Granite worktops naturally absorb liquid can be damaged if care is not taken during normal use. Granite worktops with a significant amount of quartz will be more durable than those with less quartz and are resist wear and tear better than other types. It is recommended that you carefully analyse the type of damage that needs repair before undertaking any attempt to salvage the granite worktop. Standard repair or maintenance tasks include stains, marks or chips. Problems requiring extensive repair will require the services of an expert.
Items Required to Repair Granite Worktops
• Water. (warm water only – never boiling hot).
• Sponge.
• Hydrogen peroxide (available from a pharmacy and commonly used as a mild disinfectant).
• Ammonia (this is optional but recommended for best results).
• 0000 steel wool (the finest grade available in Europe). If you cannot obtain this item then do not attempt the repair.
• Epoxy (a type suitable for your granite type and colour).
• Masking tape (to hold chips in place while epoxy dries).
• Granite sealer (should be applied after the repair is completely dry).
Removing Stains from Granite Worktops
Non-transparent liquids (red wine, for example) will stain granite worktops. If a spill occurs then soak the stain in water to help wash the stain out of the stone. Soak your sponge in warm water, and repeatedly wipe the stained area of the granite worktop. Steel wool or abrasive tools are never used for stains. If the stain is not removed, place a soaked sponge on the stain and leave overnight.
Prepare a mix of hydrogen peroxide (75%) and water (25%) and apply it to a hidden area of the worktop to check if discolouration occurs. If not, then apply to the stained area and wait for results. Please remember that the use of the hydrogen peroxide mix will only be effective on light-coloured granite worktops. If yours is dark then professional repair services are necessary.
Repairing Chips on Granite Worktops
Polish the minor scratches on the granite worktop with a fine 0000 steel wool. Coarser grades of steel wool will cause additional scratches. Test on a commonly hidden area before attempting to repair visible scratches or marks.
To repair effectively, all broken chips must be saved, if you throw them out then this repair task is not possible. If multiple pieces are involved it may be practical to use masking tape to hold them in place while the epoxy dries. Again, leave the repair to dry overnight and then remove excess adhesive with the fine steel wool mentioned earlier.
It is considered best practice to seal the granite worktop at this stage, in order to protect against further damage.
Additional Items to Consider.
If the steps above are not affective, contact a professional to complete the task. Do not use any other remedies (such as bleaches) to remove stains as it could destroy your worktop to such an extent that a professional will be unable to help.
