Granite worktops are a popular choice for both bathrooms and kitchens. It’s a premium material that is durable as well as stunning. However, over time, the brilliant shine can become dull and need a little TLC. To restore the granite to its former glory, the stone must be polished. Follow our step-by-step instructions below to get your granite surfaces looking brand new again.
What is granite polishing?
Before we explain how to polish your granite countertops it’s good to discover exactly what we mean by “polishing”. Repolishing your granite worktops is much different to polishing other worksurfaces. This type of polishing refers to removing the top layer of granite, which is dull, scratched, or stained, to reveal new shiny granite underneath. Think of it like an exfoliant for your countertop! The frequency with which you need to re-polish your granite is all subject to the appearance and how well it is looked after.
Typically, granite needs to be polished every 5-15 years, depending on how the worktop is used. The freshly polished granite will then need to be re-sealed to maintain its shine and protect it from stains and harm.
How to polish granite worktops
There are two methods for polishing granite. Neither is better than the other, it is all down to personal preference and the budget that you have. The two techniques you can use to polish granite are
- Dry powder
- Wet polishing paste
There are pros and cons for each so it’s best to weigh up your options first.
The pros of using dry power
- Cheaper than wet polishing paste
- Versatile – can be used wet or dry
The cons of using dry powder
- Dry polishing pads are more expensive than wet ones
- Dry polishing pads can wear out quickly as they get hotter faster from friction
The pros of using wet polishing paste
- Wet polishing pads are less expensive than dry polishing pads
- The wet polishing keeps the pads cool, which prevents them from wearing out faster from overheating
The cons of using wet polishing paste
- The paste creates a lot of spray when used with power tools. This can damage your clothing and surrounding furniture if not protected properly. Make sure to wear water-resistant clothing and cover up walls, floors, and furniture.
Granite polishing powder
Granite polishing powder is one of the quickest ways to replenish the shine on your work surface. The powder can be used wet or dry, so depending on which method you use, you will need different tools. A buff polishing pad will be needed for dry powder. Use this to slowly work the powder into the surface using a circular motion. This will buff away any scratches or stains gently and reveal a lovely new layer of granite underneath. If you choose to use the powder wet, a muslin wheel is recommended. The same circular motion should be applied, and again, this will remove scratches and stains to reveal nice, shiny granite underneath.
With both of the above methods, the tools you use will do the work for you, meaning that excessive force does not need to be used. Be gentle when buffing in the polish and make sure you follow any instructions on the polish to see amazing results.
Granite Polishing Paste
Most polishing pastes are designed specifically for countertops but can also be used on quartz, marble, and granite. They contain light abrasives that gently buff the surface of the granite to remove scratches and stains. They work the same way as polishing powder, but they can be messier when used with power tools. However, the paste will keep the polishing pads cool, so they should last longer, and you’ll be able to cover more ground before needing to switch them out.
Can you get granite worktops repolished?
If you’ve read all the above and you think that maybe it’s best to leave it to the professionals, you’re in luck! For a professional granite repolish you’ll need a lot of tools and equipment that might be out of your price range and expertise, but a quality granite worktop supplier should be able to offer you a quote to repolish the surface for you.
How to keep granite worktops shiny
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your granite countertop works wonders to keep it shiny. Making sure you wipe up any spillages as soon as they happen will combat staining. But if you notice a new stain simply clean your granite using a microfibre cloth, warm water and dish soap – this is all you should need! The sealant that is placed on granite acts as an antibacterial barrier but needs to be cleaned with gentle products, so don’t overdo it. If you take good care of your granite surfaces, you might not need to repolish your granite until the maximum recommended time of 15 years.
How Mo’s Stonex can help
Protecting your granite worktops and taking care of them can be super easy and low maintenance – especially when they have been supplied and installed by a reputable company with years in the industry. This is where the team at Mo’s Stonex comes in! We have over 10 years of experience manufacturing, supplying, templating, and installing quality granite worktops. So, if granite is the material you have your eye on for your kitchen renovation, get in touch with any questions or get a free quote today, and we will be happy to help!