Otherwise, they can affect the granite slab’s integrity.
Here are the 4 most common granite countertop damages and ways to fix them.
1. Cracks and Chips
Repairing cracks and chips in granite countertops is easy.
Products designed to make these repairs are available online. They are usually sold as repair kits.
The Granite & Marble Acrylic Repair DIY Kit – Light Cure is a popular option.
This paste can be molded to the desired shape and only hardens when exposed to visible light (included in the kit).
The cost of this kit is around $20. It has enough material in it to repair a few cracks and chips.
For larger repairs, LiquaGlass is worth considering.
This epoxy-based resin costs slightly more, about $50 for 3 ounces. However, it can fix several chips.
When cured, it forms a hard and clear surface that looks like glass. It doesn’t discolor over time.
Note that once you mix the materials of epoxy-based repair products, the mixture usually activates in less than 60 seconds.
So you should prepare the granite surface beforehand and mix only the needed amount.
When Should You Repair the Cracks and Chips?
Chips in granite countertops can often be repaired anytime you want.
However, if the chip is in a high-traffic area, it’s best to fix it as soon as possible.
Otherwise, there are chances of the chipped area getting stained.
Note that cracks that penetrate the entire stone can damage the structural integrity of the countertop and should be addressed immediately.
If more extensive damages are discovered, contact a specialist for evaluation and potential repair.
If repair isn’t possible, a complete replacement of the countertop may be necessary.
When You Need Not Repair the Chips?
When dealing with a chipped granite countertop, leaving it as is can be the best option.
Repairing granite isn’t always costly, but the cost and time can add up quickly.
If you know, you won’t like the look of your repaired countertop, keeping the chip where it is and taking extra care to prevent more damage might be worth it.
Related: Complete Guide on Granite Countertop Costs | Taking Care of Granite Countertops – Daily, Weekly, Yearly, Etc.
2. Broken Granite Pieces
LiquaGlass is a specialized epoxy binder that you can use to stick together granite pieces that have broken off completely.
However, it will only work if the pieces are small and not load-bearing. There also shouldn’t be significant gaps between them.
To make sure that the repair is successful, you should use acetone and a paper towel to clean all the exposed surfaces before applying an even layer of the epoxy binder.
Then, attach the broken granite pieces together and hold them in place for several minutes until the epoxy hardens.
After 24 hours, any excess product left can be removed carefully with a razor blade.
If there are any gaps, fill them with another layer of epoxy and allow it to dry.
You can then use a granite sealer on top to help protect the area against moisture damage.
3. Etch Marks
Cleaning the granite countertops is key to removing the etch marks.
Start by using a stone soap to wipe away the dirt gently. Follow it up by thoroughly drying the surface.
Once clean, apply some granite polishing powder directly on the affected area.
Then, buffer it with an electric drill on a low-speed setting. Make sure that the powder remains on the stone while buffing.
Clean off any residue afterward.
For larger etch marks, professional assistance may be necessary.
However, for smaller etch marks caused by things like lemon or tomato juice, following the above steps should help your countertop look good as new.
4. Dullness
The shine of the granite countertop comes from its glossy finish. However, that finish can fade away with time.
So cleaning the granite countertops correctly is essential for retaining the stone’s pristine shine.
If cleaning doesn’t bring back the granite countertop’s shine, it may be necessary to polish it with a specialized countertop polish.
But if the polish also doesn’t improve the look of your granite, you might have to resurface the granite countertop or consider replacing it altogether.
How to Prevent Granite Countertops from Getting Damaged?
Taking preventive action is key to keeping your granite countertop clean and attractive for years to come.
Properly caring for your countertops includes sealing, regular cleaning, and avoiding the use of acidic substances on their surface.
Here are a few ways to prevent your granite countertops from getting damaged.
1. Reseal the Granite Countertop Every Year
Granite is a porous stone, meaning it’s not resistant to liquid or bacteria.
Therefore, a sealant should be applied periodically to a granite countertop for its long-term durability.
Unsealed granite countertops can cause serious problems due to the seepage of bacteria into them.
Liquids can also penetrate the porous granite slab and weaken its structural integrity.
In order to protect your granite countertops from these unwanted consequences, you must reseal them at least once a year or two.
This will ensure that your granite countertops aren’t vulnerable to bacteria and water infiltration.
An appropriate sealant will block off any liquids or substances that try to enter the porous granite.
This will preserve its strength and increase its longevity.
2. Perform Regular Maintenance
Regular cleaning of granite countertops can be done with just warm water.
However, a special granite cleaner can be used for weekly and monthly cleanings to remove the dirt and grime that builds up over time.
It’s important to ensure that the products used for cleaning don’t damage the granite countertop sealing.
To avoid any risks, natural stone-safe cleaners from various brands that are available on the market today can be used.
However, products that are recommended by granite counter manufacturers can be considered the first choice.
Maintaining your granite countertop regularly will keep it new and damage-free for many years.
Related: Differences Between Porcelain and Granite Countertops | Differences Between Granite and Quartz Countertops
3. Handle Things with Care
Granite countertops are beautiful and durable, but you shouldn’t drop heavy items on them.
Dropping or dragging heavy items across the surface of the countertop can cause chips in the granite, leaving unsightly marks.
Although granite countertops can handle heavy items, you should still move any large or heavy item carefully.
Whenever possible, it’s better to lift an item than drag it over the surface of your countertop.
