Granite is an igneous rock composed mainly of quartz and feldspar with a small amount of mica and other minerals. This rock is commonly used as countertops in many homes, as it is beautiful and extremely durable.
Do granite countertops scratch or chip easily? Because of its durability, granite is a stone that does not easily scratch. In fact, granite scores a seven on Moh’s scale of hardness, which means not many other minerals can scratch it. However, sharp, hard objects and high impact blows can chip these countertops, especially around the corners.
Though granite is a very strong and durable stone, granite countertops can become chipped or scratched over time, so it is important to make sure to take proper care of your countertops and do what is needed to prevent damage.
Most granite countertops are sealed with a polymer-based liquid that sinks into the surface to help protect it from staining while keeping it shiny. When granite countertops are sealed, it is possible for the sealers to become cracked over time.
Granite itself does not crack easily; however, it is naturally made up of many tiny cracks and pores, putting your countertops at risk for minor damage and staining.
Granite is one of the hardest stone surfaces you can purchase for your countertops because they are not easily susceptible to scratches. Granite is so strong that cutting directly on the countertop will do more harm to your knife than it will the countertop.
But it is possible for granite countertops to become scratched over time. Diamonds are a stone that is capable of scratching granite, so you should be aware when leaving any engagement rings or other jewelry directly on the countertop.
Certain stoneware that contains silica sand should be handled carefully near the granite. This refers to is pizza stones, silver, ceramic, china, and marble cutting board that don’t have protective feet.
You can repair small scratches from a granite countertop by buffing it with a fine abrasive to remove the top layer of the stone along with the scratch. After the scratch is removed, you can then use a smaller abrasive to create a shine.
Then seal off the counter with a polymer sealing compound to help reduce the risk of future damages.
Chips in a granite countertop isn’t a common occurrence, but when it does happen, it is usually caused by banging something into the edges and corners or dropping something heavy like a cast iron pan.
So, you should be careful when moving appliances and heavy objects around.
Depending on the size of the chip, you can keep the broken piece and usually epoxy it back into place by yourself, like this.
After using epoxy to fill the chip, you should apply a hardener to set the granite and ensure the strength of the repair. Once the hardener is set, use a razor or other object to smooth out the chipped area.
To help make the chipped area shiny again, you can take a piece of steel wool to buff out the area until it is back to being smooth.
If you come across a much larger chip, save the piece and contact someone who can professionally repair it.
Dropping heavy objects such as cast-iron pans or heavy appliances on the surface of your granite countertop can cause cracks in this durable stone.
Also, sudden changes of heat to the stone can cause shock and encourages uneven thermal expansion. Although granite does not burn easily, wear and tear after a while can make the countertop more sensitive to hot pots and pans.
Granite isn’t easily cracked, but in the case that it does happen, there are a few tips you can take to repair your countertop.
Make sure the area is cleaned before beginning the repair. You can use a granite epoxy to spread over the crack then seal it with a granite sealer.
With proper care and maintenance of your granite countertop, you can keep it shining and strong. Regular cleaning, polishing, and taking precautions can guarantee the strength of your countertop.
Cleaning on a regular basis will ensure the proper life of your countertop. Here are some tips to make sure you are properly cleaning your granite:
Regularly polishing your granite countertop will keep it nice and shiny. Here are some tips:
Granite countertops are susceptible to damages from water and fluids, and it is possible that the sealing can wear off after a while. To check for this, pour a small quantity of water on the countertop and watch what the water does.
If the water settles on the top, then no other steps are needed.
But if the water becomes absorbed by the granite, it is time to reseal it. Here are the steps to take:
If a spill happens on a granite countertop, it is important to immediately clean it up so that it does not cause staining.
If the water soaks into a granite countertop, it can create a dark stain. It is possible that the water can eventually evaporate from the stone, but liquids that do not evaporate, like oils, will cause permanent staining.
Granite countertops may be very durable, but it is important to not assume that they cannot be damaged. In order to keep your granite countertop looking its best, it is beneficial to take the time to properly maintain it.
The most important thing you do for your granite is to properly clean, polish, and seal it like in the steps above.
Here are some other tips to help preserve the granite:
