Granite Counter Tops And Scratches
If you are in the market to place new countertops in your kitchen, you may want to consider using granite. Many people find that granite is a durable surface that makes kitchen counters look great. These counter tops are prone to scratching if they are not cared for properly. To keep granite countertops looking as wonderful as they do when they are first installed, try some of the following steps to avoid and repair scratches. You will then enjoy the luxurious appearance for many years to come.
Add A Barrier When Resting Items
While granite is extremely strong, it can still be damaged if something hard scrapes its surface. Scratches can alter the appearance of a granite countertop, and can be quite noticeable in countertops made of a light color. To avoid this, using protection when placing items on the surface is best. Place hot items on top of a pot holder on top of the counter. While the counter will not burn from the heat, if there is a hard item trapped between the cookware and the counter, it can be scraped across the surface, causing scratches as a result.
Call For Help When Necessary
If your granite counter top suffers from a scratch longer than a half an inch, or if its appearance does not disappear temporarily when you apply water to the affected area, it is best to call in a professional to have it repaired. Smaller scratches may be masked with a granite color enhancer or a permanent marker. When a professional repairs a scratch, they may grind the area with a diamond buffing cloth. They would then add a sealant to add shine back to the counter top.
Keep Clean To Avoid Scratching
To reduce the chance of scratching, it is important to remove all debris from the surface regularly. Use a piece of microfiber cloth to gently wipe any crumbs from the countertop. If the counter has caked on grime, it can be removed with a mild detergent mixed with water.
Add Some Sealant To Protect
Sealant will give granite countertops an extra layer of protection against scratching. This is usually done to countertops made of a mix of granite and calcite. To see if a counter top is in need of resealing, give it a water test. Place a few drops of water on the surface. If the drops bead up and remain in place for several minutes, the counter is already protected and will not need sealant at this time. It may also be made from pure granite, not requiring sealing at all. The water would seep into the rock if it is in need of resealing. It is a good idea to reseal a countertop annually.