Q&A for How to Polish Granite Counter Tops

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My granite countertops are "pocked" in some spots. Can they be re-polished to smooth the surface?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

You can try polishing the granite yourself using baking soda, as described in the article above. If your counters have deep pockets or scratches, you may need to hire a professional, who can repolish the surface and smooth it out.

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Question

Will water seep into the granite and ruin it?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Although water can damage your granite, you can prevent water from sinking in by applying a sealant over the granite. After you apply the sealant, test it by putting a little water on the countertop. If it beads up, your seal is good. If it doesn't, you need to apply a better seal.

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Question

How do I remove water spots?

Community Answer

Apply a mixture of olive oil and salt. Let sit for a few minutes before wiping off.

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Question

I had a black galaxy granite counter installed and it had an odd vein that the installer tried to buff smooth. That area is now dull, not shiny like the rest - is there a way to polish that area to look like the rest of the counter?

Community Answer

Pour granite gold over the area, spread it evenly and leave it. By the next day it will have soaked into that dull spot enough that it will blend in with the rest of the slab.

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Question

How do I remove a burn mark caused from putting a hot pan on the granite counter top?

Community Answer

Try Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or Resolve Spray and Clean.

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Question

How do I remove stains from my granite counter tops?

Community Answer

It depends on what the stain is. I have removed oil stains from granite by making a mixture of cornstarch with a small amount of pure acetone (just enough to make a paste). Spread the paste on the area thickly. Cover with plastic wrap, and seal on all sides with masking tape. Let sit for 24 hours, then remove and clean the paste off.

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Question

How do I refinish a black granite slab that is exposed to rain, sun, and sprinklers?

Community Answer

I have found most issues come from the sprinklers. I used lemon juice to clean the residue off windows successfully.

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Question

How can I remove crazy glue spots on my granite counter?

Community Answer

Super glue is cyanoacrylate. Try nail polish remover, it has acetone in it. Don't let it sit for long, and then wipe it off. I would test it on an area that's out of sight first.

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Question

How do I remove scratches in granite?

Community Answer

Something like 600 wet or dry sandpaper works well for minor scratches (keeping the surface wet). If the scratches are deep, you may have to have them professionally filled.

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Question

What do I do if I can't get the streaks off after polishing my granite counter top?

Community Answer

Use vinegar and baking soda. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub with water. The streaks should come off.

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Question

Should I polish and then seal the counter top?

Community Answer

No, seal the counter tops first prior to applying the polish. Some sealers have both polish and sealer combined, so double check before starting.

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Question

How do I repair a dull spot on my granite counter top? The granite is a light gray/white color.

MrDavidclintonday

Community Answer

If the dull spot is located around the sink area, most likely this is due to soap scum build-up. Take a razor blade and scrape lightly. If it starts scraping into a flaky white powder, then keep doing that until it's all gone and then your shine should be visible again.

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Question

What types of polish can I use on granite countertop?

Community Answer

Olive oil! Follow the above instructions. It does leave a tiny residue but the shine is awesome.

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