Why is my granite countertop pitted?

"Pitting" occurs because of the crystalline composition of granite. As granite was formed and cooled deep beneath the earth's surface small empty pockets developed between the various mineral crystals in the stone. Over time these voids were filled with softer minerals.

How do you fix pitted granite?

A: There are several options for patching divots in granite and other natural stones, including two-part epoxy, polyester resin mixed with hardener, and acrylic resin cured with ultraviolet light.

Is it normal for granite countertops to have pits?

ANSWER: Pitting in a granite counter top is not a common maintenance issue, but it can happen. As the granite is extracted from the earth it is cut multiple times and any of these cuts can create faces where the various minerals in the stone are suddenly without the surrounding support that it naturally had.

Why does my granite feel pitted?

Holes in your granite countertop are called pitting. Pitting is a small crack, indentation or fissure in the natural stone's surface. It can be caused by the polishing process or an inherent, unique mark of the stone. All natural stones have pitting to some extent, though most are barely visible.

Why does my granite have rough spots?

The reason for gritty surfaces on granite kitchen countertops is most likely the fact that they were not correctly or completely finished in the first place. Granite slabs are finished and polished using specialized industrial equipment that produces the best possible finish for a particular slab.

Understanding Pitting

How do you remove rough spots from granite?

Can granite be repolished?

Most granite surfaces require remedial polishing every five to 15 years, depending on the traffic or use they receive. Your newly polished granite must, of course, then be re-sealed to protect it from stains and other harmful issues. Doctor Granite discusses that process below.

Does granite sealer fill pits?

Sealers work below the surface. They don't fill anything that you can see. Also, you should not have pits in the surface. True, some granites can develop a few pits as some crystals come loose with use, but new granite should be mirror smooth.

How do you make granite smooth again?

Polishing your granite countertop is extremely similar to cleaning it. However, this time you will let a polishing solution sit for 3 to 4 minutes before wiping it up. Afterward, buff the countertop with a soft cotton cloth until there are no streaks remaining.

How often do u have to seal granite countertops?

If the granite surface immediately takes in most of the water and develops a dark mark or ring, you need to seal it once every few months. If it takes a few minutes for your stone countertop to soak up all the water, you only need to seal it once every year or two.

Is granite pitted?

Most granite slabs won't have pits, although any slab of granite could develop a few pits over time. Typically not a big deal to fill these in. You can do this granite countertop maintenance / repair yourself no problem. Fill small pits and chips with the Granite & Marble Repair Kit for chips and pits.

Should granite be sealed when installed?

Granite is one of the strongest materials on Earth, so is it really necessary to seal granite countertops? Absolutely! Granite that has not been properly sealed can store germs and moisture – things you don't want on your food preparation surfaces.

Why does my granite feel gritty?

Grit on granite countertops is usually due to a low-grade / poor quality slab that cannot be fully polished. All the mineral grains of the granite will continue to flake off. Your options are to replace the countertop or apply a permanent topical coating to bind the granite surface.

How do you make granite smooth and shiny?

To put a shine on your granite, pour a little cooking oil on a soft cleaning cloth and wipe it across the countertop. Buff it gently. This makes the counter a little bit stain-resistant and gives it a glossy shine. Even if you know how to clean countertops correctly, your granite will need to be resealed periodically.

What should you not put on a granite countertop?

Why does my granite look like water spots?

If you have hard water it is going to leave spots that need cleaning, but that is the water, not the granite. It was always occurring you just did not notice it on the counter. The most common granite finish is polished, and it is a very glossy and smooth surface.

How do you restore dull granite?

Use Polishing Powder

If your granite countertop's dullness is due to light, surface etching, granite-polishing powder may be able to remove it. The powder is slightly abrasive, so it removes shallow scratches, stains and other residue that might be causing the granite to look dull.

Can you seal granite yourself?

The good news is sealing granite is an easy do-it-yourself project. Many homeowners seal their granite counters once or twice a year, although you can seal them more regularly if you wish because it is not possible to over-seal natural stone.

How can you tell if granite is sealed?

Does sealing granite make it smooth?

People sometimes complain of a gritty or rough granite surface after a new granite kitchen countertop installation but your issue seems to be of a different nature. And just FYI... no chemical or sealer makes the countertop smooth or shiny.

How do you strip and reseal granite countertops?

Is Dawn dish soap safe for granite?

Luckily, everything you'll need to clean your hard surfaces can already be found in your home: Concentrated dish soap that's tough on stains and grease while staying gentle on stainless steel, granite, and glassware, like Dawn® Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray.