Why is my new granite dull?

If you're lucky, the dullness on your granite countertops is simply the buildup of soap film. Using dish soap or other soap-based cleaners to clean your countertops will result in a film that makes surfaces look dull. It's an easy fix, though. Simply get a quality soap film remover to get the shine back.

How do you make granite shine like new?

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.

Why does my granite have dull spots?

Granite countertops can add a sleek elegance to any kitchen, and because they're highly durable, they don't require much maintenance. Over time, however, acidic substances can etch the surface of your counter, or residue from grease and soap can build up on the surface, causing the granite to look dull and faded.

How do you get a shiny finish on granite?

Instead use a good granite cleaner that conditions the stone like this Marble & Granite Countertop Cleaning spray, which contains optical brighteners and dries streak-free. Also, you can use DAZZLE Polish, which is not permanent, but will enhance or maximize the shine on a polished surface.

Why does my granite look cloudy?

A filmy haze on granite countertops is often the result of allowing sealer to dry on the surface of the stone. Seal stone correctly by applying sealer in three-foot sections. Immediately buff the sealer into the stone until the surface is completely dry. Never simply apply a sealer and allow it to “soak in.”

Easy Fix For Dull Granite Worktops

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.

How do you make granite smooth again?

Should granite be perfectly smooth?

A granite countertop of sufficient quality should feel as smooth as glass. What About Polishing the Surface? Some may suggest that the solution to a rough granite countertop surface is more polishing. However, this is likely not the problem.

Is granite shiny or dull?

In many cases the granite looks dull or cloudy. So, granite countertops don't exactly fade or change in tone, they are often coated with substances that make the surface appear dull. Technically, the shine is still in there.

Why is my granite not shiny?

If you're lucky, the dullness on your granite countertops is simply the buildup of soap film. Using dish soap or other soap-based cleaners to clean your countertops will result in a film that makes surfaces look dull. It's an easy fix, though. Simply get a quality soap film remover to get the shine back.

Can I use Windex on granite?

Windex contains ingredients that can permanently damage the granite. While the most common damage done by Windex is dulling the shine of the countertops, it can also cause pitting. Windex can strip the sealer off of your granite countertops, leaving the granite susceptible to staining and other damage.

Do you have to polish granite after sealing?

As a general rule, you can use your granite again right away after sealing, but only if you have buffed the sealer into the stone without letting it dry on the surface. The surface will need to stay dry for at least 24 hours before polishing the stone, but the countertops can be used two hours after sealing.

Can you wax granite countertops?

Yes, you can wax your own granite countertop. You can also have a professional do the job, but this is a process that is DIY-friendly.

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.

Can you polish granite after installation?

When installed as countertops or flooring, granite provides distinction few other materials are able to. However, in time, the gorgeous finish on granite will become worn, dulled and scratched. The stone must be polished to give it a new surface and restore the brilliant gleam.

How do you make granite look good?

Choose a simple, complementary backsplash tile.

A subway tile in a neutral tone like ivory, off-white, or even greige will complement the granite and actually work to tone it down. Stick with a slightly warmer tone to help it blend in. So if you want a white tile, make sure it's a white with warm undertones.

Why does my granite always feel gritty?

Low quality granite slabs are not applied with resin in the factory. This means that the durability of your countertops is significantly compromised because the voids in the surface were never filled. The granite countertop grittiness is a sign that your new kitchen surfaces aren't structurally sound.

Why are my new granite countertops gritty?

ANSWER: 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 keep granite countertops shiny and clean?

A great way to keep your granite looking shiny and new is to keep up on cleaning. While wiping the surface with mild dish soap, warm water and a paper towel can be effective for a quick cleanup, you will need to use a granite cleaner such as this one to get a deeper, more effective clean.

Can you use pledge on granite countertops?

This everyday spray provides a gentle, streak-free clean to leave your granite and marble surfaces looking great. Use this Pledge spray daily as a quartz cleaner, granite spray cleaner, marble spray, or on any sealed stone surfaces. Product not appropriate for use on floors.

Does granite darken over time?

Over time (usually in excess of one year), improper cleaning (such as not completely removing food and beverage spills or residue contained in smoke from cooking) attacks the granite's color and clarity. As a result, the granite's surface becomes much darker in color compared than when it was new.

How often does granite need to be sealed?

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.

Can you polish granite with sandpaper?

If granite edges are already in good shape, you can use a 120 or 150 grit sandpaper and rub it over the edges to make them even. Clean the edges using a damp rag. Now, use a finer grit (a higher number) sandpaper and continue the sanding process till you see a uniform texture over the granite edges.

Can you put too much sealer on granite?

Yes, you can overseal granite. If the granite doesn't need sealer it won't absorb it and it will pool and dry on top of the granite. It's possible that you already have too much sealer and that's why you're having a problem cleaning.